Part of the Marin County Open Space District, this large preserve (1,104 acres) protects the ridges that surround several small communities in northern San Rafael.
The area supports a mixture of open grassland and broadleaf forests crisscrossed with fire roads and trails.
Although there are no easily defined loop hike options, there are long stretches of fire roads along the exposed ridges offering many day hike possibilities.
The Sleepy Hollow Ridge Trail and trails leading to it allow leash-free romps for your dog.
DogTrekker.com’s favorite entry point is in the Sleepy Hollow area of San Anselmo.
Directions:
Take Highway 101 to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and head west. Travel 4.7 miles and make a right turn on Butterfield Road. Go just over a mile and turn right on Fawn Drive. Head up Fawn and the entry gate, across from 270 Fawn Drive.
Other Entry Points:
• Northwest access: From Highway 101 in San Rafael, take the Lucas Valley Road/Smith Ranch Road exit west on Lucas Valley Road. Trailhead is on the left across from Mt. Muir Court.
• Northeast access: From Highway 101 in San Rafael, take the Lucas Valley Road/Smith Ranch Road exit west on Lucas Valley Road. MCOSD gate is on the left across from Mt. Lassen Drive.
• South access: From Highway 101 in San Rafael, take the Freitas Pkwy/Terra Linda exit west. MCOSD gate is at the end of Freitas Pkwy.
• East access: From Highway 101 in San Rafael, take the Freitas Pkwy/Terra Linda exit west, turn right at Las Pavadas Ave (veers left and becomes Las Colindas Road), and turn right onto Wintergreen Terrace. MCOSD gate is at the end.
• West access: From Highway 101 in San Rafael, take the Freitas Pkwy/Terra Linda exit west and turn right at Del Ganado Road. MCOSD gate is at the end.
