Bald Hill sits right at the edge of Ross Valley, and while the actual summit remains privately owned, the Marin County Parks preserve around it gives you a solid chunk of accessible land to explore with your dog. The nearly 31-acre preserve is made up of several parcels that hug the slopes, and you’ll get nice views of the surrounding area even if you can’t reach the very top.

Dogs on leash are welcome throughout the preserve’s trails. If your dog has solid voice control, you can let them off-leash on the fire protection roads here — that’s a real perk. The Worn Springs Fire Road runs along the edge of the property and connects to lands managed by the Marin Municipal Water District, so you’ve got room to explore beyond just the small preserve itself.

The best way to access Bald Hill is through Phoenix Lake, which is part of the Water District lands. From Highway 101 in Larkspur, take the Sir Francis Drake Boulevard exit heading west toward Ross, then turn left at Lagunitas Road and follow it to the dirt parking lot. The parking area sits at a decent trailhead, and from there you can work your way up through the preserve with decent elevation gain and some shade from surrounding oak woodland.

Bald Hill itself is a defining landmark in Ross Valley — locals call it “Baldy” — so the area has some real character. On a clear day, the vantage points around the preserve offer solid views. The trails here aren’t overly technical, making them manageable for dogs with reasonable fitness. Keep an eye out for posted rules about leash requirements in specific areas, as Marin County Parks does enforce their policies. The proximity to both Phoenix Lake and the Water District lands means you could easily combine this with other hiking nearby if you want a longer outing.