Homestead – Four Corners trail in Mill Valley starts at the intersection of Lattie Lane and Waterview Drive, where a wide fireroad climbs steadily up the mountain. The hike rewards you with expansive views across Homestead Valley and much of Mill Valley itself. On clear days, you can see all the way to San Francisco across the bay, though the real payoff is the 360-degree panorama from the ridge that includes Richardson Bay and the surrounding ridgelines.

The trail is moderately rugged in places, especially as you gain elevation, so it’s best suited for dogs with some hiking experience rather than casual walkers. The fireroad surface is manageable for most dogs’ paws, though you’ll want to watch for loose rocks and steeper sections. We found the shade spotty on the exposed upper portions, so bring water for both you and your dog—there’s no reliable water source along the way.

What makes this hike particularly nice is how it avoids the crowds you’d find on some of Marin‘s more famous trails. You’ll see other hikers and dogs, but never feels packed. The vistas develop gradually as you climb, so there are natural stopping points if your dog needs a breather. The cooler months are ideal since the upper sections offer minimal shade, and the open fireroad can get hot in summer.

The route feels like a genuine mountain experience without requiring technical scrambling or rock hopping. Most dogs handle the terrain well once they’re acclimated to hiking. Parking at Waterview Drive fills up on weekends, so arriving early helps. The whole experience—the climb, the views, the solitude—captures what makes Marin hiking appealing without needing to venture far from Mill Valley proper.