Trails from nearby parks lead to this ridge, which offers expansive views of forests and eagles soaring overhead. When you drive south on Highway 101, the forested slopes of San Pedro Ridge form an impressive backdrop to the Marin County Civic Center. The north-facing slopes of this 358-acre preserve are heavily forested with a mixture of oaks, bays, and madrones, with a few small pockets of redwoods tucked into the upper canyons. Near the top are open patches of grasslands dotted with wildflowers each spring.

Reaching the top requires steep uphill climbs no matter which route you take, but the views justify the effort. The landscape shifts noticeably as you gain elevation—the dense shade of the forest eventually gives way to those sun-exposed ridgetop meadows where you can see for miles. On clear days, the visibility is genuinely impressive.

The preserve connects to Marin County Open Space to the northwest, Henry Barbier Park (owned by the city of San Rafael) to the southwest, and China Camp State Park to the east. That last connection is worth noting mainly because it’s a helpful landmark for orientation—though heads up that China Camp itself doesn’t allow dogs on leash.

Dogs are permitted on leash on trails and can be off-leash under voice command on fire roads, which is helpful for managing energy on those steep sections. You’ll need a leash for each dog. The terrain is rocky in places and can be slippery after rain, so watch your footing and your dog’s paws.

From Highway 101, the Central San Rafael exit gets you closest. Head toward Mission Street and Grand Avenue—the area is straightforward to navigate once you’re off the freeway. Locust Avenue leads to the road’s end where you’ll find parking and trail access. Go early on weekends if you want to avoid crowds, and bring water. The sun exposure on those ridgetop sections can be intense on hot days.