Marin County Parks Open Space Leash Policy: Dogs on leash are welcome to enjoy trails. Dogs are allowed off-leash under strict voice control on fire protection roads. Please follow posted rules. Part of the Marin County Open Space District, this large preserve spans 1,104 acres protecting the ridges that surround several small communities in northern San Rafael. The landscape mixes open grassland and broadleaf forests crisscrossed with fire roads and trails. Although there are no easily defined loop hike options, the long stretches of fire roads along the exposed ridges offer many day hike possibilities.

The Sleepy Hollow Ridge Trail and trails leading to it provide the best opportunities for leash-free romps with your dog. DogTrekker.com’s favorite entry point is in the Sleepy Hollow area of San Anselmo. Take Highway 101 to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard heading west. Travel 4.7 miles and turn right on Butterfield Road. Go just over a mile and turn right on Fawn Drive, heading up to the entry gate across from 270 Fawn Drive.

If you’re coming from San Rafael, you have several other access points. The northwest trailhead is off Lucas Valley Road across from Mt. Muir Court. The northeast access is also off Lucas Valley Road but across from Mt. Lassen Drive. The south access sits at the end of Freitas Parkway after exiting Highway 101 at the Freitas Parkway/Terra Linda exit. For the east access, take that same Freitas Parkway exit, turn right at Las Pavadas Avenue (which veers left and becomes Las Colindas Road), then turn right onto Wintergreen Terrace where the gate is located. The west access is off Del Ganado Road, also from the Freitas Parkway/Terra Linda exit.

The preserve rewards exploration with ridge views and plenty of shade under the broadleaf canopy. Bring water since the open ridges offer little shelter on warm days, and the fire roads can get dusty during dry months.