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.

White Hill Open Space Preserve sits between Cascade Canyon, Gary Giacomini, and Loma Alta preserves, creating a connected network of hiking options across this part of Marin County. The preserve spans 390 acres and is known for the Blue Ridge Fire Road, which climbs to White Hill’s summit at 1,430 feet. The elevation gain isn’t brutal, and the reward is substantial—sweeping views across the surrounding ridgelines.

What makes this hike distinctive is the terrain itself. The Blue Ridge Fire Road and nearby Wagon Wheel Trail cut through dense stands of manzanita and chamise, those low scrubby shrubs with silvery foliage that cover the hillsides. Beneath them you’ll see serpentine rock and soil, which creates a distinctive landscape you don’t find everywhere. In spring especially, this rocky terrain explodes with color as native grasses and wildflowers fill in between the weathered stones, creating something between a garden and a wilderness.

The rocky, exposed slopes are steep in places, so footing matters. Your dog will appreciate the fire roads more than technical single-track, and the hard-packed surface is easier on their paws than some trail alternatives. The views open up as you climb, and on clear days you can see for miles across Marin.

One thing to note: some trails here have seasonal night closures to protect sensitive wildlife species, so check for closure signs before heading out. Getting there is straightforward—take Sir Francis Drake Boulevard west from Larkspur, pass through Fairfax, and head up White Hill. The trailhead is on the left side of the road before you reach the crest of the hill. Parking is limited, so arrive early on weekends.