The best walks and hikes in Bald Hill Open Space Preserve
4.8
(365)
6,324
hikers
247
hikes
Hikes in Bald Hill Open Space Preserve explore a landscape of grassy hills and oak woodlands in Marin County. The preserve's main feature is Bald Hill, which provides panoramic views across Ross Valley, Mount Tamalpais, and San Pablo Bay from its summit. A network of fire roads and singletrack trails offers routes of varying difficulty, connecting to the larger trail systems of the adjacent Marin Municipal Water District lands.
Best hiking trails in Bald Hill Open Space Preserve
- The most…
Last updated: May 12, 2026
5.0
(1)
15
hikers
5.84km
01:43
180m
170m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
14.2km
04:00
300m
290m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3
hikers
9.67km
02:51
290m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
11.1km
03:22
380m
360m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
14
hikers
8.92km
02:55
410m
410m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
mostly sunny areas but with beautiful views
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Narrower waters often glow green/blue down here. Has a different feel to the rest of the lake.
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This cabin dates back to the 1890s and was originally a caretaker's home located on what was known as part of the ranch for the nearby Porteous Mansion. The cabin's construction comes from redwood logs cut from the Deer Park section of the ranch and the trim around the windows and doors from a fallen tree on the southwest side of Shaver Grade. It is an interesting piece of local history and the only structure of its kind in Marin County.
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This trail, open only to hikers and equestrians, is a beautiful route running along a seasonal creek bed through coast live oak and madrone. There are views of Mount Tamalpais summit and Bald Hill as you get higher in elevation and meadows full of wildflowers, offering a perfect setting for a picnic in the grass.
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With over 150 miles of trails, this junction leads to several choices, depending on how far you want to extend your hike. Shaver Grade Road is a gravel fire road that climbs gradually toward Bon Tempe Lake. Eldridge climbs steeply from here and swings south on a more gradual incline, which will take you to the top of Mount Tamalpais East Peak. Fish Grade will take you to Fish Gulch Trail, and Gertrude Ord Trail is a single track that runs along Phoenix Creek, around Phoenix Lake and connects to several other routes for miles of tremendous trails to explore.
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Phoenix Lake is open to the public for swimming and fishing. Dogs are allowed on the surrounding trails, but are not allowed to swim nor drink from the water.
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From easiest to hardest climbs out of phoenix lake from this junction: -Shaver Grade, easy grade, longer, shaded and pretty -Eldridge Grade, medium, good length and can connect you to mt tam east peak -Fish Grade fire road, very steep, we hiked the bikes
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed in Bald Hill Open Space Preserve?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the trails throughout Bald Hill Open Space Preserve, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
Where can I park to access the trails?
Parking is available at several trailheads. The main access point is often considered to be from Deer Park in Fairfax, which leads directly into the preserve's trail network. Street parking is also available near other entrances in San Anselmo, such as on Dibblee Road.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the preserve?
Yes, the preserve offers several gentler options suitable for families. The Trail Junction loop from Fairfax is a relatively flat 4.6 km walk through the lower sections of the preserve, making it a great choice for a shorter outing with children.
What is the best time of year to see wildflowers?
Spring is the most spectacular time for wildflowers in Bald Hill. The grassy slopes come alive with a variety of colorful blooms, especially after the winter rains. This is a popular season for photographers and nature lovers.
Which trails offer the best views?
Most trails that ascend towards the summit of Bald Hill provide excellent views. The ultimate reward is the 360-degree panorama from the top, where you can see Mount Tamalpais, the Ross Valley, San Pablo Bay, and even San Francisco on a clear day. A meadow near the summit is a perfect spot to rest and take in the scenery.
How difficult is the main hike to the summit of Bald Hill?
The main trail to the summit is a steady climb, gaining about 500 feet (152 m) over approximately 1.1 miles (1.8 km). While manageable for most hikers with a moderate level of fitness, some sections are quite steep. The effort is well worth it for the panoramic views from the top.
Can I do a long, challenging hike in the area?
Absolutely. The preserve's trails connect to a larger network, allowing for strenuous, all-day excursions. For a significant challenge, you could tackle a route like the Mount Tamalpais — East Peak – Lake Lagunitas Dam loop from Fairfax, a demanding 26.6 km hike with substantial elevation gain that explores the wider Mount Tamalpais landscape.
What kind of wildlife might I see in the preserve?
Bald Hill is a vibrant habitat for diverse wildlife. It's common to spot black-tailed deer, especially in the early morning or evening. Birdwatchers can look for red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures soaring overhead. Near streams after a rain, you might even find California newts.
How do I get to the preserve using public transport?
You can use Marin Transit to get close to the preserve. Several bus routes serve the nearby towns of San Anselmo and Fairfax. From a bus stop, it's typically a short walk to one of the trailheads, such as the one at Deer Park in Fairfax.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Bald Hill Open Space Preserve?
The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.8 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning panoramic views from the summit, the well-maintained fire roads, and the beautiful mix of open grasslands and oak woodlands.
Are there any circular walks that include a lake?
Yes, you can combine a visit to Bald Hill with a walk around Phoenix Lake. The Bald Hill & Phoenix Lake loop — Bald Hill Preserve is a popular moderate route that offers the best of both worlds: a challenging climb with great views and a scenic, relaxing section along the lakeshore.
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