Loma Alta Preserve

• The ridge lines that run together here bridge the county's four major watersheds: Miller Creek, Corte Madera Creek, Lagunitas Creek, and Nicasio Creek.
• Enjoy heavenly Bay Area views, especially at sunrise and sunset. Take Glen Fire Road to Smith Ridge Fire Road, or extremely steep Sunrise Fire Road, to the summit.
• An important link in the Bay Area Ridge Trail, Loma Alta Fire Road continues north then drops off gradually to Big Rock trailhead at Lucas Valley Road.
• For a less strenuous excursion, Old Railroad Grade Fire Road runs along the lower perimeter of the 509-acre preserve. In rainy season, see Fairfax Falls cascading 25 feet.
• Cattle have grazed the grassy slopes since the 1800s, and continue to do so today.
• Dogs are welcome. Dogs must be leashed on trails. Dogs are welcome under voice command, with leash readily available, on most fire roads. Dogs must be leashed on fire roads that are easements over private land.

• Exposed grassland is an important breeding site for horned larks and western meadowlarks.
• Western bluebirds nest in forested canyons and hunt grasshoppers in the tall grass.
• Listen for lazuli buntings and chipping sparrows.
• A wide variety of raptors are common, hunting for voles and gopher snakes on the open slopes.
• Patches of serpentine soil make for late-season wildflower displays.
• Check out the iNaturalist field guide. Add your own observations.

• Stay on roads and trails to preserve sensitive ecosystems and to avoid trespassing on private property.
• Be courteous and safety conscious when sharing roads and trails. Go slow and say hello.
• Dress appropriately for the weather. Trails can be muddy during rainy season.
• Bring water.
• There are no restrooms at this location.
• Steer clear of poison oak.
• After an outing, check for ticks.

East access: from Hwy 101 in San Rafael, take the exit for Central San Rafael west. Follow 3rd St approximately 1 mile, continue on 2nd St, which merges into 4th St. 4th St turns into Red Hill Ave after 0.6 mile; follow for 0.5 miles. Stay right onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd and follow 3 miles, turn right onto Glen Dr and follow 0.5 miles to end (dead end).

West access: from Hwy 101 in Larkspur, take the exit for Sir Francis Drake Blvd west 6 miles.

There is a the big gravel pullout below the crest of White Hill. Otherwise, street parking only. Please be respectful of local residents. Do not block streets, gates, or driveways.

• Golden Gate Highway and Transportation District
• Marin Transit Trip Planner
• Route from San Rafael Transit Center

You can also dial 511 to find out about transit options from your location.

• No smoking or fires.
• Weapons and hunting prohibited.
• Motorized vehicles prohibited. (Individuals with qualified disabilities may operate certain kinds of zero-emission mobility devices on some roads,multiuse trails, and certain other facilities.)
• Everyone must yield the right-of-way to horses. Bikes must also yield to pedestrians.
• No model airplanes, drones, or other self-propelled crafts.
• Permit required for commercial use and groups of more than 15 people.
• All resources are protected. Do not follow, approach, or feed wildlife.

DOGS

• Dogs may be off-leash on fire roads only if kept under voice control. Leash must always be readily available.
• Dogs are allowed on signed trails and must be leashed. Leash must not exceed 6 feet in length.
• Off-fire road and off-trail use prohibited.
• Individuals accompanying dogs are required to clean up and remove pet waste.
• Dispose of waste property. Pack it out.
• A maximum of 3 dogs per person is permitted with exception granted through commercial use permit.

BIKES

• Permitted on signed fire roads and trails designated for multiuse and hikers/bikes.
• Off-fire road and off-trail use prohibited.
• Speed limit is 15 mph or less. Must slow to 5 mph when passing others or around blind turns.
• Electric bicycles are not permitted.

HORSES

• Permitted on signed fire roads and trails designated for multiuse and hikers/horses.
• Off-fire road and off-trail use prohibited except when watering or resting the horse.

In an emergency, call 911. To report an incident or suspicious activity, call the Ranger Field Office at (415) 473-2816 or submit an Incident Report via online form.

Visitors are responsible for knowing and obeying all Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD) regulations. Citations will be issued for violations. Read the official regulations: Marin County Municipal Code Appendix A.

Call (415) 473-6387 for more information regarding allowable types and use of mobility devices for people with qualified disabilities.

The MCOSD is a special district pursuant to the California Public Resources Code. Marin County Parks oversees the management of the county parks system and provides public information on behalf of the MCOSD.