Old Saint Hilary's Preserve

A 110-acre parcel in the hills above Tiburon, sometimes called the Martha property, has been added to Old St. Hilary's Preserve. Formerly under private ownership, it is now public land for all to enjoy.

For 30 years, the local community, including Tiburon Open Space, has been working on conserving this land. This exceptional addition to Old St. Hilary's holds:

• Breathtaking 360-degree views of the Bay Area
• Habitat-rich oak woodlands
• Seeps and drainages that support the federally threatened California red-legged frog
• Native serpentine reedgrass and rare Marin dwarf flax

In 2022, the non-profit Trust for Public Land kicked off a collaborative two-year fundraising initiative. Tiburon Peninsula Open Space District bonds, approved by a majority of voters, made this land purchase possible. Individual, family, and community foundations, including the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, joined in to support the purchase. The following government agencies also made significant contributions:

• Marin County Parks – Measure A
• California Wildlife Conservation Board
• California Natural Resources Agency
• Town of Tiburon
• City of Belvedere

• The northern part of this 232-acre preserve is rolling grassland with rare serpentine soil. The southern section leads to the church.
• Hike Heathcliff Fire Road to view a scenic panorama that includes the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate, Angel Island, Marin headlands, San Pablo Bay, San Francisco Bay, Richardson Bay, and more.
• A babbling creek runs through the lush grasslands.
• The historic white chapel, opened in 1888, and was designated as a historic landmark in 1955.
• Travel through to adjoining Tiburon Uplands.
• Dogs welcome and must be leashed on trail, and under voice command on fire roads, with leash readily available.

• Look for the rare Tiburon jewelflower. It grows mid-May to mid-June in shallow, rocky, serpentine soil along Vistazo Fire Road.
• A wide variety of wildflowers blanket the hills in spring, especially in the area surrounding the church.
• Stands of horsetail grow here. This resilient, primitive plant dates back to the time of dinosaurs.
• American kestrels, red-tailed hawks, and northern harriers are ever present, hunting the hillsides.
• Devoted community volunteers have pulled invasive plants here for years, saving the native flora. Lend a hand by joining a workday.
• 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.
• Do not pick or disturb wildflowers. Rare and sensitive species grow here.
• 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.

North access: from Hwy 101 in Mill Valley, take the exit for Tiburon Blvd (Hwy 131) east 3.5 miles. Turn left onto Lyford Dr, MCOSD gate is at the end..

South access: from Hwy 101 in Mill Valley, take the exit for Tiburon Blvd (Hwy 131) east 3.5 miles. Turn left onto Lyford Dr, right onto Vistazo West St, and follow to the end (dead end).

Very limited 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.
• Dispose of waste property. Pack it out.
• 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.
• 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.