01
Best overall pick
Olompali State Historic Park
North Of Novato • Historic Ranchland State Park With Mixed Forest And Open Slopes • Closest Big Trail Network
A varied network of trails climbs from shaded historic grounds to wide views over Novato and the bay.
Olompali feels surprisingly wild given how close it is to Black Point-Green Point, with oak woodlands, grassy hillsides, and pockets of redwood shade. You can keep it mellow on lower interpretive paths or tackle steeper routes toward Mount Burdell’s flanks for bigger elevation and vistas. It’s a flexible choice for mixed groups, with plenty of options to shorten or extend your day.
02
Shady summer option
Indian Valley Open Space Preserve
West Novato / Indian Valley • Shaded Creek And Waterfall Canyon With Connecting Fire Roads • Best For After-Work Hikes
Gentle creekside paths and short climbs lead to seasonal cascades and quiet forest pockets.
Indian Valley is the go-to spot when the sun is hot or you just want a quick nature fix after work. The popular waterfall loop offers a satisfying mix of easy walking, short steeper pitches, and a cool, mossy canyon when water is flowing. Beyond the main loop, fire roads and singletrack climb to higher viewpoints if you want to stretch things out.
03
Best bay views
China Camp State Park
East Of San Rafael • Coastal Oak And Bayfront Singletrack • Scenic Bay-View Sampler
Long, rolling trails trace the shoreline and low hills with constant glimpses of San Pablo Bay.
China Camp offers some of the most rewarding intermediate hiking close to Black Point-Green Point, with trails that weave between oak forest and open bluffs. Loops like Shoreline and Bay View give you a real sense of the coast, combining water views, birdlife, and just enough climbing to feel like a workout. It’s an easy place to build anything from a one-hour stroll to a longer half-day outing.
04
Ridgeline favorite
Loma Alta Open Space Preserve
Ridge Above Fairfax And San Anselmo • Open Ridgetop Preserve With Grassy Summits And Big Skies • Sunset And Storm-Watching Spot
A steady climb delivers wide-open ridgeline walking with sweeping 360-degree views.
Loma Alta is all about the payoff at the top: rolling green slopes and panoramic views across Marin, Mount Tam, and on clear days the distant Sierra. The main approach is exposed, so it’s best on cooler days, but the wide fire roads make navigation straightforward. Hikers who like big horizons and don’t mind a bit of climbing will find this a memorable outing within easy reach of Black Point-Green Point.
05
Classic Marin outing
Phoenix Lake Loop
Foothills Of Mount Tamalpais • Lakeside And Forest Loop With Optional Steeper Extensions • Weekend Half-Day Escape
A well-loved loop circles a quiet reservoir beneath Mount Tam, with options to branch into steeper side trails.
The Phoenix Lake area delivers the classic Mt. Tam foothill experience: shady bays and oaks, ferny gullies, and calm water views. The basic reservoir loop is moderate and family-friendly, while side routes like the Yolanda or Hidden Valley trails add more elevation and solitude. It’s a rewarding destination when you have a bit more time to drive and want a hike that feels like a mini getaway.