01
Best close-to-home ridge hike
Terra Linda/Sleepy Hollow Divide Open Space Preserve
Sleepy Hollow Ridgeline • Ridgetop Open-Space Preserve • Local Favorite
A quick climb from the neighborhood puts you on airy ridgelines with wide views over Sleepy Hollow and the bay.
Start from the end of Butterfield Road and follow the fire roads up onto the divide for a steady but manageable climb. The open grassland ridge catches every breeze, making it a pleasant choice even on warmer days. Sunrise and sunset bring especially dramatic light across the valley and Mt. Tam.
02
Big-view summit pick
Loma Alta Open Space Preserve
West Of Sleepy Hollow • Wide-Open Fire Road Climb • Best For Sunset Views
A stout climb rewards you with some of the best 360-degree panoramas in central Marin.
Accessed via the Big Rock trailhead on Lucas Valley Road, Loma Alta rises quickly above the surrounding valleys. The wide fire road makes for straightforward navigation, but the grade will get your heart rate up. On clear evenings you can often see the fog pouring in over the outer coast while the inland hills stay golden.
03
Shady waterfall escape
Cascade Canyon Open Space Preserve (Cascade Falls Trail)
Fairfax Backroads • Shaded Creek Canyon Trail • Best On Warm Days
A short, gently climbing path follows a cool creek to a small but photogenic waterfall.
From the end of Cascade Drive in Fairfax, the trail winds through second-growth redwoods and maples along San Anselmo Creek. The grade is mellow enough for casual hikers, but the rocky footing near the falls keeps it interesting. Go after winter or spring rains for the best flow, and expect a quieter, tucked-away feel compared with busier Marin spots.
04
Classic stair-step workout
Cataract Trail from Alpine Lake
North Side Of Mount Tamalpais • Steep Waterfall Stair Trail • Best For Strong Hikers
Stone steps and switchbacks climb hard alongside a string of cascades and pools.
Starting near the Alpine Lake spillway, the Cataract Trail heads straight into a lush, mossy canyon lined with ferns and hardwoods. The many stairs and tight switchbacks make this a short but demanding outing, especially on the way up. Turn around at Cataract Falls for a focused workout, or continue toward Laurel Dell for a longer half-day adventure.
05
Laid-back watershed loop
Phoenix Lake and Lower Mount Tamalpais Watershed
Ross Valley Trailhead • Lakefront Woodland Loop • Best For Relaxed Weekends
Easy-to-moderate paths circle the lake and wander into oak and bay woodlands with constant water views.
The fire road and singletrack network around Phoenix Lake offers flexible options, from a flat out-and-back along the dam to longer loops toward Bon Tempe. It is a go-to for families, runners, and dog walkers, so start early if you prefer quieter trails and easier parking. Gentle grades, frequent shade, and a mix of open and wooded sections make it an appealing choice when you want trail time without a big push.