Top 14 Lakes around Santa Venetia
Best lakes around Santa Venetia are primarily found within the broader Marin County area, as Santa Venetia itself is characterized by the Santa Venetia Marsh, a significant salt marsh ecosystem. This 33-acre preserve offers a 1.2-mile trail atop a levee, popular for hiking, biking, and nature observation. The marsh provides critical habitat for sensitive species and is a unique wetland environment. While the marsh offers local trails, the nearby Marin County lakes provide diverse recreational opportunities.
Best lakes around Santa Venetia
- The most popular lakes is Phoenix Lake, a lake that features incredibly blue waters and is a drinking water reservoir. It is open to the public for swimming and fishing, with surrounding trails for hiking.
- Another must-see spot is Phoenix Lake, Dibley / Shaver Grade Rd Trail Junction, a lake and trail junction. Dogs are allowed on the surrounding trails, but not in the water.
- Visitors also love Lagunitas Trail, an easy gravel road along the shore of Lake Lagunitas. This idyllic forest lake is circled by a mostly level trail, making it suitable for family-friendly outings.
- Santa Venetia is known for its diverse natural features, including salt marshes, lakes, and forest trails. Visitors can explore a variety of landscapes, from wetland ecosystems to serene lake shores.
- The lakes around Santa Venetia are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 16 upvotes and 8 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Bolinas to Fairfax Road
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Narrow without shoulders but usually little traffic and those that drive are used to respect the many bikes that share the road.
Bring water, as the next fill up after Fairfax is either at Mount Tam or Stinson.
From here West Ridgecrest Road continues to climb toward the Rockspring intersection which either goes left to the summit of Mount Tam or right to Pantoll and the Panoramic highway.
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Remillard Park 🌳
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Phoenix Lake
Highlight • Lake
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Lagunitas Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
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Phoenix Lake, Dibley / Shaver Grade Rd Trail Junction
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Tips from the Community
Your description paints a vivid picture of an incredible biking experience. The road may be narrow, but it sounds like the tranquility and minimal traffic make it a perfect spot for a peaceful and scenic ride through Marin. For more info visit: https://ustransportationcompanies.com/highway/limo-car-services-in-shrewsbury-massachusetts/ Professional Limo Car Services in Shrewsbury MA
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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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Small park with a waterfront path that has benches for soaking in the views!
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Nice climb through magnificent trees and lovely lake in the middle.
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On Shaver Grade Road, you get to ride along the incredibly blue waters of Phoenix Lake.
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This is an easy gravel road along the shore of Lake Lagunitas. If you run out of water just follow the trail around the lake until you hit the parking lot where you can refill your water bottle.
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Great loop trail along the Corte Madera estuary into the bay, with views of Larkspur and Mount Tamalpais towering behind.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes near Santa Venetia?
The Santa Venetia Marsh is a critical habitat for sensitive species such as the Ridgway's Rail and salt marsh harvest mouse. You might also spot Northern harriers, white-tailed kites, and red-tailed hawks searching for rodents. It's also one of the few places in Marin County to find the pygmy blue butterfly.
Are there hiking trails near the lakes around Santa Venetia?
Yes, there are many hiking opportunities. The Santa Venetia Marsh features a 1.2-mile trail atop a levee. Around Phoenix Lake, you'll find surrounding trails for hiking. For more options, explore the hiking routes around Santa Venetia, which include trails like the Scettrini Fire Road Loop and the Shoreline and Bay View Trail Loop.
Can I go swimming or fishing in any of the lakes?
Phoenix Lake is open to the public for both swimming and fishing. However, dogs are not allowed to swim in or drink from its waters.
Are there any family-friendly lakes or trails suitable for children?
Yes, Lagunitas Trail, an easy gravel road along the shore of Lake Lagunitas, is mostly level and ideal for family-friendly outings. The Santa Venetia Marsh trail is also suitable for leisurely walks.
Are dogs allowed at the lakes near Santa Venetia?
Dogs are permitted on the surrounding trails of Phoenix Lake, but they are not allowed to swim in or drink from the lake itself. For the Santa Venetia Marsh, dogs are generally allowed on the levee trail.
What are the best cycling routes around the lakes?
Alpine Lake, formed by the Alpine Dam, offers scenic cycling routes, with a road across the dam providing a good option for cycling loops. You can also find various road cycling routes around Santa Venetia, including loops around Nicasio Reservoir and Stafford Lake Park.
What are the terrain and difficulty levels of trails around the Santa Venetia Marsh?
The Santa Venetia Marsh features a 1.2-mile trail atop a levee. It's generally considered easy, but visitors should be aware of potential muddy conditions during the rainy season.
Are there any viewpoints or natural features worth seeing?
Yes, Remillard Park 🌳 offers stunning views of Mt Tamalpais and the Corte Madera Creek estuary. The Santa Venetia Marsh itself is a unique wetland environment, providing critical habitat and opportunities for nature observation.
What is the best time to visit the lakes and marsh?
For nature observation and walks, the Santa Venetia Marsh is enjoyable year-round, though be mindful of muddy conditions during the rainy season. The lakes are generally pleasant during drier months for activities like hiking, swimming, and cycling.
Are there mountain biking trails available near these lakes?
Yes, there are mountain biking opportunities. You can explore MTB trails around Santa Venetia, including routes within China Camp State Park and a beginner loop.
What is the significance of the Santa Venetia Marsh?
The Santa Venetia Marsh is a 33-acre preserve that is part of the Las Gallinas Creek delta. It serves as a critical habitat for sensitive species like the Ridgway's Rail and salt marsh harvest mouse, making it ecologically significant for the region.
Where can I find more information about flood control projects in Santa Venetia?
For information regarding flood control and proposed projects in Santa Venetia, you can visit the official Marin County Flood Control District website: marincounty.gov.
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