The best walks and hikes in Old Saint Hilary'S Open Space Preserve

Hikers in Old Saint Hilary's Open Space Preserve are treated to stunning panoramic views. You can see the San Francisco Bay, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, the Marin Headlands, and the San Francisco and East Bay skylines. The preserve's rolling ridgetop serpentine grasslands also contribute to its distinctive visual appeal.

Yes, a central attraction is the historic Old Saint Hilary's Church, a beautiful Carpenter Gothic structure built in 1888. It's now a historical landmark and serves as a venue for events. Adjacent to the church is the John Thomas Howell Wildflower Preserve, a botanical garden showcasing a spectacular display of wildflowers.

The preserve is particularly beautiful in spring when wildflowers blanket the hills. You can see California poppies, buttercups, lupines, irises, bluedicks, and horsetail. The rare Tiburon jewelflower, with its nearly black petals, is best seen from mid-May to mid-June.

Yes, dogs are permitted in the preserve. They must be kept on-leash on most trails. However, on fire roads, dogs may be off-leash if they are under voice control.

Absolutely. The preserve offers a variety of hiking experiences, including options for easier, family-friendly walks. Out of nearly 200 routes, over 100 are rated as easy. A good option for an easy hike is Old Saint Hilarys and Uplands Preserve, which is just over a mile long.

Old Saint Hilary's Open Space Preserve is home to diverse wildlife. You might spot American kestrels, red-tailed hawks, and northern harriers hunting across the hillsides. The federally threatened California red-legged frog also inhabits the preserve.

Yes, there are several loop trails in the preserve. For example, the Spanish Loop is an easy 3.6-mile route that traverses varied terrain. Another popular option is the moderate Picnic Rock & Spanish Trail loop.

There are nearly 200 hiking routes available in Old Saint Hilary's Open Space Preserve, offering a wide range of experiences from easy strolls to more challenging ascents.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 300 reviews. Reviewers often praise the stunning panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge, the diverse plant life, and the variety of trails suitable for different skill levels.

While specific parking details for every trailhead are not provided, popular trailheads like Fishbits and Heathcliff offer access to different parts of the preserve, and parking is generally available to accommodate visitors. It's advisable to arrive early on busy days.

The preserve's unique geology, including its serpentine soil (California's state rock) and freshwater springs, creates a distinct ecosystem. This environment supports a remarkable biological diversity with over 200 species of plants, many of which are native, and several rare or endangered species.