The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in San Pedro Mountain Open Space Preserve

mostly sunny areas but with beautiful views

Can’t ride down Memorial Ridge Trail

The Lagunitas Dam, completed 151 years ago, was built in less than four months and was 480 feet long with a crest of 20 feet. The purpose was to supply development in the San Rafael area. Its current capacity is 350 acre-feet or 114 million gallons. Lake Lagunitas is one of seven Marin Municipal County Reservoirs, and the combined rainfall collected from these reservoirs makes up around 75 % of the district's water supply.

This cabin dates back to the 1890s and was originally a caretaker's home located on what was known as part of the ranch for the nearby Porteous Mansion. The cabin's construction comes from redwood logs cut from the Deer Park section of the ranch and the trim around the windows and doors from a fallen tree on the southwest side of Shaver Grade. It is an interesting piece of local history and the only structure of its kind in Marin County.

Sorich Ranch Park is a great place to experience the natural beauty of the San Anselmo hills. There is a small parking lot and plenty of street parking nearby, with no day use/parking fee required to explore the grounds. There are picnic benches and tables with hiking trails that lead off in several directions and vary for options on whichever level of hike you choose. Several points in the Park boast stunning views and plenty of opportunities to take great photos of Mt. Tamalpais, Bald Hill and the Seminary.

This trail, open only to hikers and equestrians, is a beautiful route running along a seasonal creek bed through coast live oak and madrone. There are views of Mount Tamalpais summit and Bald Hill as you get higher in elevation and meadows full of wildflowers, offering a perfect setting for a picnic in the grass.

In 1967, the family of Natalie Coffin Greene donated 25 acres of Phoenix Lake land for a park in her memory. It is a very private, secluded and peaceful spot to set out on a day hike. The park also makes a great destination in and of itself. It has picnic tables, Ross Creek running through it, and restrooms. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash. The tiny parking lot is usually full on summer weekends, so arriving early in the day is best.

With over 150 miles of trails, this junction leads to several choices, depending on how far you want to extend your hike. Shaver Grade Road is a gravel fire road that climbs gradually toward Bon Tempe Lake. Eldridge climbs steeply from here and swings south on a more gradual incline, which will take you to the top of Mount Tamalpais East Peak. Fish Grade will take you to Fish Gulch Trail, and Gertrude Ord Trail is a single track that runs along Phoenix Creek, around Phoenix Lake and connects to several other routes for miles of tremendous trails to explore.