Burdell Mountain & Bay Area Ridge Trail loop

The Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve has several access points. While specific parking details for this exact loop aren't provided, common access points for the preserve often include parking areas near the main trailheads. It's always a good idea to check the official Marin County Parks website for the most current parking information and directions before your visit.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to hike in the Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve. It is open to the public for recreational use.

Yes, the trails within Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve are generally dog-friendly. Dogs are allowed off-leash under voice control on fire roads, which make up a significant portion of this loop. Always ensure your dog is under control and respect other trail users and wildlife.

The best time to hike this loop is typically in late winter and spring, when seasonal wildflowers are vibrant and the grasslands are green. You'll see California poppies, buttercups, and more. Fall also offers pleasant hiking conditions. Summers can be warm and dry, while the rainy season brings lush landscapes and active amphibian life around Hidden Lake.

The terrain is quite varied, featuring both wide dirt fire roads and narrower paths. You'll traverse open grasslands, classic California oak woodlands, and sections with sagebrush and chaparral. Some parts can be rocky, especially on steeper climbs like the Old Quarry Trail, which is known for loose rock. Expect a consistent, mellow climb towards the summit.

From higher elevations and the summit, you can expect magnificent panoramic views. These include vistas of Mount Tamalpais, Mount Diablo, Big Rock Ridge, and the expansive San Francisco Bay. The open grasslands also offer broad scenic outlooks.

This loop takes you to the summit of Burdell Mountain, offering incredible views. You'll also pass through the serene Pierre Joske Grove. Historically, you might spot remnants of old quarries that supplied cobblestones for San Francisco, and an 1870s hand-laid stone wall near the summit.

Yes, this loop is a significant segment of the larger Bay Area Ridge Trail. It also utilizes several other named trails within the preserve, including sections of Deer Camp Fire Road, Eagle Rim Trail, San Carlos Fire Road, and the challenging Old Quarry Trail, among others.

This loop is generally classified as moderate. While some sections are relatively flat, reaching the summit involves sustained climbs. The Old Quarry Trail, for instance, is noted as the steepest designated trail in the district, featuring a grueling ascent with loose rock. Good fitness is recommended for the full loop.

You might spot diverse wildlife such as red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, hummingbirds, bluebirds, and jackrabbits. Grazing Holstein dairy cows add to the pastoral scenery. The preserve is also home to seasonal wildflowers, various oak species, California bays, and buckeye trees. Serpentine soils in some areas support rare plants.

While the full loop can be challenging due to its moderate difficulty and sustained climbs, Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve does offer more gentle fire roads that are suitable for families with smaller children. You can opt for shorter, less strenuous sections of the preserve if hiking with young ones.