The best walks and hikes around San Anselmo
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Hiking around San Anselmo offers diverse landscapes within Marin County, characterized by hills, creeks, meadows, oak woodlands, and redwood groves. The region provides an extensive network of trails, with significant areas like the Mount Tamalpais Watershed, Sorich Ranch Park, and Bald Hill Preserve. These natural features contribute to a variety of scenic experiences for hikers.
Best hiking trails around San Anselmo
- The most popular hiking route is Phoenix Lake loop — Mt. Tamalpais Watershed, a 2.8 miles (4.6 km)…
Last updated: June 24, 2026
4.0
(2)
14
hikers
18.3km
05:59
780m
760m
Mount Tamalpais via Collier Trail offers a rugged and challenging hiking experience, covering 11.4 miles (18.3 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2568 feet (783 metres). You will navigate…
5.0
(1)
15
hikers
5.84km
01:43
180m
170m
The Deer Park Loop offers a delightful and accessible hiking experience, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors. The trail winds through pleasant natural landscapes, providing a refreshing escape from the…
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10
hikers
5.54km
01:37
160m
130m
Embark on the Phoenix Lake and Yolanda Trail Loop, an easy 3.4-mile (5.5 km) hike that offers a diverse landscape. You will gain 519 feet (158 metres) in elevation, taking…
6
hikers
14.2km
04:00
300m
290m
Embark on a moderate hike through varied terrain, covering 8.8 miles (14.2 km) with an elevation gain of 994 feet (303 metres). You can expect to complete this journey in…
5.0
(1)
8
hikers
8.86km
02:36
270m
220m
Embark on the Terra Linda Ridge and 680 Trail for a moderate hike spanning 5.5 miles (8.9 km). You will ascend 893 feet (272 metres) over approximately 2 hours and…
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Tips from the Community
Open only on Saturdays and Sundays
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Mount Tam East Peak offers some of the most majestic views north of the bay. From this vantage point, you can see all of Marin, along with Point Reyes to the north and Oakland and San Francisco to the south. The stunning panoramic vistas make the journey well worth the effort. There are restrooms and picnic tables, ideal for a snack or lunch while you capture some incredible photos.
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Fern Creek Trail is an excellent trail – scenic views, technical underfoot, loose at times, mind your head on low branches. Close to the bottom there have been caribou land slips and tree falls over the years that have meant the trail is rerouted up and over ever so slightly. Absolutely adore this trail.
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Often busy on weekends, this is a great spot to take moment before/after summiting Mt Tam. There are spigots to fill up water and bathrooms that are open during park hours. The parking lot is very close for those that drive up. There is access to MANY trails for those on foot/bike.
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Narrower waters often glow green/blue down here. Has a different feel to the rest of the lake.
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Just before the last ascent of East Ridgecrest Blvd toward the East Peak of Mt Tamalpais is the Railway Grade Fireroad Trailhead on the south side, and a few dozen yards furthe south, the Eldridge Grade Fire Road down on the north side.
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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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around San Anselmo?
San Anselmo offers an extensive network of over 200 hiking routes. These trails traverse diverse landscapes including hills, creeks, meadows, oak woodlands, and redwood groves, catering to various skill levels.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or families in San Anselmo?
Yes, San Anselmo has many easy trails. For a gentle and scenic walk, consider the Phoenix Lake loop — Mt. Tamalpais Watershed, which is 4.6 km long and takes about 1 hour 13 minutes. The area around Phoenix Lake is known for its peaceful atmosphere.
Where can I find trails with good views of the surrounding area?
Many trails in San Anselmo offer excellent views. Sorich Ranch Park, for example, has diverse trails with stunning vistas of Mount Tamalpais, Bald Hill, and the Seminary. The Bald Hill & Phoenix Lake loop — Bald Hill Preserve is a moderate option that provides expansive views.
Are there any challenging hiking trails for experienced hikers?
Yes, for a more challenging experience, you can explore routes with significant elevation gains. The Phoenix Lake & Lake Lagunitas via Tucker Trail & Pilot Knob loop — Mount Tamalpais Watershed is a moderate 13.1 km trail that includes substantial climbs and descents, offering a good workout.
What kind of natural features or attractions can I expect to see along the trails?
San Anselmo's trails wind through diverse natural settings. You'll encounter oak woodlands, redwood groves, and serene creeks. Highlights include the tranquil Phoenix Lake and the expansive Mount Tamalpais Watershed. For ancient redwoods, you can visit nearby attractions like the Muir Woods National Monument Entrance or the Cathedral Grove of Giant Redwoods.
Are there any circular hiking routes in San Anselmo?
Many of San Anselmo's trails are designed as loops, perfect for a complete hiking experience. A popular moderate loop is the Eldridge Grade to Tucker Trail loop — Ross Open Space, which is 9.4 km long and takes around 2 hours 47 minutes to complete.
What do other hikers say about the trails in San Anselmo?
The hiking routes in San Anselmo are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.8 stars from over 370 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the varied terrain, beautiful scenery, and the well-maintained paths within the watershed areas.
Are there specific parks or open spaces known for hiking in San Anselmo?
Key areas for hiking include the Mount Tamalpais Watershed, Sorich Ranch Park, and Bald Hill Preserve. These locations offer a wide range of trails, from easy strolls to more strenuous climbs, all within a short distance of San Anselmo.
Can I find trails with wildflowers in San Anselmo?
Yes, Sorich Ranch Park is particularly known for its beautiful wildflowers, especially during spring. The diverse ecosystems in the region, including meadows and oak woodlands, provide excellent opportunities to spot various native flora.
Where can I find more information about parks and trails in San Anselmo?
For additional details on local parks and trails managed by the town, you can visit the official San Anselmo government website at sananselmo.gov/Parks or explore their dedicated trails page at sananselmo.gov/Trails.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in San Anselmo?
San Anselmo offers pleasant hiking conditions year-round. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers, while fall provides cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage. Even in winter, the mild climate often allows for enjoyable hikes, though some trails might be muddy after rain.
Are there any trails that lead to a lake or water feature?
Absolutely. Phoenix Lake is a central feature for many hikes in the area. The Phoenix Lake via Gertrude Ord & Tucker Trail loop — Mt. Tamalpais Watershed is an easy 6.7 km route that takes you directly to and around the tranquil waters of Phoenix Lake.
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