Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
North America
United States
California
Marin County

Camino Alto Open Space Preserve

Attractions and Places To See in Camino Alto Open Space Preserve - Top 6

Best attractions and places to see in Camino Alto Open Space Preserve, located in Mill Valley, California, offer visitors a range of natural beauty and an extensive trail system. This 170-acre preserve features diverse ecosystems, including grasslands, oak and bay woodlands, and redwood and Douglas fir stands. Visitors can find panoramic Bay Area views, including the San Francisco skyline and Mount Tamalpais, making it a notable destination for outdoor activities. The preserve is primarily valued for its natural environment andโ€ฆ

Last updated: May 5, 2026

Camino Alto Road

Highlight (Segment) โ€ข Cycleway

As the bike trails dead-end on both sides of the closed Alta tunnel, Camino Alto is a popular, albeit hilly and narrow, road ride alternative to connect Mill Valley and Corte Madera.

Tip by

See rides here

Send to Phone

Save

Escalon Fire Road runs through Camino Alto Open Space Preserve on a ridge high above Corte Madera to the north and Mill Valley to the south. It begins below Summit โ€ฆ

Tip by

Save

Sign up now to discover places like this

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Sign up for free

To get off the busy Camino Alto road, Chapman drive offers a quiet alternative, with shaded switchbacks and occasional wide open views of the bay.

Tip by

Save

Pretty view of the SF skyline from the entrance to a vast trail and fireroad network, for long hikes into the Marin Hills and Mt Tam, some shared with mountain bikes.

Tip by

Save

Bob Middagh Trail

Highlight (Segment) โ€ข Trail

Fine hiking trail, in part along a wide fire road, other sections narrow single tracks, connecting Camino Alto and Horse Hill Open Space Preserves

Tip by

Save

Sign up for free to discover even more attractions in Camino Alto Open Space Preserve.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Camino Alto Open Space Preserve

Hiking in Camino Alto Open Space Preserve

Cycling in Camino Alto Open Space Preserve

Running Trails in Camino Alto Open Space Preserve

Road Cycling Routes in Camino Alto Open Space Preserve

MTB Trails in Camino Alto Open Space Preserve

Gravel biking in Camino Alto Open Space Preserve

Tips from the Community

Traveler
December 5, 2019, Camino Alto OSP - Fire Road Trailhead

Pretty view of the SF skyline from the entrance to a vast trail and fireroad network, for long hikes into the Marin Hills and Mt Tam, some shared with mountain bikes.

0

0

Traveler
December 5, 2019, Bob Middagh Trail

Fine hiking trail, in part along a wide fire road, other sections narrow single tracks, connecting Camino Alto and Horse Hill Open Space Preserves

0

0

To get off the busy Camino Alto road, Chapman drive offers a quiet alternative, with shaded switchbacks and occasional wide open views of the bay.

0

0

Traveler
January 30, 2019, Camino Alto Road

As the bike trails dead-end on both sides of the closed Alta tunnel, Camino Alto is a popular, albeit hilly and narrow, road ride alternative to connect Mill Valley and Corte Madera.

0

0

Escalon Fire Road runs through Camino Alto Open Space Preserve on a ridge high above Corte Madera to the north and Mill Valley to the south. It begins below Summit Drive which is a short residential street dropping steeply Northwest-to-Southeast from Blithedale Ridge ( https://www.komoot.com/highlight/198159 ) along a mostly forested ridge with steep ups and downs. It ends at the south side of Camino Alto OSP where it splits into the paved Escalon Drive and Overhill road, which continues to drop further down east to the terminus of the Mill Valley-Sausalito Bike Trail. This is a good way to avoid paved road traffic when going into or coming from Mount Tamalpais trails, for example on a longer dirtroad tour https://www.komoot.com/tour/13627077 between Point Reyes and San Francisco.

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of views can I expect in Camino Alto Open Space Preserve?

The preserve offers expansive panoramic views of the entire Bay Area. You can see the San Francisco skyline, the Bay Bridge, and even the distant peaks of Mount Diablo. From certain points, Mount Tamalpais is also visible. The Camino Alto OSP - Fire Road Trailhead is known for its pretty views of the San Francisco skyline.

What are the main natural features and habitats within Camino Alto Open Space Preserve?

Camino Alto Open Space Preserve is home to diverse habitats, including grasslands, oak and bay woodlands, and stands of redwood and Douglas fir. You can observe various plant species such as coast live oak, California bay, toyon, madrone, coyote brush, monkeyflower, and seasonal wildflowers like rockrose with bright pink blooms in early summer.

Are there specific trails for cycling in the preserve?

Yes, Camino Alto Road is a popular, albeit hilly and narrow, road alternative for cyclists to connect Mill Valley and Corte Madera, especially when bike trails dead-end near the closed Alta tunnel. Additionally, Chapman Drive alternative to Camino Alto, Corte Madera offers a quieter cycling route with shaded switchbacks and bay views.

What hiking trails are available in Camino Alto Open Space Preserve?

The preserve features an extensive trail system. The Bob Middagh Trail is a fine hiking trail that connects Camino Alto and Horse Hill Open Space Preserves, featuring both wide fire road sections and narrow single tracks. The Middle Summit / Escalon Fire Road ๐Ÿ—ป๐Ÿšต also offers a multi-use path with diverse plant life and views.

Are there opportunities for long hikes into the Marin Hills or Mount Tamalpais from the preserve?

Yes, the Camino Alto OSP - Fire Road Trailhead serves as an entrance to a vast network of trails and fire roads, making it suitable for long hikes into the Marin Hills and Mount Tamalpais.

What outdoor activities can I do near Camino Alto Open Space Preserve?

Beyond the preserve itself, the surrounding area offers numerous outdoor activities. You can find various waterfall hikes, running trails, and mountain biking routes, catering to different skill levels and preferences.

What do visitors enjoy most about Camino Alto Open Space Preserve?

Visitors appreciate the preserve for its diverse natural environment and recreational trails. The panoramic Bay Area views, including the San Francisco skyline, are a significant draw. The variety of trails, from wide fire roads to narrow single tracks, also makes it popular for hiking and cycling.

Is the preserve suitable for mountain biking?

While some fire roads are multi-use, the preserve is primarily valued for its natural environment and recreational trails. For dedicated mountain biking, you can explore nearby MTB trails in the broader Camino Alto Open Space Preserve area, which include routes like the Tennessee Valley Trailhead loop and the Hoo-Koo-E-Koo Fire Road Trail.

Are there any specific trails that offer a mix of terrain?

Yes, the Bob Middagh Trail is a good example, offering a mix of wide fire road sections and more challenging narrow single tracks, connecting different open space preserves.

What is the Escalon Fire Road known for?

The Escalon Fire Road, part of the Middle Summit / Escalon Fire Road ๐Ÿ—ป๐Ÿšต highlight, is a key multi-use path within the preserve. It offers a relatively even path through diverse plant life and provides views south to San Francisco and east to Horse Hill and Ring Mountain. It's also a good way to avoid paved road traffic when accessing Mount Tamalpais trails.

Are there any cultural or historical sites within the preserve?

Camino Alto Open Space Preserve is primarily valued for its natural environment and recreational trails. There is no information available indicating specific cultural or historical sites within the preserve itself.

Most popular routes in Camino Alto Open Space Preserve

Hiking in Camino Alto Open Space Preserve

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With aย free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Still not found the Highlight youโ€™re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

SausalitoBelvedereTiburonTamalpais-Homestead ValleyMarin CityStrawberryMill ValleyAltoCorte MaderaMuir BeachStinson BeachSan RafaelLarkspurRossKentfieldSan AnselmoFairfaxMount Tamalpais State ParkBolinasMuir Woods National MonumentWoodacreSleepy HollowSanta VenetiaLucas Valley-MarinwoodSan GeronimoLagunitas-Forest KnollsNovatoNicasioPoint Reyes National SeashorePoint Reyes StationPhillip Burton WildernessInvernessAngel Island State ParkBlack Point-Green PointDillon BeachSamuel P. Taylor State ParkTomalesChina Camp State ParkBolinas Lagoon Open Space PreserveRoy'S Redwoods Open Space PreserveBaltimore Canyon Open Space PreserveBlithedale Summit Open Space PreserveFrench Ranch Open Space PreserveKing Mountain Open Space PreserveTomales Bay State ParkLoma Alta Open Space PreserveRush Creek Open Space Preserve

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do in Alto Bowl Open Space Preserve

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

ยฉ komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy