The best hikes from bus stations in San Pedro Mountain Open Space Preserve
4.9
(95)
1,676
hikers
37
hikes
Bus station hiking trails in San Pedro Mountain Open Space Preserve traverse varied terrain, including steep climbs through forested slopes and open grasslands. The preserve features canyons with seasonal creeks and ridges that offer panoramic views. Hikers can expect a mix of oak, bay, and madrone trees, with small redwood stands in upper canyons.
Best bus station hiking trails in San Pedro Mountain Open Space Preserve
- The most popular bus station hiking route is Lagoon Park in San Rafael – Civic Center Duck Pond loop from Santa Venetia, a 3.9 miles (6.2 km) trail that takes 1 hour 35 minutes to complete. This easy route features minimal elevation gain.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Nike Missile Site via Scettrini Fire Road, JT Howell & Canary Trail loop, a moderate 6.5 miles (10.4 km) path. This route includes significant elevation gain and leads to the former Nike missile site viewpoint.
- Local hikers also love the Blackstone Canyon Trail and Queenstone Fire Road Loop, a 5.6 miles (8.9 km) trail leading through varied terrain with substantial elevation changes, often completed in about 3 hours 14 minutes.
- Hiking in San Pedro Mountain Open Space Preserve is defined by steep climbs, forested slopes, and open grasslands. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to moderate ascents.
- The routes in San Pedro Mountain Open Space Preserve are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 80 reviews. More than 1600 hikers have used komoot to explore San Pedro Mountain Open Space Preserve's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 10, 2026
6
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(2)
8
hikers
10.4km
03:07
310m
310m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7
hikers
10.8km
02:47
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
8.96km
03:14
680m
360m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
11
hikers
9.88km
02:48
210m
210m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This is the largest indoor auditorium in the county, and hosts a wide variety of performing arts acts. You get a nice view of the architecture over the duck pond from Cavaliere Island.
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There is a small paved multi-use path which winds around the duck pond, past some shaded benches. The Marin County Fair takes place on its north bank, and Lagoon Park is commonly the site of local events.
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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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This fire road is a nice route on the southern slope of San Pedro Mountain that climbs gradually through stands of eucalyptus and changes to manzanita, oak and madrone, which blankets the hillside. Along the way, there are beautiful views of Mount Tamalpais. At the 1.5-mile point, there is a strategically placed bench overlooking the magnificent views for a nice place to take a break.
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This historic missile site, decommissioned in 1971, is now an excellent spot to take photos of the fantastic 360° views of Mount Tamalpais and San Pablo Bay. A picnic table is here to enjoy lunch and take a break amid the gorgeous scenery.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many bus station accessible hiking trails are available in San Pedro Mountain Open Space Preserve?
There are over 30 hiking routes in San Pedro Mountain Open Space Preserve that are easily accessible from bus stations, offering a variety of distances and difficulties for all hikers.
What kind of terrain can I expect on bus station hikes in San Pedro Mountain Open Space Preserve?
You can expect a diverse terrain, ranging from steep climbs through forested slopes with oaks, bay trees, and madrones, to open grasslands. Trails include both challenging fire roads and single-track paths, often featuring significant elevation changes that lead to rewarding views.
Are there challenging bus station hikes in the preserve?
Yes, many routes offer a good workout with considerable elevation gain. For a moderate challenge, consider the Nike Missile Site via Scettrini Fire Road, JT Howell & Canary Trail loop, which covers over 10 km and features over 300 meters of ascent.
Can I find easy bus station hikes suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. There are several easy routes, perfect for a relaxed stroll. An example is the Lagoon Park in San Rafael – Civic Center Duck Pond loop from Santa Venetia, which is just over 6 km with minimal elevation gain.
Are there bus station hikes with panoramic views?
Yes, the preserve is renowned for its expansive views. Many trails ascend to ridges that offer sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape. The former Nike missile site, accessible via several trails, is a popular viewpoint.
What natural features can I see on these bus station hikes?
Hikers can enjoy diverse flora including oaks, bay trees, madrones, and even small stands of redwoods in upper canyons. During spring, the open grasslands burst with wildflowers like heart's ease and fairy bells. Seasonal creeks also flow through the canyons during winter.
Are there family-friendly bus station hikes in San Pedro Mountain Open Space Preserve?
While many trails involve steep climbs, there are easier options suitable for families. Look for routes with lower elevation gain and shorter distances, particularly those that stay within the more level sections of the preserve.
Can I bring my dog on these bus station trails?
Many trails within San Pedro Mountain Open Space Preserve are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific trail regulations before you go. Ensure your dog is on a leash and you carry waste bags.
What is the best time of year to hike from bus stations in San Pedro Mountain Open Space Preserve?
Spring is ideal for experiencing vibrant wildflower displays in the grasslands. The winter months offer the beauty of seasonal creeks flowing through canyons. Fall and spring generally provide pleasant temperatures for hiking, while summer can be warm, making early morning hikes preferable.
Do these bus station trails connect to other parks?
Yes, San Pedro Mountain Open Space Preserve's trail system is interconnected with adjacent parks, including Harry Barbier Memorial Park and China Camp State Park. This allows for extended hiking opportunities and diverse routes, such as longer loops that combine multiple park areas.
Are there bus station routes that are circular?
Many of the routes accessible from bus stations are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. An example is the Blackstone Canyon Trail and Queenstone Fire Road Loop, offering a varied experience.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking from bus stations in San Pedro Mountain Open Space Preserve?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Reviewers often praise the challenging yet rewarding trails, the stunning panoramic views, and the rich biodiversity encountered along the routes.
Are there any longer bus station hikes for experienced hikers?
Yes, for those seeking a longer trek, routes like the Yolanda Trail and Shaver Grade Loop offer nearly 10 km of hiking with significant elevation changes, providing a substantial challenge and extended time in nature.
Most popular routes in San Pedro Mountain Open Space Preserve
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