Blithedale Summit Preserve

• This is the largest (639 acres) in a chain of preserves that follow Tam's north ridge, sweeping between residential communities.
• Old Railroad Grade ascends at an easy slope up Mount Tam. It was part of the Mill Valley and Mount Tamalpais Scenic Railway in the 1890s.
• The roller coaster uphills and downhills of Blithedale Ridge Fire Road provide a good workout.
• At the top of Corte Madera Ridge Fire Road, see the peaks of White Hill, Bald Hill, and Loma Alta.
• Maytag Trail offers cool shade in summer.
• Enjoy scenic views of the Marin Headlands and San Francisco Bay from higher elevations.
• In rainy season, runoff creates mini-waterfalls.
• Dogs are welcome. Dogs must be leashed on trail, and under voice command on fire roads, with leash readily available.

• Pass through a variety of habitats, from deep forests to dense chaparral.
• Trees and shrubs include California bay, California coffeeberry, coast live oak, Douglas-fir, redwood, madrone, manzanita, and toyon.
• Find huckleberries in season on redwood-lined Huckleberry Trail.
• Pileated woodpeckers and the endangered northern spotted owl nest here. In spring, listen for melodic wrens singing in the canyons.
• A variety of spring lilies, including fetid adder’s tongue and two species of trillium, bloom in the cool canyons.
• Check out the iNaturalist field guide. Add your own observations.

• Stay on roads and trails to preserve sensitive ecosystems and to avoid trespassing on private property.
• Be courteous and safety conscious when sharing roads and trails. Go slow and say hello.
• Dress appropriately for the weather. Trails can be muddy during the rainy season.
• Bring water.
• There are no restrooms at this location.
• Steer clear of poison oak.
• After an outing, check for ticks.

East access: from Hwy 101 in Mill Valley, take exit the for E Blithedale Ave west 1.4 miles. Turn right onto Carmelita Ave, right onto Buena Vista Ave, and follow Buena Vista (turns into Glen Dr). The gate is approximately 1 mile up on the left (before dead end).

West access: from Hwy 101 in Mill Valley, take the exit for E Blithedale Ave exit west on E Blithedale Ave, which becomes W Blithedale Ave near Throckmorton Ave. MCOSD gate is on the right just past Lee St.

Street parking only. Please be respectful of local residents.

• Golden Gate Highway and Transportation District
• Marin Transit Trip Planner
• Route from San Rafael Transit Center

You can also dial 511 to find out about transit options from your location.

• No smoking or fires.
• Weapons and hunting prohibited.
• Motorized vehicles prohibited. (Individuals with qualified disabilities may operate certain kinds of zero-emission mobility devices on some roads,multiuse trails, and certain other facilities.)
• Everyone must yield the right-of-way to horses. Bikes must also yield to pedestrians.
• No model airplanes, drones, or other self-propelled crafts.
• Permit required for commercial use and groups of more than 15 people.
• Dispose of waste property. Pack it out.
• All resources are protected. Do not follow, approach, or feed wildlife.

DOGS

• Dogs may be off-leash on fire roads only if kept under voice control. Leash must always be readily available.
• Dogs are allowed on signed trails and must be leashed. Leash must not exceed 6 feet in length.
• Off-fire road and off-trail use prohibited.
• Individuals accompanying dogs are required to clean up and remove pet waste.
• A maximum of 3 dogs per person is permitted with exception granted through commercial use permit.

BIKES

• Permitted on signed fire roads and trails designated for multiuse and hikers/bikes.
• Off-fire road and off-trail use prohibited.
• Speed limit is 15 mph or less. Must slow to 5 mph when passing others or around blind turns.
• Electric bicycles are not permitted.

HORSES

• Permitted on signed fire roads and trails designated for multiuse and hikers/horses.
• Off-fire road and off-trail use prohibited except when watering or resting the horse.

In an emergency, call 911. To report an incident or suspicious activity, call the Ranger Field Office at (415) 473-2816 or submit an Incident Report via online form.

Visitors are responsible for knowing and obeying all Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD) regulations. Citations will be issued for violations. Read the official regulations: Marin County Municipal Code Appendix A.

Call (415) 473-6387 for more information regarding allowable types and use of mobility devices for people with qualified disabilities.

The MCOSD is a special district pursuant to the California Public Resources Code. Marin County Parks oversees the management of the county parks system and provides public information on behalf of the MCOSD.