4.8
(465)
8,623
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62
hikes
Dog friendly hiking trails in Camino Alto Open Space Preserve offer diverse landscapes and panoramic views across the Bay Area. The preserve features a rich variety of habitats, including oak and wildflower forests, dense stands of redwood and Douglas fir, and rolling grasslands. Characterized by its hilly fire roads and single-track paths, the terrain provides varied topography suitable for different hiking abilities. This 170-acre preserve connects to neighboring natural areas, allowing for extended outdoor adventures.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
4
hikers
2.25km
00:34
10m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
27
hikers
22.8km
07:01
780m
780m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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17
hikers
8.10km
02:34
320m
320m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
hikers
10.5km
03:01
240m
240m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
6.51km
01:41
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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One of the best views in the entire Bay Area. No question.
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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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Three different fire roads and a few different hiking trails converge near this point. Baltimore Canyon opens up before you to the northeast and you get sweeping views down the verdant mountainside.
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Great place to go for a relatively easy hike with the dog! Doesnβt hurt thereβs also a waterfall and beautiful redwoods everywhere.
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Great lookout with a usually closed summit hut at 2571 feet (784 m) elevation. Outstanding views of the Bay, Marin County, San Francisco, and the Pacific Ocean.
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Bicycle friendly cafe and bookstore
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Highest peak in Marin County, north of the Golden Gate with fantastic panoramic views in all directions, from the Bay to the Pacific, to the skyline of San Francisco as well as the small towns, bays and coastline along the North Bay.
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Very pleasant redwood forest trail along Larkspur Creek. It climbs gently from the dead end of Madrone Avenue to the small falls near the source of the creek.
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Camino Alto Open Space Preserve offers a wide selection of routes for you and your dog. There are over 60 dog-friendly hiking trails available, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging ascents.
Yes, dogs are welcome in Camino Alto Open Space Preserve. They are permitted off-leash under voice control on fire roads, but must be kept on-leash on all other trails. Always ensure your dog is under control for their safety and the enjoyment of others.
For an easy and pleasant walk with your dog, consider routes like the Hauke Park and Bayfront Park loop, which is relatively flat. The preserve generally offers many moderate options, and some sections of the wider fire roads are suitable for an easier pace.
Yes, Camino Alto Open Space Preserve features several loop options that are great for dogs. For example, the Dawn Falls Trail β Dawn Falls loop from Larkspur offers a scenic circular route through varied terrain.
Many dog-friendly trails in Camino Alto Open Space Preserve offer breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Bay Area, including San Francisco, the Bay Bridge, and Mount Tamalpais. You'll also find trails winding through diverse ecosystems, from oak and redwood forests to rolling grasslands.
Absolutely! While hiking with your dog, you can explore various natural features. Trails often pass by magnificent redwoods and Douglas firs, and during early summer, you might spot vibrant wildflowers. Notable points include Camino Alto Road and Middle Summit / Escalon Fire Road, which offer scenic sections.
Yes, for those exploring the connected trails, the area offers the possibility of seeing a seasonal waterfall. The Dawn Falls area, accessible via routes like the Dawn Falls Trail β Dawn Falls loop, is known for its seasonal waterfall, providing a refreshing stop for you and your dog.
Yes, Camino Alto Open Space Preserve is known for its easy access points and street parking available near trailheads, making it convenient for visitors with dogs to start their hikes.
The terrain in Camino Alto Open Space Preserve is quite varied, featuring hilly fire roads and narrower single-track paths. You'll encounter shaded areas created by redwoods and oaks, as well as open grasslands, offering a dynamic environment for you and your dog.
The komoot community highly rates the trails in Camino Alto Open Space Preserve, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 500 ratings. Hikers frequently praise the preserve for its peaceful atmosphere, diverse landscapes, and the opportunity to enjoy nature with their canine companions away from larger crowds.
For those seeking a more strenuous adventure with their dog, the preserve offers routes with significant elevation changes. A challenging option is the Dawn Falls Trail β Mount Tamalpais β East Peak loop from Larkspur, which covers a substantial distance and elevation, providing a good workout for both you and your well-conditioned dog.


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