Big Burdell!

Hike or Bike to the Peak of Mount Burdell in Marin County

Hike Mount Burdell Marin County

If you’re gonna go big on a hike, make it at Marin County’s biggest open space preserve, Mount Burdell. And go to the summit. You’ll be sharing the trail with grazing cows, poppies galore, and beautiful birds on this 5-mile (round-trip) adventure. You can also mountain bike here.

The vastness of the preserve delivers rolling spring hills from the get-go. Start on the Michako Trail, heading east. The sprawling meadow splashes with poppies, blue-eyed grass, buttercups, mules ears, and other blooming beauties. Enjoy views of San Pablo Bay in the distance.

Connect to San Carlos Fire Road for the ultimate climb. Quarry Trail is steep and challenging, but it leads to the good stuff at the summit! Look around while wandering around. At 1,500 feet, views sweep from Mount Saint Helena, Mount Tam, Petaluma, and Sonoma Valley to San Pablo Bay and Mount Diablo.

Find yourself a quiet spot to take a break (a little extra footwork and you can find private knolls overlooking wine country). The descent on Cobblestone Fire Road is almost as rewarding, with big views out to San Francisco. Half way to the bottom, reach tranquil Hidden Lake, a seasonal oasis garlanded by grass and favored by frogs and ducks. From here, hike among oaks via Middle Burdell Trail before coming out into the open fields again and connecting to San Andreas Fire Road to finish the hike.

Park at the end of San Andreas Dr. (map) in Novato. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View