Mt Burdell Preserve, Marin CA


• 4-star hikes
• 3 to 5 mile options
• Easy & Moderate | Gain 620 to 1,260 feet
• Novato, CA | San Francisco Region
.
A large, weathered tree with thick, spiraling branches dominates the foreground of a serene rural landscape. Its canopy is full of vibrant green leaves, casting dappled shadows across the grassy field below. Behind the tree, a dirt path winds gently toward a small, distant town nestled in a valley between rolling, verdant hills. The town’s clustered rooftops peek through the trees, while the background fades into soft hills beneath a clear, pale blue sky with faint wisps of cloud.
A mix of grass and woodland in this Open Space Preserve.

The 1,627-acre Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve in northern Marin County offers rolling hills blanketed in grassland and punctuated by oak woodlands. Set among expansive views that cross the North Bay hills, the preserve's highest terrain also rewards hikers with sweeping vistas that stretch out into San Pablo Bay.

On our springtime visit, we were rewarded with lush green meadows awash with wildflowers and even spotted a coyote moving through the fields, seemingly unfazed by our presence. We also spoke to several birdwatching enthusiasts who consider the park's varied habitats ideal for identifying feathered creatures of all sizes.
⬤ 4★ Eagle Rim Loop   5.0 mi loop, moderate, gain 1,260 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?
⬤ 4★ Middle Burdell Loop   3.4 mi loop, easy, gain 620 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions
 P  Free parking

We recommend two looping routes that showcase the preserve's character. The first is an easy three and a half mile loop that sticks to wide, easy trails and utilizes the Middle Burdell Fire Road to cut across the park. Expect open meadows and a forested section that passes Hidden Lake.

Our favorite route, however, is a 5-mile clockwise loop that reaches close to the crest of Mount Burdell's ridgeline on the Eagle Rim Trail and descends into a dramatic steep-sided gully on the Old Quarry Trail. Expect a couple of moderately steep sections with loose material, heading down this trail.

Plenty of free roadside parking is available along San Andreas Drive, close to the trailhead marked on our map. Please be mindful of posted signs and respect the privacy of nearby residential neighborhoods.

 MAP PACK  San Francisco  All the region's trails on our free download
A hiker wearing a red shirt, dark pants, black cap, and black backpack walks along a narrow dirt trail that cuts through a lush, green hillside. The surrounding landscape is dense with grass and leafy vegetation, with trees scattered throughout. The path winds gently downhill toward a wide valley, where a town or city nestles in the distance. Mountains rise beyond the settlement under a soft, overcast sky, adding depth and contrast to the tranquil, expansive view.
Descending the slopes of Old Quarry Trail.

A vibrant purple flower stands sharply in focus amid a sunlit grassy field, its delicate petals fanned open with clustered buds nearby. The flower’s slender green stem rises from a bed of blurred vegetation, creating a soft contrast between the crisp foreground and the hazy background of trees and foliage.
Springtime wildflowers, particularly on higher trails.

A coyote moves through a sunlit meadow, its tawny fur blending with the tall, dry grasses and scattered purple wildflowers that surround it. The animal’s posture is alert but unhurried as it strides across the open field. The terrain is gently rolling, and the field extends into a softly blurred background, giving a sense of depth and openness.
A coyote moves through the grassy meadow.

A hiker in a red shirt and dark pants walks along a narrow dirt trail that meanders through a gently sloping, green hillside. They carry a black backpack and wear a black cap, appearing to head toward a scenic overlook. The landscape is rich with grass, shrubs, and scattered trees, while distant mountains rise beneath a partly cloudy sky.
More grassy hillside meadows to hike through.

Tangents:
• Official: Marin County Parks
• AllTrails Public: Mount Burdell


Lassen Volcanic National Park
The park's Best Hikes include every type of volcano!
Best hiking trails and rail trails in California
Best Trails of California
See our favorite hiking trails for each region of California.

Trailspotting is non-commercial and ad-free.
Content provided without warranty of accuracy. Copyright © 2026 Stuart Green all rights reserved. About Trailspotting.com