Taylor's Guidebook

Hikes

Kent Lake

Kent Lake is 1 mile away. Its a beautiful hike that takes you about 15- 20 minutes to walk to the top where you will arrive at a reservoir. You can chose to walk around the lake or you can circle back around to the other side and walk back to the car. Or back the way you came.

Kent Lake

Kent Lake is 1 mile away. Its a beautiful hike that takes you about 15- 20 minutes to walk to the top where you will arrive at a reservoir. You can chose to walk around the lake or you can circle back around to the other side and walk back to the car. Or back the way you came.

Barnabe Mountain

Mount Barnebe is the tallest peak in West Marin. You can park at Samuel P Taylor, about 2 miles from the home and walk to the top. When you reach the top you will be able to see the east bay and parts of San Francisco and all of west Marin in a beautiful panoramic setting. Start from the Camp Taylor parking lot; there’s an $8.00 parking fee. Cross the auto bridge and turn left. The road becomes the flat and easy Cross Marin Trail, which gives you a chance to get warmed up before the climbing begins. The pleasant dirt road is shaded by attractive second-growth redwoods and runs alongside Lagunitas Creek. Cars whiz by on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. The trail crosses Lagunitas Creek and Drake Blvd on a footbridge. Continue until you see a dirt road rising up to your left. Currently the road isn’t marked, but it’s Barnabe Fire Road. The fire road immediately begins a steep ascent. The woods open up as the redwoods give way to oaks, and you soon get the first view of the redwood-covered ridge across the valley. Typically for east-west valleys in this area, the north side of the San Geronimo Valley is covered with grass dotted with oaks and the south side is densely carpeted with redwoods. About half of the climb is shaded, but as you ascend but the trail gets increasingly sunny. Immediately after passing a prominent unofficial trail to the right, there’s a nice view of the little town of Lagunitas, enfolded in its redwood-lined valley. The climb becomes much easier after this point. Soon after, the trail breaks out of the woods and the really good views start.

Barnabe Mountain

Mount Barnebe is the tallest peak in West Marin. You can park at Samuel P Taylor, about 2 miles from the home and walk to the top. When you reach the top you will be able to see the east bay and parts of San Francisco and all of west Marin in a beautiful panoramic setting. Start from the Camp Taylor parking lot; there’s an $8.00 parking fee. Cross the auto bridge and turn left. The road becomes the flat and easy Cross Marin Trail, which gives you a chance to get warmed up before the climbing begins. The pleasant dirt road is shaded by attractive second-growth redwoods and runs alongside Lagunitas Creek. Cars whiz by on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. The trail crosses Lagunitas Creek and Drake Blvd on a footbridge. Continue until you see a dirt road rising up to your left. Currently the road isn’t marked, but it’s Barnabe Fire Road. The fire road immediately begins a steep ascent. The woods open up as the redwoods give way to oaks, and you soon get the first view of the redwood-covered ridge across the valley. Typically for east-west valleys in this area, the north side of the San Geronimo Valley is covered with grass dotted with oaks and the south side is densely carpeted with redwoods. About half of the climb is shaded, but as you ascend but the trail gets increasingly sunny. Immediately after passing a prominent unofficial trail to the right, there’s a nice view of the little town of Lagunitas, enfolded in its redwood-lined valley. The climb becomes much easier after this point. Soon after, the trail breaks out of the woods and the really good views start.

Alamere Falls

(40 minute drive from the AIrbnb) Explore this 13.7-mile out-and-back trail near Bolinas, California. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 49 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, birding, and camping, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.

18 locals recommend

Alamere Falls

18 locals recommend

(40 minute drive from the AIrbnb) Explore this 13.7-mile out-and-back trail near Bolinas, California. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 49 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, birding, and camping, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.

Coast Trail

Bass Lake (same parking lot as Alamere Falls) Experience this 6.2-mile out-and-back trail near Bolinas, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 36 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.

Coast Trail

Bass Lake (same parking lot as Alamere Falls) Experience this 6.2-mile out-and-back trail near Bolinas, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 36 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.

Olema Valley Trail

Get to know this 7.5-mile loop trail near Point Reyes Station, California. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 29 min to complete. This trail is great for birding, hiking, and running, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.

Olema Valley Trail

Get to know this 7.5-mile loop trail near Point Reyes Station, California. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 29 min to complete. This trail is great for birding, hiking, and running, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.

Cataract Falls

Drive into Fairfax, and go up Bolinas Rd to find the start of Cataract falls. Discover this 2.8-mile out-and-back trail near Stinson Beach, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 55 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash

17 locals recommend

Cataract Falls

Cataract Trail

17 locals recommend

Drive into Fairfax, and go up Bolinas Rd to find the start of Cataract falls. Discover this 2.8-mile out-and-back trail near Stinson Beach, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 55 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash

Alpine Lake

Check out this 4.0-mile out-and-back trail near Fairfax, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 14 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs welcome on Leash

Alpine Lake

Check out this 4.0-mile out-and-back trail near Fairfax, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 14 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs welcome on Leash

Chimney Rock

1.4 miles, 100 feet of elevation gain, moderate congestion, stunning Point Reyes vista Part of the Point Reyes National Seashore, this short hike out to Chimney Rock provides an unparalleled perspective on the beauty of Drake's Bay and the surrounding swath of Pacific Ocean. The Chimney Rock trail traverses the exposed, bluff-lined peninsula that forms the eastern section of Point Reyes to the tip, which has an overlook of the ocean, Drakes' Bay, and Chimney Rock. Despite the trail's name, Chimney Rock itself might be the least exciting feature of the hike; rather, views of the unique coastline and marine life, Point Reyes' lifeboat history, and spring wildflowers steal the show.

Chimney Rock

1.4 miles, 100 feet of elevation gain, moderate congestion, stunning Point Reyes vista Part of the Point Reyes National Seashore, this short hike out to Chimney Rock provides an unparalleled perspective on the beauty of Drake's Bay and the surrounding swath of Pacific Ocean. The Chimney Rock trail traverses the exposed, bluff-lined peninsula that forms the eastern section of Point Reyes to the tip, which has an overlook of the ocean, Drakes' Bay, and Chimney Rock. Despite the trail's name, Chimney Rock itself might be the least exciting feature of the hike; rather, views of the unique coastline and marine life, Point Reyes' lifeboat history, and spring wildflowers steal the show.

Coastal Trail

If panoramic ocean views are what you’re after, the section of the Coastal Trail running between Pantoll Station and West Ridgecrest Boulevard in Mount Tamalpais State Park might just be the perfect trail for you. Traversing approximately 2.5 miles along the upper flanks of Mount Tam’s western slopes, this breathtaking section of California's Coastal Trail is relatively flat, allowing you to focus your energy on the surrounding scenery rather than catching your breath. The trail can be approached from either direction, though a convenient parking area is located at Mount Tam's central Pantoll Station. Heading out from Pantoll, take the Matt Davis Trail west, which doubles as the Coastal Trail. The Matt Davis Trail splits off from the Coastal Trail at the 1.4-mile mark). The trail contours along expansive grassy hillsides interspersed with wooded ravines and offers continuous birds-eye vantage of the Marin Headlands, Stinson Beach, Bolinas Lagoon, and the great blue Pacific. At the split with the Matt Davis Trail, continue straight. About halfway along the route you’ll pass the rusting remains of a trailside car wreck where rattlesnakes are sometimes spotted (keep a watchful eye as you pass). Continue across a few more draws and follow the trail past Willow Camp Fire Road to link up with West Ridgecrest Boulevard. Once you reach the road, take the same trail back to where you parked. Try and time this hike on a clear fall or winter day to get the most of the spectacular views. Note: if parking near Pantoll Station is crowded, there is also an alternate access point located on the south side of Pantoll Road about a mile above Pantoll Station. The parking pullout is across the street from a connector trail (equally panoramic) that connects with the Coastal Trail.

Coastal Trail

If panoramic ocean views are what you’re after, the section of the Coastal Trail running between Pantoll Station and West Ridgecrest Boulevard in Mount Tamalpais State Park might just be the perfect trail for you. Traversing approximately 2.5 miles along the upper flanks of Mount Tam’s western slopes, this breathtaking section of California's Coastal Trail is relatively flat, allowing you to focus your energy on the surrounding scenery rather than catching your breath. The trail can be approached from either direction, though a convenient parking area is located at Mount Tam's central Pantoll Station. Heading out from Pantoll, take the Matt Davis Trail west, which doubles as the Coastal Trail. The Matt Davis Trail splits off from the Coastal Trail at the 1.4-mile mark). The trail contours along expansive grassy hillsides interspersed with wooded ravines and offers continuous birds-eye vantage of the Marin Headlands, Stinson Beach, Bolinas Lagoon, and the great blue Pacific. At the split with the Matt Davis Trail, continue straight. About halfway along the route you’ll pass the rusting remains of a trailside car wreck where rattlesnakes are sometimes spotted (keep a watchful eye as you pass). Continue across a few more draws and follow the trail past Willow Camp Fire Road to link up with West Ridgecrest Boulevard. Once you reach the road, take the same trail back to where you parked. Try and time this hike on a clear fall or winter day to get the most of the spectacular views. Note: if parking near Pantoll Station is crowded, there is also an alternate access point located on the south side of Pantoll Road about a mile above Pantoll Station. The parking pullout is across the street from a connector trail (equally panoramic) that connects with the Coastal Trail.

Rodeo Beach Coastal Trailhead

13.1 miles, 3,528 feet of elevation gain, high congestion, explores beaches, coves and rugged coastal bluffs This section of the Coastal Trail begins not too far from the Marin Mammals Center at Rodeo Beach, a unique sandscape made up of pebbly red and green chert grains. You'll quickly note the dilapidated military structures visible in the distance; in contrast to Rodeo Beach's Fort Barry and Fort Cronkhite, both of which serve as National Park Service facilities, all of the batteries and small gun emplacements on the ridge are empty and abandoned, their walls covered by graffiti.

Rodeo Beach Coastal Trailhead

11050 Mitchell Rd

13.1 miles, 3,528 feet of elevation gain, high congestion, explores beaches, coves and rugged coastal bluffs This section of the Coastal Trail begins not too far from the Marin Mammals Center at Rodeo Beach, a unique sandscape made up of pebbly red and green chert grains. You'll quickly note the dilapidated military structures visible in the distance; in contrast to Rodeo Beach's Fort Barry and Fort Cronkhite, both of which serve as National Park Service facilities, all of the batteries and small gun emplacements on the ridge are empty and abandoned, their walls covered by graffiti.

Loma Alta Preserve

5.7 miles, 1,177 feet of elevation gain, low congestion, solitude in Marin's hilltop interior. Park at the top of Whites Hill in between Fairfax and Woodacre. Views of San Francisco, East Bay, and West Marin. With no shortage of trails in Marin county, it's easy to overlook the Loma Alta Trail. Located just across from Big Rock Trail and off of the same parking lot, this hike is well worth exploring if you are searching for open space in the beautiful hills of Marin.

Loma Alta Preserve

Sunrise Fire Road

5.7 miles, 1,177 feet of elevation gain, low congestion, solitude in Marin's hilltop interior. Park at the top of Whites Hill in between Fairfax and Woodacre. Views of San Francisco, East Bay, and West Marin. With no shortage of trails in Marin county, it's easy to overlook the Loma Alta Trail. Located just across from Big Rock Trail and off of the same parking lot, this hike is well worth exploring if you are searching for open space in the beautiful hills of Marin.

Steep Ravine Trail

Aron Bosworth Mount Tamalpais State Park’s Steep Ravine Trail is a worthy hike by itself, but when you add the western stretch of the Dipsea Trail to make a loop out of the hike, this becomes one of Mount Tam’s most spectacular jaunts. The Steep Ravine Trail follows Webb Creek through a cascading canyon under a canopy of lush redwoods and fern-filled gullies. Pass over a handful of wooden bridges that crisscross the creek, and even scramble up a 10-foot ladder surmounting moss covered boulders. This shaded, verdant oasis feels like Land Before Time territory, and thoughts of urban hustle and bustle float away with the creek’s flow. On the the Dipsea Trail portion of the loop, hike the trail in a clockwise direction and you’ll emerge on Tam’s open western slopes with views to the ocean as far as the eye can see. Steep Ravine is magical on a rainy day, but choosing a clear fall or winter day will reward you with the stunning scenery from San Francisco north to Stinson Beach. If you line up your hike with a high pressure winter day, you may be lucky enough to catch the Farallon Islands twenty miles out to sea. While this loop can be initiated from either the Whitegate Ranch Trailhead on Panoramic Highway above Stinson Beach or from Pantoll Station, it’s recommended to start the hike from Whitegate Ranch. The parking here is free (Pantoll requires a $10 day use fee), and beginning here gets the uphill push out of the way early on. Regardless of direction, note that you will have take the Old Mine Trail to connect Steep Ravine Trail to the Dipsea Trail once you reach Pantoll Station. It’s a short connector trail that is well signed and one of the only ADA accessible trails in the park. Pantoll Station has restrooms and drinking water.

14 locals recommend

Steep Ravine Trail

14 locals recommend

Aron Bosworth Mount Tamalpais State Park’s Steep Ravine Trail is a worthy hike by itself, but when you add the western stretch of the Dipsea Trail to make a loop out of the hike, this becomes one of Mount Tam’s most spectacular jaunts. The Steep Ravine Trail follows Webb Creek through a cascading canyon under a canopy of lush redwoods and fern-filled gullies. Pass over a handful of wooden bridges that crisscross the creek, and even scramble up a 10-foot ladder surmounting moss covered boulders. This shaded, verdant oasis feels like Land Before Time territory, and thoughts of urban hustle and bustle float away with the creek’s flow. On the the Dipsea Trail portion of the loop, hike the trail in a clockwise direction and you’ll emerge on Tam’s open western slopes with views to the ocean as far as the eye can see. Steep Ravine is magical on a rainy day, but choosing a clear fall or winter day will reward you with the stunning scenery from San Francisco north to Stinson Beach. If you line up your hike with a high pressure winter day, you may be lucky enough to catch the Farallon Islands twenty miles out to sea. While this loop can be initiated from either the Whitegate Ranch Trailhead on Panoramic Highway above Stinson Beach or from Pantoll Station, it’s recommended to start the hike from Whitegate Ranch. The parking here is free (Pantoll requires a $10 day use fee), and beginning here gets the uphill push out of the way early on. Regardless of direction, note that you will have take the Old Mine Trail to connect Steep Ravine Trail to the Dipsea Trail once you reach Pantoll Station. It’s a short connector trail that is well signed and one of the only ADA accessible trails in the park. Pantoll Station has restrooms and drinking water.

Marin Headlands

Marin Headlands overlooks San Francisco and Marin County. Variety of different hikes to take once you park at the headlands.

194 locals recommend

Marin Headlands

194 locals recommend

Marin Headlands overlooks San Francisco and Marin County. Variety of different hikes to take once you park at the headlands.

Taylor's Guidebook

Food scene

Fradelizio's Ristorante

Amélie Café and Wine Bar

Good Earth Natural Foods

Fairfax Scoop

Más Masa

M & G Burgers & Beverages

The Hub

Giaco's Valley Roadhouse

Arti Indian Organic Natural Cafe

Woodacre Country Market & Deli

Splitrock Tap & Wheel

HenHouse Brewing Company West County Pub

Sorella Caffe

Village Sake - Japanese Pub

Sightseeing

Stinson Beach

Limantour Beach

Point Reyes Lighthouse

Point Reyes Station

Papermill Creek Saloon

Bolinas Ridge Trailhead

Mount Tamalpais

Hikes

Kent Lake

Barnabe Mountain

Alamere Falls

Coast Trail

Olema Valley Trail

Cataract Falls

Alpine Lake

Chimney Rock

Coastal Trail

Rodeo Beach Coastal Trailhead

Loma Alta Preserve

Steep Ravine Trail

Marin Headlands