Loma Alta

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. As soon as you leave the entrance gate you will make your way uphill for about a mile before the ocean and bay area view starts to appear in the distance. At the first junction you can either go straight up to the top or you can take the trail that heads to the west. This trail will take you to the other side of the hill. Unfortunately, there is usually a lot of cow traffic on this side, which means you should step carefully. Continuing on this trail will take you to another junction that will connect to Gunshot Fire Trail and continue onto the Loma Alta Open Space Preserve, or you can continue on the same trail that will take you back to the first junction. In the summer the trail can get pretty hot, and there is very little shade to be found. Try to leave early or later in the afternoon when the temperature is mild. Note that there is legal deer hunting on the neighboring private lands from August through September.