Baltimore Canyon/Blithedale Summit

Marin County Open Space Preserve, Kentfield           INFO                MAP

Southern Marin Line Fire Road AG - B, ***; 1+ mile; Rainy weather yes
From the top of Crown Road. This is not the trail that has a view of a waterfall; that one, the Dawn Falls Trail, crosses this trail at about 0.1 mile, and is unfortunately a steep single-track footpath. But this fire road offers a fine, almost level amble in and out of pretty mixed woods including second growth redwoods, with wildflowers and pretty roadside streams in season, plus views out over Marin's very best neighborhoods to San Francisco Bay.

The drive to the trailhead is steep and winding, which may be why we didn't encounter much trail traffic on a sunny spring weekday. But if more than a few people came to this trailhead, there wouldn't be enough parking.

The fine gravel surface is smooth and hard, and there's very little slope in the first mile or so. The trail is sunny at the start, but much is shaded. No benches are provided, and there's not much available to sit on.

It may be possible to go for miles via a connector to the Blithedale Ridge Fire Road and other trails, though many look to be steep.

Details: No toilets, no fees. Dogs, bikes and horses permitted. The trailhead is at the south end of Crown Road in Kentfield. Last visit Summer 2009.