These preserves occupy the ridgelands between Corte Madera on the
north and Mill Valley to the south.
The southern half of the Alto Bowl Preserve is known as “Horse Hill”
and is leased for horse pasturing by the Alto Bowl Horseowners Association.
The sight of horses grazing peacefully on this grassy hillside has
been a landmark for decades. Slated for development in the 1980s,
a large measure of the credit for its preservation goes to the horse
owners, their supporters, and the City of Mill Valley. Dedicated volunteers
have restored many acres of this preserve’s native habitats by waging
an ongoing battle against French broom and other invasive, exotic
plants. The Bob Middagh Trail connects the Alto Bowl preserve with
the Camino Alto Preserve to the west.
The Camino Alto Preserve contains a variety of habitats
within its 225 acres, including grasslands, bay/oak woodlands, and
redwood/Douglas fir forests. The fire roads in this preserve are popular with
hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians, offering several relatively level routes
along a spectacular ridge with outstanding views of San Francisco and Mount
Tamalpais. The Middle Summit Fire Road rises steeply in the northern section of
the preserve to connect with the Blithedale Summit Open Space Preserve, and to
points beyond.
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Featured Species at this preserve:
West Coast Lady
Song Sparrow
Bush Monkeyflower
Dwarf Checker-mallow
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