This preserve west of Novato is accessed via trails originating from
the end of Vineyard Road, which cross lands owned by the North Marin
Water District. These trails ascend through shaded woodlands to reach
the ridge beside clusters of massive redwoods and fields of ferns.
After the long ascent, the rewards of this hilltop experience make
it hard to turn away and head back down to the civilized world. This
is one of the best preserves to visit during a summer heat wave as
the trails up the north facing slopes are cloaked in forests of oak,
bay, and madrone. The open places at the top are usually moist from
summer fog drip and caressed by cool west winds. Views along the way
stretch from the nearby Stafford Lake to the outline of Mount Saint
Helena at the edge of distant Lake County.
A great deal of trail improvement has taken place here over
the last few years. The old eroded farm road that cut up the ridge to the top
has been replaced by the meandering Big Trees Trail. The newly constructed
Ship’s mast trail offers a forested traverse through a quiet redwood grove near
the top. There are several options that produce interesting all day loop hikes,
and there is usually plenty of parking along Vineyard Road.
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Featured Species at this preserve:
Gray Hairstreak
Pileated Woodpecker
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Western Fence Lizard
Western Gray Squirrel
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