Lucas Valley Preserve
An expansive south-facing slope rising above a historic Marin valley
Rangers Recommend
- Big Rock Trail, part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, begins at the crest of Lucas Valley Road and eases its way up to Big Rock Ridge Fire Road.
- See spectacular views from Mount Burdell to the Golden Gate. At 1895 feet the summit is the second highest in Marin, surpassed only by Mount Tam.
- Incredibly steep Luiz Fire Road offers a strenuous alternate route between the valley floor and the ridge.
- Film director George Lucas donated 800 acres to help create the 1271-acre preserve. The name Lucas Valley dates back to an early settler–John Lucas, who lived here in the mid-1800s on a 7600-acre ranch.
- Dogs are welcome. Dogs must be leashed on trail, and under voice command on fire roads, with leash readily available.
Naturalist Notes
- Look up while walking along the ridge; golden eagles ride the updrafts.
- Raptors including red-tailed hawks and northern harriers hunt along the ridge. Carrion-feeding turkey vultures also thrive here.
- Poppies, monkeyflower, and babystars bloom in spring, especially after a rainy winter.
- Sparse roads and trails make this an ideal place for shy wildlife that prefer solitude and wilderness, including bobcats.
- Check out the iNaturalist field guide [External]. Add your own observations.
Activities
Know Before You Go
- Stay on roads and trails to preserve sensitive ecosystems and to avoid trespassing on private property.
- Be courteous and safety conscious when sharing roads and trails. Go slow and say hello [External].
- Dress appropriately for the weather. Trails can be muddy during rainy season.
- Bring water.
- There are no restrooms at this location.
- Steer clear of poison oak.
- After an outing, check for ticks.
Preserve Map
Download Preserve Map
Hours
Open 24 hours
Related Info
Calendar
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