Terra Linda / Sleepy Hollow Preserve

A horseshoe-shaped preserve on the ridges above Santa Margarita Valley

Rangers Recommend

1,172 acres surround several San Rafael residential communities.
On a clear day, see Mount Tamalpais and Big Rock Ridge from Terra Linda Ridge Fire Road.
Enjoy beautiful Eagle Rock Trail, with woodland views, footbridges, and scenic outlooks.
Cemetery Fire Road leads to historic Mt. Tamalpais Cemetery, established in 1880.
Stands of non-native blue gum eucalyptus date back to the 1870s.
Dogs are welcome. Dogs must be leashed on trail, and under voice command on fire roads, with leash readily available.
This preserve connects with Mission Pass Bike Path.

Naturalist Notes

Travel alongside coyote brush, valley oak, coast live oak, and California bay trees.
Find festive red toyon berries in December. Buckwheat flowers in summer.
Look up, raptors are common. Golden eagles have been spotted here.
The Springs Hill area (north of Terra Linda) has a scattering of exposed serpentine outcrops that support a variety of unusual plants.
Check out the iNaturalist field guide [External]. Add your own observations.

Activities

Bike

Dogs Voice Control

Dogs On Leash

Hike

Horseback Riding

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.

Several entry points available across Terra Linda's neighborhoods

Directions

Northwest access: From Hwy 101 in San Rafael, take the Lucas Valley Rd/Smith Ranch Rd exit west on Lucas Valley Rd. Trailhead is on the left across from Mt Muir Ct.

Northeast access: From Hwy 101 in San Rafael, take the Lucas Valley Rd/Smith Ranch Rd exit west on Lucas Valley Rd. MCOSD gate is on the left across from Mt Lassen Dr

South access: From Hwy 101 in San Rafael, take the Freitas Pkwy/Terra Linda exit west. MCOSD gate is at the end of Freitas Pkwy.

East access: From Hwy 101 in San Rafael, take the Freitas Pkwy/Terra Linda exit west, turn right onto Las Pavadas Ave (veers left and becomes Las Colindas Rd), and turn right onto Wintergreen Terrace. MCOSD gate is at the end.

West access: From Hwy 101 in San Rafael, take the Freitas Pkwy/Terra Linda exit west, turn right onto Las Pavadas Ave (veers left and becomes Las Colindas Rd), and turn right onto Wintergreen Terrace. MCOSD gate is at the end.

Parking

Street parking only. Please be respectful of local residents. Do not block streets, gates, or driveways.

Public Transit

You can also dial 511 to find out about transit options from your location.

Map

Enter your location

38.025161

-122.568951

All visitors must respect rules to keep the preserves safe and sustainable.

Tab 3 Content

ALL VISITORS

No smoking or fires.
Weapons and hunting prohibited.
Motorized vehicles prohibited. (Individuals with qualified disabilities may operate certain kinds of zero-emission mobility devices on some roads,multiuse trails, and certain other facilities.)
Everyone must yield the right-of-way to horses. Bikes must also yield to pedestrians.
No model airplanes, drones, or other self-propelled crafts.
Dispose of waste properly. Pack it out.
Permit required for commercial use and groups of more than 15 people.
All resources are protected. Do not follow, approach, or feed wildlife.

DOGS

Dogs may be off-leash on fire roads only if kept under voice control. Leash must always be readily available.
Dogs are allowed on signed trails and must be leashed. Leash must not exceed 6 feet in length.
Off-fire road and off-trail use prohibited.
Individuals accompanying dogs are required to clean up and remove pet waste.
A maximum of 3 dogs per person is permitted with exception granted through commercial use permit.

BIKES

Permitted on signed fire roads and trails designated for multiuse and hikers/bikes.
Off-fire road and off-trail use prohibited.
Speed limit is 15 mph or less. Must slow to 5 mph when passing others or around blind turns.
Electric bicycles are not permitted.

HORSES

Permitted on signed fire roads and trails designated for multiuse and hikers/horses.
Off-fire road and off-trail use prohibited except when watering or resting the horse.

In an emergency, call 911. To report an incident or suspicious activity, call the Ranger Field Office at 415-473-2816 or submit an Incident Report.

Visitors are responsible for knowing and obeying all Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD) regulations. Citations will be issued for violations. Read the official regulations: Marin County Municipal Code Appendix A.

Call 415-473-6387 for more information regarding allowable types and use of mobility devices for people with qualified disabilities.

The MCOSD is a special district pursuant to the California Public Resources Code. Marin County Parks oversees the management of the county parks system and provides public information on behalf of the MCOSD.