Loma Verde Preserve

Three hundred and twenty acres covering the northeast slope of Big Rock Ridge

Rangers Recommend

Loma Verde, Ignacio Valley, Pacheco Valle, and Indian Valley preserves form a contiguous band of undisturbed open space encompassing virtually the entire northern slope of eastern Big Rock Ridge.
All access routes are strenuous, but uncommon natural beauty, spectacular views, and top-of-the-world solitude make the climb worthwhile.
Marvel at unbroken expanses of rugged chaparral and woodland, earning the name "green hill" in Spanish.
Travel through to Pacheco Valle and public lands managed by Lucas Valley Homeowners Association and Marinwood Community Services District–3,000 total acres of rugged open space.
Dogs are welcome. Dogs must be leashed on trail, and under voice command on fire roads, with leash readily available.

Naturalist Notes

Deep, difficult to access canyons provide haven for wildlife.
Sandstone slopes and ridges favor the growth of madrone trees. In winter, cedar waxwings, band tailed pigeons, hermit thrushes, and American robins flock to feast on red madrone berries.
Look for California sister butterflies along the forest edge.
Western skinks and alligator lizards hunt among the leaf litter.
Check out the iNaturalist field guide [External]. Add your own observations.

Activities

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].

Three hundred and twenty wild acres in Novato

Directions

From Hwy 101 in Novato, take the Ignacio Blvd/Bel Marin Keys Blvd exit west on Ignacio Blvd approximately 0.5 miles. Turn left onto Fairway Dr, left at Alameda de La Loma, and turn right at Pebble Beach Dr. 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

38.064776

-122.550951

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.
Permit required for commercial use and groups of more than 15 people.
Dispose of waste properly. Pack it out.
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.