Bolinas Ridge Trail

Looking to have a wild time out west? Leash up your four-legged mountaineers and head out to Bolinas Ridge for a scenic adventure that they will never forget! The Bolinas Ridge Trail is a moderate 11-mile trail that showcases the spectacular and varied landscape of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Your trek will begin east of Olema Valley at the trailhead in Samuel Taylor Park. Make sure you have plenty of provisions for your journey before you set out. 

The first portion of the route is in full sun, so it is advised that furless pack members wear sunblock! About 1.2 miles in, you will come to a section with a gate and a path that winds around the gate to the left. Go through the gate -- the deceptive path will lead you to a cow pasture! This section of trail boasts furrific visuals of Tomales Bay and lovely rolling hills. As your pack nears the peak of Bolinas Ridge, they will be greeted with the magnificent views of the San Andreas Rift Zone, Olema Valley, and Bolinas Lagoon. Take some time to kick up your paws and enjoy the pawesome scenery!

As you paw on, the terrain will once again change from coastal rangeland to a sprawling old-growth redwood forest. This change will be welcome since, up until this point, your pack has had no relief from the sun! The landscape will change once more as you near the end of your walk, this time to dense desert shrubbery that evolved to withstand the brutal (and very dry) Californian summers. 

The paw path comes to an end at the Alpine Road trailhead on Mount Tamalpais, but no need to break out the puppy dog eyes just yet! This the best viewpoint along the trail, offering a birds-eye view all the way to the Pacific Ocean! Bolinas Ridge Trail is open year-round, so there is no reason why your pooch can't become a regular! Grrreat times are in store for your pack at Bolinas Ridge!