Terra Linda Sleepy Hollow Open Space

For a great, dog-friendly hike with off-leash opportunities, check out the trails at Terra Linda Sleepy Hollow Open Space! This 1,172-acre preserve has numerous single track trails and non-motorized roads that sprawl across beautiful rolling hills and wind through stands of oak trees and open grasslands. 

 
To find this moderately trafficked gem, you don’t even have to travel far from the city – just head to the end of Manuel T. Freitas Parkway in the Terra Linda neighborhood. Parking in this residential area is free, but be mindful of residents as you choose your spot. You’ll see a large Open Space District gate at the end of the road. Upon entering the gate, you and Fido will be on the Mission Pass Path – continue on this wide, paved trail until you come to an intersection. Turn right onto the Terra Linda Ridge Fire Road. This road is closed to motorists and will take you right into the preserve.

You and Fido can hike along the Terra Linda Ridge Fire Road for roughly 1.77 miles before it dead ends. Along the way, you’ll have some spectacular panoramas of the Santa Margarita Valley and have the option of hopping on several spur trails and dirt roads for different scenery and distances.

The Luiz Ranch Fire Road that branches .74-miles off the main road will take you through another beautiful area that abuts a private ranch. To explore the southern end of the property, take a 1.66-mile out-and-back walk down the Ridgewood Fire Road. There are also several single tracks that offshoot these fire roads.

Dogs are allowed off-leash on the Marin County Open Space District fire roads that intertwine throughout this preserve, so the area is understandably popular with pups and people. Be sure your dog obeys voice commands and clean up after them. Pooches must be leashed on the single track trails.

With peaceful scenery and so many trail options, you and Fido will have a blast exploring the trails of the Terra Linda Sleepy Hollow Open Space!