I had forgotten how lovely this hike is. As we had some recent rain, there is still a creek flowing. However I think I would have to rename Dawn Falls to Dawn trickle. Although I don't own a dog, it was nice to see that this was a dog friendly trail. The head of the trail is in the depth of a forested, beautiful neighborhood. Parking can be challenging, but being a weekday we lucked out. We ended up doing a 5 mile out and back with maybe 500 feet of climbing. If we had more time, we would've continued up to King Mountain. Between the redwood trees, the creek the beautiful rocks and ferns the entire hike was delightful. read more

See all

This is such a lovely trail in the heart of downtown Larkspur. But be aware they only have street parking, and it fills up pretty quickly on weekends. I love hiking here because the trail is easy and beautiful, and we can have our dog join us. People should have their dogs on leash, but unfortunately, we've encountered folks who flout that rule. Oh well! The scenery is beautiful, and the trail is less busy than other local comparable destinations. The bridges and redwoods make Baltimore Canyon a nature lover's paradise. There's just so much beauty to take in. I recommend coming in the late morning to early afternoon on a weekday when parking is still available, and the trail is sparsely traveled. read more

Baltimore Canyon - Matilda enjoying the views. - Hiking Near Me - Larkspur, California

You don't have to go all the way to Muir Woods to be surrounded by Redwood Trees, you can just walk from downtown Larkspur. This is a good place to hike when it's really hot outside because it's so canopied. There are entrances at the end of Madrone Street or Piedmont Street. For both of them it's better to park at the beginning of the street and walk in since Madrone has limited space and Piedmont there isn't any at the end point close to the trail. Depending on what you want to do, Baltimore Canyon has level trails if you walk to Dawn Falls and back or there are some trails with incline like the Barbara Springs Trail which takes you to the Southern Marin Fire road which you can loop around. There are also trails all the way to Mt. Tam for something much longer. It's best to look on a hiking App like AllTrails to figure out where to go. Downtown Larkspur is down the street so it's a good place to get drinks or dinner after the hike. read more

See all

When I used to dog-sit dear Bulu (RIP) two or three times a year, I always enjoyed bringing her up here. She enjoyed it even more than I did, especially when she almost dislocated my shoulder a few times because Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a very strong prey instinct--at least Bulu did--and I am very good at holding onto a leash at all costs. On your way to the trail proper, there are redwoods, all kinds of weird bridges, people's backyards that often fall into a ravine, and wonderful houses and structures and just charming junk. Janis Joplin had a house near here, although she tragically never really got to move in. I can't decide what time of day is my favorite, although there's a serene quietness whenever you go. If a loud car happens to be chugging up the road, the canyon's walls really amplify the sound, but once it's gone, that quiet returns and seems even stronger. It's never really silent, because there are always birds and other creatures doing their daily chores, and you can hear your own footsteps and those of people approaching from an eighth of a mile down the path. I've never seen any, but I'm sure there are plenty of coyotes around, and probably the odd mountain lion or two. For this reason, you should always bring a stick or other handy beating-back implement. I never felt the need because I always had Bulu tethered to my wrist. What a good girl! read more

Nestled deep in downtown Larkspur, Baltimore Canyon offers something for everyone (runner, walkers, dog-owners, etc.). Although steep in parts, this isn't the most challenging of trails. Everything is well paved. Even a hiking novice will feel comfortable here. If you come here in the morning, you'll be rewarded with fresh air, friendly wildlife (birds, squirrels, and more), flowing cascades, and and other hidden nature surprises. When you trek through this breathtaking Redwood forest, you can't help but feel like you're a Hobbit traversing Middle Earth. Or, at the very least, you feel like you're on your way to the Ewok Village. Word to the wise - parking is very limited. It's best to park on the neighborhood streets a few blocks away. I always just park on Magnolia Street near Perry's Restaurant and Equator Coffee. From there, it's just a 15-minute stroll to the trailhead. After your hike, I'd recommend doing a picnic in Dolliver Park on Madrone Ave. They have plenty of tables, a playground for kids, and a public restroom (though I'm not sure it's open right now during this Corona Climate). As much as I love Muir Woods, Baltimore Canyon is truly my go-to choice for a wonderful walk in the woods with friends and my pooch. I hope you have the chance to experience it for yourself. read more

See all

If you want tall trees And prefer cool to the heat, Larkspur has the place. Baltimore Canyon, Cool place, in more than one way -- Where's the canyon walls? Go down a staircase, Cross a bridge over a creek. Look at that, it's flat! Dawn Falls is one mile. Fire road up a steep, steep trail. From there, it's endless. I have an idea: Photo ops for kids or spouse. (if they like rustic) Larkspur's hidden gem Gets a Yelp five-star rating, Even in haiku. read more

Frank Sinatra's vagabond shoes were longing to stray through the heart of New York. Mine are too, but since I'm in Marin right now, my vagabond shoes are straying through the heart of Baltimore Canyon, my kind of trail: * Dogs allowed (on leash; often patrolled, so man that leash!); * Shaded by trees; * Beside water (not in summer): and * Nice n' easy with options to make it more difficult (head up the Ladybug Trail or all the way to the end, where the Dawn Falls Trail meets up with the service road and numerous other trails). If you can figure out where you are and where you're going, you can do a great big loop back off the trails through downtown Larkspur and grab a cappuccino and pastry at Emporio Rulli. It'll cancel out the good you've done yourself with that hike, but your day will be that much better for the experience. Baltimore Canyon is the hike I do when I want to stay cool, start easy, go up some moderate hills, and walk/hike for around 1.75- 2 hours. I start in the Canyon, veer off on the Ladbybug Trail, catch those drop dead Mount Tam views from the trail at the top, then loop around back to my car. No retreads, and I still have energy to do what needs to be done the rest of the day. If you're lucky, you might even see some baby owls in the canyon trees in the middle of the day! It might not be Manhattan, but it's unique, special, and worth a visit. What are you waiting for? read more

Perfect [mostly] shady trail for sunny days when you want to hike, but don't want to burn. I jogged downhills and shady areas, walked uphills and most sunny areas. Off of Magnolia in Larkspur, turn onto Madrone (only 1 way to turn) and go all the way down. Park within the established white parking spaces. There are 5 all the way at the end, and a few scattered further upward the road. I parked right where I wanted to be and jogged down. A couple really cute, typical Marin trail bridges, but surrounded by gorgeously tall redwoods. If you go during the winter/spring, you'll jog along the rustling Larkspur creek, which dries up during the summer/fall months. I took the main trail to the Lady Bug trail, then to the King's Mountain trail, which is a loop. Along the way, I passed a few other walkers, a couple joggers, a gorgeous man with two little dogs (must be wifed up), and an unexpected pretty stellar view of the North Bay toward the Richmond Bridge. Took me about 90 minutes RT. The King Mtn trail looped me back to almost where I started and I knew the way back from there. This is a go to for trail runners and someone who just wants to enjoy a peaceful walk. You never quite feel as insignificantly special as you do surrounded by luscious greenery that existed long before you, and will long survive you. read more

Baltimore Canyon - Great Mt. Tam views - Hiking Near Me - Larkspur, California

See all

Whoa-kay! My first time here was a bit of a lark, an impulse. Now, I've done my research, and I'm better informed. There's more than one access point. The one marked here, on Yelp, Madrone Rd., is not the main access point. In fact, I'd say, probably not the preferred access point as a first time visitor. Crown Road, while still street only parking, has much more parking available and just makes more sense as a general purpose launching point. There's a good trail map for hikers to review before setting off and plenty of trails to choose from along the way. Sir Francis Drake is the major street closest to this access point. If you use Waze, it'll likely take you to the Crown Rd access point if you just type in Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve with no other specifications. I can't wait to check out other access points as I get more familiar with this great preserve. read more

Baltimore Canyon is a wooded, fern covered vista. The first part of the hike is through a real low, wooded area full of man made switch backs pretty much until you get to the first plateau. Once you reach your first destination you get a pretty clear view of East bay- on a real clear day you can see part of the city. If the first stint hasn't got you out of breath you can hike up higher which is about another 5 miles. From that point you can see all over the bay and the views are breathtaking. Although this hike used to have small waterfalls and streams, the last time I went they were pretty dry. I would consider this a moderate to easy hike and the first stint is probably five miles round trip. Great for a Sunday afternoon! read more

Baltimore Canyon - Mid-way view from the top - Hiking Near Me - Larkspur, California

See all

So if you go and you want to drive from Magnolia then drive up madrone Drive to the end there is almost no parking I parked at the intersection of magnolia and madrone at small park where there was bathrooms and enjoyed the small hike up to the end of madrone . If you like large redwood trees and ferns this hike is for you ... read more

Three cheers for dog-friendly hikes! Most parks in the bay area are open to the idea of dogs, but almost never on the trails. Completely defeats the purpose of being out in nature if I can't bring my hike-loving 4-legger with me! Baltimore Canyon is a great place for a novice hiker. Some of the trails are on the steeper side, but there were a ton of trail runners taking em on and it stays mostly shaded thanks to all the tall trees. For a good bit of the hike you've got a stream running alongside you, which made mutts day. As you progress you'll run into dawn falls, a small waterfall. Note: when you get close to the end of the road start looking for legal parking (many spots available as the area is pretty residential), you probably won't luck into the 5 available spots at the entrance to the canyon where the trail begins so save yourself the turn around. read more

Awesome hidden gem! Dog friendly and highly recommended. Very limited parking but you can park in the surrounding nearby neighborhood with a short pretty walk in. Be sure to park only in designated parking spots, try to cram in a spot and you'll get a ticket. My only grip are the careless dog hikers! As a dog owner who brought my dog leashed, I saw a ton of dogs off leash which is very inconsiderate to other hikers and dog owners. Also saw a few doggy poop bags left on the trail. These are not biodegradable! These are the reasons why they stop allowing dogs on trials SO BE A RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER!!! * Rant over, enjoy this great place! :) read more

See all

This place is about maybe 45 mins or less (without traffic) from the BUSY Golden Gate Bridge. Once you come here you'll notice how peaceful it is. There is a little bit of parking problem, you have to park on the street and theres not much space. If you get lucky and park near, that would be awesome. But if you need to hike up thats also good. This place is really worth the hike or run. So beautiful, theres a waterfall and bridges. The whole surrounding is so clean and pretty. TIP: Dogs allowed (on leash) read more

My favorite spot in Marin for a beautiful walk. I drive up to Crown Road and park there and then walk for as little or as long as I like. Beautiful scenery, fresh air and lots of cute dogs! I try to get up there at least once a week and my favorite time of year is winter because it smells so fresh and clean and if it's been raining there are plenty of mini-falls to check out. read more

I came here by accident, but I'm glad I did. The view is absolutely breathtaking.

Wonderful place to take a hike. When we actually have water there's a beautiful stream and waterfall. The trail has a gentle incline until just before the waterfall. Very dog friendly though some people leave their dogs off leash. Parking here can be rough as the road is small and in a residential neighborhood. Get here early to find a good parking spot and don't park illegally. You will be towed. read more

I think I'm getting jaded by hikes that involve trees. Hahaha. I say that because it all begins to look the same to me. Once you're in the forest, it all looks the same, no matter where I am, be it here, or Hawaii. Anyway, that's my problem! From a previous review, I read about the 5 parking spots at the end, so when we reached that point, we turned around and took a parking space not far away. We got lucky! I love that you can bring dogs here! There were so many owners and their dogs on the walk! Most of the path is shaded. The path is pretty straight forward. It was only going down that there was loose dirt and the possibility of slippage. The waterfall was unimpressive...more like a trickle, but it's summer, so I didn't expect much. We saw a view of the Bay from far far away. I wish we had gone further, but we only hiked for 2.5 hours! Maybe that explains for the somewhat lack-luster scenery....or, again, I'm jaded! NOOOOOO!!!! read more