Nestled in Tiburon, Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve is a hidden gem for nature lovers and anyone chasing a great view. This 232-acre spot boasts some of the best panoramas you’ll find anywhere in Marin County. From its trails, you can catch world-class glimpses of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, Alcatraz, and the Marin Headlands.
The preserve’s family-friendly hiking trails won’t leave you exhausted but still deliver on scenery. Fire roads and walking paths meander across the landscape, so it’s easy to find your way, no matter your hiking experience. Grab a map at the entrance to plot your route through this slice of urban wilderness.
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When you swing by Old Saint Hilary’s, you get a perfect place for a quick hike, a peaceful picnic, or just some downtime in nature—without trekking far from the city. Its southern Marin location means you can fit a half-day adventure into a busy schedule and still soak up the natural beauty that makes this area so special.
Overview of Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve
Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve blends breathtaking San Francisco Bay views with a touch of history and plenty of natural charm. Hikers, nature buffs, and anyone needing a peaceful break will feel right at home here.
Location and Geography
Depending on the source, Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve covers between 122 and 232 acres on the Tiburon Peninsula in Marin County. Perched on a hillside, it delivers sweeping views of the city, the Golden Gate, Angel Island, Alcatraz, and more.
You’ll find multiple trailheads, but the Fishbits trailhead is a crowd favorite. Trails and fire roads weave through the area, and you don’t have to be a pro hiker to navigate them.
Open grasslands and rolling hills burst into bloom come spring. The contrast of wildflowers and city skyline is something you don’t see every day.
History and Significance
The preserve’s name comes from the historic white chapel nearby—Old St. Hilary’s—a Tiburon landmark with deep roots in local history.
There’s more to it than just pretty views. The land shelters rare plants and stands as a vital green space in an otherwise developed region. It’s a testament to Marin’s commitment to keeping natural habitats intact, even as the Bay Area grows.
Over the years, people have come to value this spot not just for its scenery, but for its role in the local ecosystem. It’s a real win for both conservation and culture.
Marin County Open Space District Management
The Marin County Open Space District cares for Old Saint Hilary’s as part of its network of protected lands. They keep the trails and fire roads in good shape and balance recreation with environmental protection.
Their main priorities:
- Safeguard native plants
- Keep trails open and accessible
- Protect those famous views
- Find a balance between fun and conservation
You’ll see maps posted by the district to help you get around. They make trip planning a whole lot easier.
The district’s approach leans on sustainable use—let folks enjoy the preserve while making sure it sticks around for future generations. Thanks to their work, this Tiburon treasure stays open to locals and visitors alike.
Planning Your Visit
A little planning goes a long way at Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve. The vistas are jaw-dropping, and the hiking is some of the best in the North Bay.
Getting to Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve
You’ll find Old Saint Hilary’s in Tiburon, a charming town in Marin. From San Francisco, just drive over the Golden Gate, hop on Highway 101 north, and take the Tiburon exit. Barring traffic, it’s about a half-hour trip.
Public transit works too. You can catch the Blue and Gold Fleet ferry from San Francisco to Tiburon, then either walk or grab a short taxi ride to the preserve.
Parking’s a bit of a headache on weekends. There’s limited street parking near the Fishbits trailhead. You might want to park downtown and walk up—plan for a 15-20 minute uphill stroll.
Best Times to Visit
Spring (March through May) is hands-down the best season—wildflowers, including the endangered Tiburon mariposa lily, put on a show you won’t see anywhere else.
Mornings offer the clearest views, while late afternoons bring that golden light photographers crave. Weekdays? Much quieter than weekends.
Summer mornings can be foggy, but the haze usually lifts by midday. Fall brings warm, clear days—great for soaking in the sights of San Francisco and the bridge.
Winter (December through February) is quieter. You get green hills and peaceful trails, but watch out for mud after rain.
Park Rules and Regulations
The preserve is open sunrise to sunset, every day. Entry’s free—always a plus.
Keep dogs leashed to protect those rare plants. Bring bags and clean up after your pup.
Not allowed:
- Smoking or open flames
- Picking plants or disturbing wildlife
- Motorized vehicles
- Biking on narrow trails
- Camping or overnighting
Stick to marked trails to keep the fragile ecosystem safe. During fire season (usually June-October), some trails may close on high-risk days, so check the Marin County Parks website before you go.
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Trails and Hiking Experiences
Old Saint Hilary’s has trails for everyone. The paths wind through wildflower fields and offer knockout views of the Bay Area.
Loop Trail Highlights
The Heathcliff Fire Road Loop is the go-to trail here. It’s about a mile long, easy to moderate, and the views are top-notch—San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate, Angel Island, and the headlands.
Perfect for families or casual hikers, especially in spring when wildflowers cover the hills. Plan on 30-45 minutes at a relaxed pace. The path is mostly flat, with a few gentle hills. Mornings usually mean clearer views before fog drifts in.
Paved Trails and Accessibility
Some paved sections make the preserve accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. The main entrance has a paved path stretching about a quarter-mile in.
What you get:
- Smooth, steady surfaces
- Gentle grades for easy rolling
- Access to viewpoints over Tiburon and the bay
- Benches at scenic spots—perfect for a breather
Winter and spring are the most comfortable for these paved areas. Summer can get pretty hot, and there’s not much shade.
Scenic Hiking Routes
Smaller trails branch off from the main loop. Head east for sweeping views of San Pablo Bay and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. It’s steeper, but you’ll have the place mostly to yourself.
The southern trail links to Tiburon neighborhoods and brings you close to the iconic white St. Hilary Church—a handy landmark and a cool photo op.
Photographers, don’t miss the northwestern ridge at sunset. The golden hour here is unreal, with Angel Island and San Francisco glowing in the light.
Top scenic spots:
- Northwestern ridge for sunsets
- Eastern hillside for wildflowers (March-May)
- Southern viewpoint for church and town scenes
Trail Safety and Etiquette
Weather can turn quick—windy hillsides and surprise fog are common. Bring layers, even if the sky looks clear.
Always stay on marked trails. The rare wildflowers here depend on it.
Parking’s tight near trailheads. Walking from downtown Tiburon or using rideshares can save you some hassle. No water fountains or restrooms in the preserve, so plan ahead.
Dogs? Always on leash. Pack out your trash and give wildlife plenty of space. Early mornings are best for spotting hawks and other birds.
Scenic Views and Natural Beauty
The panoramas at Old Saint Hilary’s are something else. The scenery shifts with the seasons, weather, and even the time of day.
360 Degree Views
Climb to the higher spots and you’ll get 360-degree views that really make the hike worth it. Heathcliff Fire Road is your best bet for those sweeping vistas.
On a clear day, you can spot the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge to the north, all the way down to the San Francisco peninsula. Look east over San Pablo Bay, west to the Marin Headlands.
Sunsets here? Absolutely stunning. Mornings, though, are usually the clearest—less fog to block your view.
Iconic Landmarks and San Francisco Bay
You’ll have front-row seats to San Francisco’s skyline. The city’s towers rise above the bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge is right there, sometimes draped in fog for that classic postcard look. Angel Island and Alcatraz seem to float on the water, with boats tracing white lines behind them.
Down below, Tiburon’s waterfront homes and docks dot the shoreline. From up high, you really get a sense of the bay’s patchwork of islands, peninsulas, and waterways.
If you’re into birdwatching or just like details, bring binoculars—you might catch ships slipping under the bridge.
Wildflowers and Native Flora
The preserve is home to wildflowers you won’t find anywhere else. Thanks to the serpentine soil, all sorts of rare plants thrive here.
Spring is the main event, with endangered Tiburon mariposa lilies and Tiburon jewelflowers popping up. Keep an eye out for:
- Yellow goldfields blanketing the hills
- Purple owl’s clover in clusters
- Blue-eyed grass along the trails
- California poppies bringing bursts of orange
Peak wildflower season is April, but blooms start as early as February and linger into June. Even in the dry months, the golden grasses against the blue bay look incredible.
These native plants have adapted to some pretty tough soil—nature’s resilience at its best.
Connecting Nearby Destinations
Old Saint Hilary’s makes a great jumping-off point for exploring more of Marin County. Well-kept routes link this preserve to other local favorites.
Access from Mill Valley
Driving from Mill Valley takes about 15-20 minutes. Hop on Highway 101 North, exit at Tiburon Boulevard/CA-131, and head east for about 3 miles until you hit Lyford Drive.
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Cyclists can take the Mill Valley-Tiburon bike path—a scenic route that follows old rail lines and serves up bay views most of the way. It connects to Tiburon Boulevard, and from there you’re close to the preserve.
If you’re using public transit, Golden Gate Transit bus #219 runs between Mill Valley and Tiburon. Get off at the Lyford Drive stop and expect a quick, uphill walk—about 10 minutes—to the entrance.
Routes to Paradise Drive
Paradise Drive loops around the Tiburon Peninsula’s eastern shore, offering a scenic route that’s hard to beat. If you’re coming from Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve, just head east on Vistazo West Street to Esperanza Street, then hang a right onto Paradise Drive.
You’ll cruise about 9 miles along the bayfront, with a handful of little pullouts where you can pause and soak up the waterfront views of San Pablo Bay. On weekdays, traffic’s light—cyclists love it for a reason.
There’s a solid connection for hikers, too. The Tiburon Ridge Trail, a moderate 2.5-mile path, starts at the preserve and winds through native grasslands, eventually popping out near Paradise Drive and San Pablo Bay.
You’ll spot small beaches and fishing spots along the way—perfect for a break or just a quiet moment by the water. Keep an eye out for Paradise Beach County Park, a hidden gem with picnic tables and easy shoreline access.
Other Parks and Open Spaces in Marin County
Marin County’s got 39 parks and 34 open space preserves, covering a whopping 18,500 acres. Each one’s got its own quirks and scenery, so there’s always something new to check out.
Ring Mountain
Ring Mountain sits on the Tiburon Peninsula and gives you some of the best 360-degree Bay views around. This 367-acre spot is famous for rare wildflowers and some pretty wild geology.
Serpentine rock dominates the landscape, creating just the right conditions for plants like the Tiburon mariposa lily—honestly, you won’t see it anywhere else on earth. Come spring, wildflowers explode across the hillsides.
Trails crisscross the preserve, from easy strolls to moderate climbs. The main one leads right up to the summit at 602 feet, and the views up there? Worth every step.
You’ll stumble across Native American petroglyphs carved into rocks—reminders that the Miwok people lived here for thousands of years before anyone else showed up.
Bothin Marsh Open Space Preserve
Bothin Marsh covers 106 acres along Richardson Bay in Mill Valley. The trails are flat and easy, making this a great pick for families or anyone just starting out.
The 2-mile Mill Valley-Sausalito Path cuts right through the marsh, so it’s a breeze for walkers, joggers, and bikers. You get sweet views of Mount Tamalpais and San Francisco along the way.
Birdwatchers, bring your binoculars. Egrets, herons, and ducks love these shallow waters. The place is a key pitstop for migratory birds and all sorts of wildlife.
Tides change the look of the marsh constantly. On king tide days, some trail sections flood—so maybe peek at the tide tables before you head out.
Deer Island Open Space Preserve
Despite the name, Deer Island’s not really an island—it’s a 154-acre hill surrounded by wetlands near Novato. The 2-mile loop trail here is peaceful, winding through oak woods and open grasslands.
The main trail climbs gently to the summit at 263 feet. Up top, you’ll catch views of Mount Burdell, Big Rock Ridge, and San Pablo Bay.
This preserve’s a safe haven for deer, rabbits, and all kinds of birds. If you want to spot wildlife, try coming at dawn or dusk.
Oaks provide plenty of shade—something you’ll appreciate in the summer. In spring, wildflowers blanket the meadows with color.
Indian Valley Open Space Preserve
Indian Valley sprawls across 558 acres near the College of Marin’s Novato campus. This diverse preserve mixes oak woodlands, grassy fields, and shady riparian corridors.
The 3-mile Indian Valley Fire Road is the main drag, with a bunch of narrower trails branching off. Walking alongside Indian Valley Creek is especially nice, especially after winter rains when everything’s lush.
The creek runs year-round, keeping willows, bay laurels, and wildlife happy. Look up for red-tailed hawks, and keep an eye on the meadows for deer.
You can link up with Pacheco Valle Preserve for longer hikes. Trails range from easy to moderate, and a few steeper sections reward you with solid valley views.
Camino Alto Open Space
Camino Alto covers 170 acres between Mill Valley and Corte Madera, packed with shaded trails that’ll save you on hot days.
The main 3-mile fire road climbs through oak and bay forests. Hikers and mountain bikers share the space, so keep your head up around corners.
Come winter, mushrooms pop up all over the forest floor. Spring brings wildflowers to the sunny patches along the trail.
From the higher spots, you can peek through the trees and catch glimpses of Mount Tamalpais or the Bay. There’s a connection to Horse Hill Preserve if you’re in the mood to wander farther.
Exploring Regional Attractions
If you’re at Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve, you’re in a great spot to check out other nearby gems. The Bay Area’s packed with outdoor hangouts and a bit of history, too.
San Francisco and the Bay Area
From Old Saint Hilary’s, you get killer views of San Francisco and the Bay—makes you want to see more, right?
San Francisco’s just a short ferry ride from Tiburon. The ride itself is worth it for the views of the bay, Angel Island, and the city skyline. Once you’re there, you can wander through Golden Gate Park, grab some chowder at Fisherman’s Wharf, or just gawk at the Golden Gate Bridge.
The North Bay around Marin County is loaded with parks. Angel Island State Park has hiking trails with views that’ll make you stop and stare. Muir Woods National Monument lets you stroll among ancient redwood trees.
Both are less than half an hour from Old Saint Hilary’s.
Tennessee Valley Trail and Rodeo Beach
The Tennessee Valley Trail is one of Marin County’s most popular hiking paths. It’s an easy 3.4-mile round trip leading to a secluded beach—nothing too strenuous, just a pleasant walk.
The trail winds through a valley, with rolling hills flanking you on both sides. You might spot native plants, maybe even a deer or a rabbit if luck’s on your side. The path stays mostly flat, so families and casual hikers tend to love it.
At the end, there’s a peaceful beach with some pretty wild rock formations. Feels like you stumbled onto a secret spot.
Not far off, Rodeo Beach waits with its strange, colorful pebbles—no regular sand here. Surfers show up, and so do families. The headlands around the beach have short trails, dramatic ocean views, and a few old military structures if you’re in the mood to poke around.
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