Out-and-back trails are fine, but the sense of completion from loops is matchless. Whether you live nearby or not, here are the best places throughout the county where you can easily park and hit the trails. Time to get loopy.
Bay View Trail to Shoreline Trail Loop near San Rafael
Great for hot days as the path is mostly shaded, this a moderately difficult 4-mile trail featuring loads of wildflowers and changing terrain to keep things interesting. You’ll also catch a few different water views.
Worn Springs Fire Road to Yolanda Trail Loop near San Anselmo
Get your fill of greenery as you hike this verdant loop trail that’s nearly 5 miles long. Popular and moderately difficult, you’ll encounter many hikers and runners here. Arrive early to nab a parking spot as the lot is small.
Deer Camp Fire Road, Old Quarry and Michako Loop in Novato
You’ll find some of the oldest and most stunning oak and bay trees in Marin along this 5.2 mile trail. Hikers will spot wildflowers as they walk through grasslands and forests and climb 1,558 feet to a summit from the Novato Valley. Bring Fido! Dogs are also able to use this trail.
Sky Trail/Bear Valley Loop in West Marin
Want a workout? You’ll get it on this butt-busting 10.5 mile loop that starts at the Bear Valley Visitor Center. The trail offers sweeping ocean views, an abundance of trees, birds and other wildlife as well as ample amounts of shade. Horses are also able to use this trail.
The 2020 Fitness Category was sponsored by Valley Memorial Park
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Kasia Pawlowska loves words. A native of Poland, Kasia moved to the States when she was seven. The San Francisco State University creative writing graduate went on to write for publications like the San Francisco Bay Guardian and KQED Arts among others prior to joining the Marin Magazine staff. Topics Kasia has covered include travel, trends, mushroom hunting, an award-winning series on social media addiction and loads of other random things. When she’s not busy blogging or researching and writing articles, she’s either at home writing postcards and reading or going to shows. Recently, Kasia has been trying to branch out and diversify, ie: use different emojis. Her quest for the perfect chip is never-ending.
