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Baltimore Canyon Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 143 Google reviews · Running trail in Kentfield, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 1.3 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Baltimore Canyon Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
193-acre park with trails through forests with large trees, a creek & waterfall, plus scenic views.
What runners say about Baltimore Canyon Preserve
“The waterfall was pretty unimpressive with just a little bit of water, but the landscape is gorgeous with beautiful old trees and views up on the fire road.”
“The Southern Marin Line Fire Road runs for several miles from Crown Road, nearly level the entire length, for an easy walk.”
“Best dog walking patch in Northern CA, tons of shade, well maintained.”
Lower Mt Tam trails are great for shaded hiking with less steep terrain. Fire roads allow mtn biking and dogs off leash. Find a trail head and start exploring. Always enjoy visiting equator coffee and/or urban remedy in larkspur prior to hiking adventures. Enjoy!
Great hiking gem in Larkspur area. Very easy fire roads lead to more challenging elevation changing hikes. The views are wonderful and the trails take you in and out of various environments. Dog and kid friendly.
What an amazing little hidden gem. There is a redwood groove and fern growing everywhere. A creek runs through the Canyon, and after a rain the waterfall really gets going. Waterfall is a 1.3 mile easy walk in.
Nice non technical trail. Went in May and the creeks are disappearing and at the top it can get hot. Go early. Parking is a challenge.
Trail conditions & character
“The waterfall was pretty unimpressive with just a little bit of water, but the landscape is gorgeous with beautiful old trees and views up on the fire road.”
“They have an off leash dog symbol for the hiking trails that makes it very easy to stay safe and in compliance”
“A nice open space preserve with a multitude of trails which differ from fire roads to single track trail.”
“Very easy to get to and the hike is great, although a loop is harder to do without some time on a road.”
Plan your run at Baltimore Canyon Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance1.3 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitemarincounty.org
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Kentfield
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Dawn Falls Trailhead
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Temelpa Trail
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Mount Tamalpais East Peak
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Quarter-mi. trail with dramatic valley views, plus picnic tables, restrooms & drinking fountains.
