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Blithedale Summit Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 61 Google reviews · Running trail in Mill Valley, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Blithedale Summit Trailhead'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.
What runners say about Blithedale Summit Trailhead
“Hard to find, weird single lane road to get there, but it's a beautiful spot in the bottom of a canyon and leads to some great biking opportunities and some decent hiking.”
Great place to start hiking mount Tam. This is the beginning of a 13 mile loop, mostly on fire roads, with a mixture of bikers and runners. Rather than doing the fire road loop, we went to the East peak and from there took a small trail that snakes down to join the fire roads at a lower point.
Fantastic cycle up to the top of Mt Tam. Long ass pedal but worth it for the epic smooth return downhill and lovely views. There are a few other trails criss crossing so take a map or GPS device if your first time exploring and more fluids and food than you think if going further afield. Especially if hot!
Great firetrail that is eMTB friendly. Tons of hike trails off of the main fire road. Great views, some pretty steep sections that are even leg burners on electric.
Access point to trail system on the south side of Mt. Tam. Parking is limited considering the area's recreational popularity. If you are going on weekends or holidays get there early or you will have to park somewhere in town
Trail conditions & character
“Hard to find, weird single lane road to get there, but it's a beautiful spot in the bottom of a canyon and leads to some great biking opportunities and some decent hiking.”
“This trail was nice alot of bike riders and dogs freindly environment very scenic steep paths will be back soon lady gave me some hazelnuts NICE”
“This trail was nice alot of bike riders and dogs freindly environment very scenic steep paths will be back soon lady gave me some hazelnuts NICE”
“This is the beginning of a 13 mile loop, mostly on fire roads, with a mixture of bikers and runners.”
Plan your run at Blithedale Summit Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- 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.
- Websitemarincountyparks.org
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Mill Valley
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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