Camino Alto contains a variety of habitats within its 170 acres, including grasslands, bay/oak woodlands, and redwood/Douglas fir forests. Camino Alto is part of the eastern end of the ridge that essentially runs from Mount Tamalpais toward the bay, often referred to as “Northridge”. Camino Alto runs along a spur that branches off to the south toward Mill Valley. Because Camino Alto occupies a west facing slope, it is well forested and provides a shady access to the ridge. The fire roads in this preserve are popular with hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians, offering several relatively level routes along a spectacular ridge with outstanding views of San Francisco and Mount Tamalpais. The Middle Summit Fire Road rises steeply in the northern section of the preserve to connect with Blithedale Summit Preserve, and to points beyond. Compared with most of the other trailheads that arise along the north edge of Mill Valley, the Overhill Road (also Escalon Drive) trailhead provides plenty of parking, thus it is an ideal place to start your exploration of the many trails that transect this gateway to Mount Tamalpais and virtually all of the undeveloped land of west Marin.
Directions:
From Hwy 101 in Mill Valley, take the Tiburon Blvd/E Blithedale Ave exit west on E Blithedale Ave, turn right at Camino Alto, turn left at Overhill Rd, go to the top, and turn right at Escalon. The MCOSD gate is at the end.
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Dense woodlands in the canyons with chaparral and grassland in between support healthy populations of birds, mammals, and more.