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Do a Short Hike to Tiburon's Old St. Hilary's

01.22.2025

If at any point in 2025 you find yourself wanting to head for the hills, make a break for Tiburon’s Old St. Hilary’s Open Space Preserve. Recently expanded with the newly announced protection of Tiburon Ridge, the trails here gift great views to re-inspire you! (Thank the community and Tiburon Open Space for their efforts to conserve this beautiful land, with its stunning panorama of the San Francisco Bay Area.)

There are a few ways to explore the open space, including a short (approximately half-mile) trail along the preserve’s edge to Old St. Hilary’s church. This landmark constructed of redwood and Douglas fir is one of a few Carpenter Gothic–style churches to survive in its original setting.

But for a gorgeous sunset viewing area, head to a high point on Tiburon Ridge. The easiest and shortest way to get to the ridge is to take the Ridge Fire Road entrance at the end of Ridge Road (*very limited parking; map). From here it’s only a few minutes’ walk to the top. Perched above the bay, the scenery from up here is heavenly—sweeping across Belvedere, Richardson Bay, San Francisco (Sutro Tower peaks up!), and the Golden Gate Bridge.

COYOTE ALERT: As noted on some trail signage, coyotes are in the area, including one who appears to be a ridgetop local. If you’re with kid(s) and/or your dog(s), be situationally aware. We spotted a coyote on Tiburon Ridge. It seemed uninterested (and we had a medium-sized leashed dog with us), but we still left shortly after sighting it, as it was getting dark. Give yourself enough time to return to your car with some daylight left and be sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight just in case. 

Map to parking area (*very limited parking). Dog-friendly (but see Coyote Alert above).

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