Historically Serene

Hike at Olompali State Historic Park in Marin

Hike at Olompali State Historic Park in Marin

Savor the beauty on a walk through time at a small and diverse state park right off the 101 freeway—700-acre Olompali State Historic Park packs years of California history within its idyllic natural beauty. It was once home to the Coast Miwok, Catholic missionaries, ranchers, and even the Grateful Dead (the band lived here in 1966).

Go on a mostly easy 3-mile loop hike along the oak-covered hillside and enjoy the fall foliage. The oak trees (black, blue, and valley oaks) along with big-leaf maples and madrones are a nice canopy (and absolutely stunning in autumn). The hike starts at the old Burdell Mansion and outlying barns, houses, and gardens. Back in the 1860s this property belonged to the Burdell family, who ranched here and later developed an exclusive estate.

But before that, it was home to the Coast Miwok Native Americans. At the start of the hike you’ll witness a reconstruction of their kotchas, reed-and-bark dwellings similar to teepees. You can also walk past the remains of what was once a vibrant garden filled with berries and plants used for many purposes, including spiritual and medicinal.

Hike Olompali State Historic Park in Marin

The Miwok Trail rises gently into the woodlands for a beautiful 3-mile (round-trip) hike on the Loop Trail. The path begins with a climb paralleling Olompali Creek and passing a small reservoir. Keep going on the narrow trail through a shaded canopy of California bay and coast live oak trees, where autumn’s afternoon sun filters in beautiful streams of light.

Hike Olompali State Historic Park in Marin

Grassy spaces are punctuated by old oaks whose gnarled limbs seem to know all the secrets of the past. Coming over the highest point on the trail, eastern views of San Pablo Bay come briefly into view. You’ll quickly understand why the Grateful Dead played a concert here and used the Olompali hills as an album cover backdrop.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: In the episode "Pandemic Autumn Outings" Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss their afternoon hiking at Olompali State Historic Park.

Olompali State Historic Park is only accessed from southbound Hwy. 101 in Marin. If you’re traveling northbound on Hwy. 101, go about 1 mile past the entrance sign, exit at the landfill, cross over the highway, and get on Hwy. 101 southbound. The Loop Trail can be hiked in either direction, but we recommend making a counterclockwise loop by first following the Mount Burdell Trail signs, and then continuing on the Loop Trail. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Taking the Stage: Tyler Ranch

    Hike the recently opened Tyler Ranch Staging Area in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, with 18 miles of new trails. This 6.5-mile loop up Sunol Peak is a challenge and rewards with exceptional views of seasonal iridescent hills.

    View
  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike (and Manly Lake Vista!) at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. On clear days you get views of both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous U.S. 

    View
  3. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

    View
  4. The Carson Show

    Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Lava Lava

    Once a land of volcanic activity, Mojave National Preserve shares plenty about its past via a quick yet adventurous hike to the Lava Tube in the Cima Dome Volcanic Field.

    View
  2. Kelso Dunes

    The hike to the top of Kelso Dunes in the Mojave National Preserve is only 3 miles (out and back), but you’ll feel like you’ve hiked much farther by the time you’re done.

    View
  3. William Kenyon Overlook

    Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

    View
  4. Beaudry Bountiful

    There are no cars allowed on Beaudry Loop, but this 6-mile hike takes you on a wild ride. You’ll be climbing 1,500 feet up the southern Verdugos along a chaparral-lined trail with gorgeous mountain and urban vistas every step of the way.

    View