The Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in Southern Marin
Recently I was running an errand in San Francisco and happened upon a truly jaw-dropping sight. As I was looking for a parking spot, I turned the corner and saw a man walking not one, not two, or even four dogs, but a whopping thirteen! A Barker’s dozen, you could say.
The thought of managing that many leashes let alone dogs makes my head spin. And while it was comical to see (something straight out of a movie), it did get me reflecting on our walks at Bucky Dog and why I really value small groups (3-4 pups max!) and the ability to hike with our pack off leash.
Southern Marin is practically a playground for dogs. There are so many incredible trails with different terrain and views—it keeps it interesting for both the dogs and us walkers! And after over a decade of walking dogs both for Bucky Dog and on my own, I’ve honed a pretty solid list of walks and hikes in the Southern Marin Area!
Here are six of my favorite dog-friendly trails in Southern Marin.
1. Lyford Trail / Old St. Hilary's Preserve (Tiburon)
Why go: This is the one to pick when you want the payoff view. From the top, you get sweeping looks across the bay—on a clear day you can see all the way to the city. There's a ton of open space up here, and dogs are allowed off leash, so it's a favorite for pups who like to roam a little.
Good to know: Take Tiburon Blvd toward downtown Tiburon, turn left on Lyford (at Reed School), and follow it until the road dead-ends. Plug in 140 Lyford Drive and your GPS will get you there.
2. The Shoreline Path / Spit (Mill Valley)
Why go: A flat, paved path right along the water—easy on the paws and easy on the schedule. It's our go-to for dogs who prefer a more laid-back pace or when the weather isn't cooperating. Rainy day? This is the walk.
Good to know: Use 66 Heron Drive in your GPS. Parking is plentiful, so no need to circle the block.
3. Oakwood Meadow Trail (Mill Valley)
Why go: Mostly flat with a gentle incline near the end, this is a great one for burning off puppy energy without overdoing it. The reward at the top is a lovely view over Richardson Bay.
Good to know: From Highway 1 in Mill Valley, turn onto Tennessee Valley Road and drive about a mile until you see the Golden Gate National Recreation Area/Tennessee Valley sign on the left. Free trailhead parking is available on both sides of the road—the trail starts on the side with the sign.
4. Alto Bowl Preserve (Corte Madera)
Why go: If you're walking dogs in Corte Madera, this is your spot. The hilltop delivers views of the Tiburon Ridge and the San Francisco skyline. Just note: dogs need to stay on leash here, and it's not unusual to cross paths with horses on the trail.
Good to know: Use 25 Sausalito St, Corte Madera in your GPS.
5. Dawn Falls Trail (Larkspur)
Why go: A scenic 2.2-mile out-and-back (or longer if you loop it) that follows a creek through dense coastal redwoods, ending at a seasonal waterfall. Deeply shaded, which makes it our top pick on a hot day. Be sure to keep pups leashed here as it is not an off-leash trail!
Good to know: From Mill Valley, take US-101 North to the Tamalpais Drive exit, head west into Larkspur, turn left on Magnolia Avenue, then right on Madrone Avenue and follow it to the dead end. Use 436 Madrone Ave in your GPS.
6. Crown Road (Kentfield)
Why go: A flat, uncrowded trail with room to let dogs run off leash and enjoy some genuinely great views. It's a low-key spot that doesn't get the foot traffic some of the more popular trails do.
Good to know: Use 415 Crown Road in your GPS for the trailhead.