About Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve
Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve in Novato, CA
This is free open space, not a gated state park day-use lot. Trailheads sit in Novato neighborhoods. Street parking only. Be respectful of residents.
What Mount Burdell Is
Mount Burdell is oak woodland, grassland, serpentine soils, and old ranch and quarry history on one mountain. A dry-stone wall near the summit, built by Chinese laborers in the 1870s without mortar, marks the boundary into Olompali State Historic Park. The west slope still shows quarry remnants that once supplied cobblestones for San Francisco streets.
Hidden Lake, a seasonal pond on the mountain, holds rare plants and amphibians in the wet months. Stay on designated trails and fire roads. Sensitive habitat and private property sit at the edges.
Trails And What To Do
Popular routes include Cobblestone Fire Road on the Bay Area Ridge Trail, San Andreas Fire Road, Deer Camp Fire Road, Michako Trail, Dwarf Oak Trail, and Old Quarry Trail, one of the steepest climbs in the open space district. Eagle Rim Trail is open for hiking and cycling and pairs with Cobblestone for big views.
A San Marin start to the summit commonly runs about 3 to 4 miles one way with steady climbing. Most people plan 3 to 5 hours round trip. You can also cross into Olompali on a longer point-to-point day if you stage cars carefully and respect the state park's 5:00 PM gate close.
Hours, Dogs, And Access
The preserve is commonly listed open 24 hours with no entrance fee. Amenities are limited. Do not expect restrooms or picnic tables at every trailhead.
Dogs are welcome with rules. Leash on designated trails, six feet max. Off-leash on designated fire roads only if under voice control with a leash ready. Max three dogs per person. Some areas such as Bowman Canyon Creek and Hidden Lake have tighter dog rules. Bikes are allowed on designated routes. Stay on trail.
What The Visit Is Like
Expect wide fire roads, oak shade in pockets, and full sun on the ridge. Spring wildflowers are a local draw. Summer heat on the open slopes is serious. Bring water. Fog and wind can change the summit mood fast. Weekday mornings are quieter than weekend afternoons.
Why People Go
People come for Novato's biggest free hike, for dog-friendly fire roads, and for a summit that feels like a real mountain without leaving north county. They stay because Burdell pairs with Olompali for history on one side and open-space climbing on the other.
Who Mount Burdell Is Best For
Mount Burdell works especially well for Novato hikers and runners, dog owners who will follow leash rules, cyclists on fire roads, and anyone who wants a free trail day after Olompali's historic loop. It is less ideal if you need a paved parking lot, bathrooms at the trailhead, or an easy flat walk.
Where It Fits In Your Novato Day
A simple north Novato loop is Mount Burdell in the morning, then Grant Avenue for Marvin's or coffee, with Olompali as the historic counterpart on another day. Save the summit for cool weather. Pair an easier lower loop with town lunch if the heat is up.