Middle Burdell Fire Road – Mount Burdell Open Space

Middle Burdell Fire Road – Mount Burdell Open Space

Location: Novato, CA
Difficulty: Moderate
Features: Hiking trails, bike friendly, bird watching, dogs allowed, wildlife observation

The Middle Burdell Fire Road is a 2 mile trail that takes hikers through the Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve. This connector cuts the Mount Burdell Loop in half. It connects with the San Andreas Fire Road and intersects with the Old Quarry Trail.

About the Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve

Managed by Marin County Parks, the Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve houses the 1,500 feet high Mount Burdell and seasonal pond, Hidden Lake. The preserve is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna – with increased population of frogs and salamanders during the wet season. Some portions of the preserve are grazed by domestic cattle. The Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve was purchased in 1977 by the Marin County Open Space District. The preserve boasts the titanic Mount Burdell, standing tall and offers stellar view of the entire Bay Area. En route to the summit, visitors encounter lush grasslands and dense forests filled with the finest and oldest oak and bay tree specimens.

Trails at the Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve

The Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve is home to a number of trails and fire roads. It is also proximate to the Olompali Historic State Park. The preserve is surrounded by fire roads, encircling the entire Mount Burdell area. The San Andreas Fire Road leads to the Deer Camp Fire Road, then to the Cobblestone Fire Road and eventually to the Ridge Fire Road where the Mount Burdell Trail is located. The Michako Trail is a popular trail as it dissects the entire preserve in half. The Old Quarry Trail, meanwhile, is a trail that connects the San Carlos Fire Road with the Ridge Fire Road. All in all, there are plenty of trails surrounding the preserve. A map of the area is highly recommended when hiking within the area.

Top 3 Adventure Hacks

1) It Pays To Be Prepared

At times, trails may intersect and it is often hard to know if you are still on the right track. It is best to do some research about the area. A typical state park can have as much as 60 miles of trails. Visit the locality’s website or information center for a detailed trail map.

Never adventure without the proper gear. Check out our hiking shop to get stocked up before you head out. 

2) Bring Extra Clothing

You might come across streams, rivers, waterfalls, lakes and it pays to bring extra clothing. A handy dry sack can keep your stuff organized inside your bag.

3) Stay Warm

Did you know that consuming too little water can aggravate hypothermia? Stay hydrated, dress in layers, carry a hate, and bring rain gear for long treks. Avoid cotton as it can absorb water and keep you cold.