Deer Camp Fire Road – Mount Burdell Open Space

Deer Camp Fire Road – Mount Burdell Open Space

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

The Deer Camp Fire Road makes up a part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. The trail meets up with the Cobblestone Fire Road. Hikers can opt to pursue the Middle Burdell Fire Road to go to the Hidden Lake.

About the Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve

Managed by the 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 popular 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) Get ready for Adventure!

Foremost, it is important to know the nature of the trail prior the hike for you to be able to wear the appropriate outfit. Wear cotton or comfortable clothing during warm walks and hikes however avoid wearing it in the cold. Cotton keeps moisture close to the skin, making you cold.

Be sure to get all of your adventure gear from our hiking shop before you head out. 

2) Wear Long Trousers for Protection

Trails may go through dense forests. Long pants not only protect your legs from ticks or poison oak but also from mosquitoes. Thick pants also prevent animal bites from penetrating your skin. Also, poison oak is EVERYWHERE out here. Stay on the trail, and seriously consider long pants when you hike in this area. 

3) Wear Appropriate Footwear

Trail shoes are best for short and easy trailing but hiking boots is recommended for technical hikes.