San Carlos Fire Road – Mount Burdell Open Space

San Carlos Fire Road – Mount Burdell Open Space

Location: Novato, CA
Difficulty: Moderate
Features: Hiking trails, bike friendly, bird watching, no dogs, wildlife observation

The San Carlos Fire Road, a trail that cuts through steep terrain, leads to the Michako Trail from the Middle Burdell Fire Road – Quarry Trail split.

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 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) Drink plenty of water

Trails without much shade can cause dehydration as the heat may cause you to lose more water through sweat. Bring an extra bottle or bottles. Use a carabiner when there is no space left inside your bag.

2) Always bring snacks with you

Bring some handy, high energy snacks with you. Make sure that it is high protein, and some complex carbs to give you the extra boost on exhausting hikes. You can’t go wrong with some classic Kirkland Trail Mix. 

3) Cook quality meals with a handy cooking device

If you have to go through miles and miles of hiking, you would definitely go hungry mid route. When energy bars can’t provide you the ultimate fix, you can opt to make full meals with a handy cooking device.

Check out our Jet Boil backpacking stoves.