Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve is a hidden gem in Marin County, California. This 122-acre park offers you a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
You’ll find stunning views of San Francisco Bay and a rich variety of native plants.
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The preserve is home to some of the rarest wildflowers in the world, making it a must-visit spot for nature lovers. The grasslands above Old Saint Hilary’s were once prime real estate for development. But thanks to local efforts, this beautiful area was saved for public enjoyment.
When you visit, you’ll see why this land was worth preserving. The park connects to the Tiburon Uplands, giving you even more space to explore.
You can hike trails, spot wildlife, or simply take in the breathtaking scenery. Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve is a perfect example of Marin County’s commitment to protecting its natural beauty for future generations.
Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve Overview and Access
Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve offers stunning views of San Francisco Bay and easy hiking trails. You’ll find a unique blend of natural beauty and local history in this Marin County gem.
Quick Facts
Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve spans 122 acres on the Tiburon Peninsula. It connects to the 24-acre Tiburon Uplands, creating a larger protected area. The preserve was established in the 1990s to protect the land from development.
Key features include:
- Rare wildflowers
- Historic church
- Panoramic bay views
- Family-friendly trails
The preserve is open year-round and free to visit.
Directions To Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve
You can reach Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve from two main access points:
North Access:
- Take Highway 101 to Mill Valley
- Exit for Tiburon Blvd (Hwy 131) east
- Drive 3.5 miles
- Turn left onto Lyford Drive
- Continue to the end where you’ll find the preserve gate
South Access:
- Follow steps 1-3 above
- Turn left onto Lyford Drive
- Right onto Vistazo West Street
- Follow to the dead end
Both routes offer easy access from San Francisco and nearby towns like Sausalito.
Parking At Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve
Parking at Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve is limited but free. You’ll find small parking areas at both the north and south access points. On busy days, especially weekends, parking can fill up quickly.
Tips for parking:
- Arrive early for the best spots
- Be prepared to park on nearby streets if lots are full
- Respect residential areas and posted signs
- Consider carpooling or biking to reduce parking pressure
Park Layout And Main Features
Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve offers a network of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. The landscape includes grassy hillsides and rocky outcrops.
Main features:
- Old St. Hilary’s Church: A historic landmark at the preserve’s edge
- Wildflower fields: Best viewed in spring
- Viewpoints: Offering panoramas of San Francisco, the Golden Gate, and the bay
- Interpretive signs: Learn about local flora and fauna
Trails range from easy loops to more challenging climbs. You’ll find benches along the way for rest and enjoying the scenery.
Pet Policies And Dog-Friendly Areas
Good news for dog owners! Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve welcomes friendly dogs on leash. Remember to follow these guidelines:
- Keep dogs leashed at all times
- Clean up after your pet
- Bring water for your dog
- Stay on designated trails
The preserve’s open spaces and varied terrain make it an enjoyable spot for both you and your canine companion. Be mindful of wildlife and other visitors as you explore together.
Activities and Amenities at Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve
Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve offers a variety of outdoor activities and stunning views. You can enjoy hiking, nature watching, and scenic vistas throughout the year.
Recreational Activities
At Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve, you can immerse yourself in nature. Birdwatching is popular, with many species calling the preserve home. Bring your binoculars to spot local and migratory birds.
Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of subjects. The preserve’s diverse landscapes provide beautiful backdrops for nature and landscape shots.
Picnicking is another enjoyable activity. Several benches are scattered throughout the preserve, offering perfect spots to relax and take in the views.
Walking And Hiking Trails
The preserve features a network of trails suitable for various skill levels. The Heathcliff Fire Road is a popular route, offering panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and surrounding bays.
Vistazo Fire Road provides another scenic option. This trail winds through grasslands and offers views of Richardson Bay.
For a shorter walk, try the path leading to the historic St. Hilary’s Church. This easy trail is perfect for a quick nature break.
Seasonal Activities
Spring brings a colorful wildflower display to Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve. The rare serpentine soil supports unique plant species, making it a botanist’s dream.
In summer, the preserve offers a cool escape from warmer inland areas. You can enjoy longer daylight hours for evening hikes and sunset views.
Fall and winter provide clearer days, ideal for taking in the expansive bay views. On rainy days, the preserve’s grasslands turn a vibrant green.
Accessibility Information
Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve has limited accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges. The main fire roads are wide and relatively flat, but most trails are unpaved and can be steep or uneven.
Parking is available at the Lyford Drive entrance. From there, you can access some of the easier trails and viewpoints.
It’s advisable to wear sturdy shoes and bring water, as amenities within the preserve are limited. Restrooms are not available on-site.
Natural Environment and Conservation of Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve
Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve is a unique natural area with rare plants, diverse wildlife, and stunning views. The preserve’s special geology and careful management make it an important site for conservation in Marin County.
Flora
The preserve is home to rare and beautiful wildflowers. You’ll find the Tiburon jewelflower here, which grows nowhere else in the world. Another special plant is the Marin dwarf flax, also endangered.
These rare flowers grow on serpentine soil. This soil is low in nutrients but rich in metals. It creates a tough environment where only certain plants can survive.
In spring, the hills burst with color from wildflowers. You might see:
- California poppies
- Lupines
- Buttercups
- Checkerbloom
Fauna
The preserve supports a variety of wildlife. You may spot:
- Deer grazing on grassy slopes
- Hawks soaring overhead
- Lizards sunning on rocks
- Butterflies flitting among flowers
Many birds call the preserve home. Listen for the songs of warblers, sparrows, and finches. You might even hear the hoot of an owl at dusk.
Small mammals like rabbits and squirrels are common. They help spread plant seeds and provide food for predators.
Seasonal Variations
Each season brings changes to Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve.
Spring: Wildflowers paint the hills in bright colors. This is the best time to see rare plants in bloom.
Summer: Grasses turn golden. Many animals are active in the early morning and evening to avoid the heat.
Fall: Some plants produce seeds and berries. You might see migrating birds passing through.
Winter: Rains bring green back to the hills. This is a quiet time in the preserve, but still beautiful.
Conservation And Eco-Friendly Practices
Old St. Hilary’s Open Space Preserve is carefully managed to protect its unique ecosystem.
Key conservation efforts include:
- Controlling invasive plants
- Maintaining trails to prevent erosion
- Educating visitors about the preserve’s special features
You can help protect the preserve by:
- Staying on marked trails
- Not picking flowers or disturbing wildlife
- Packing out all trash
The preserve recently grew by 110 acres. This expansion helps protect more habitat and provides new areas for you to explore.
Cultural Significance and Visitor Tips for Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve
Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve offers a rich blend of history, natural beauty, and community engagement. This unique site showcases Marin County’s heritage while providing stunning views and outdoor experiences for visitors.
History And Heritage Of Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve
The preserve’s centerpiece is the iconic hillside landmark known as Old St. Hilary’s. Built in 1886, this Carpenter Gothic church is a rare surviving example of its architectural style. The Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society acquired the deconsecrated church in 1959, preserving it for future generations.
John Thomas Howell, a renowned botanist, played a key role in documenting the preserve’s unique plant life. His work helped highlight the area’s ecological importance.
The 122-acre preserve includes grasslands that were once prime targets for residential development. Thanks to conservation efforts, these lands now protect rare wildflowers and offer visitors a glimpse into Marin’s natural history.
Local Events And Programs
Old St. Hilary’s hosts a variety of community events throughout the year. You can enjoy concerts that take advantage of the church’s excellent acoustics and intimate setting.
The Landmarks Society organizes educational programs about the area’s history and ecology. These events often feature local experts and historians.
Wildflower walks are popular in spring, allowing you to see the preserve’s rare plant species in bloom. Guided tours of the church and surrounding grounds offer insights into the site’s architectural and natural features.
The venue is also available for weddings, providing a picturesque setting for couples seeking a historic and scenic location for their special day.
Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve In Popular Culture
The preserve’s striking beauty has made it a favorite among photographers and artists. Its distinctive silhouette on the Tiburon hillside has become a recognizable symbol of the area.
Local writers often feature the preserve in works about Marin County’s history and natural landscapes. Its unique blend of architectural and natural elements makes it a compelling subject for both fiction and non-fiction.
The site has appeared in various travel guides and documentaries about California’s coastal regions. Its story of conservation success serves as an inspiration for similar efforts elsewhere.
Photography Spots And Scenic Views
Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve offers spectacular panoramic views of San Francisco Bay. From the hilltop, you can see all three major bay bridges – the Golden Gate, Richmond, and Bay Bridge.
The church itself is a popular subject for photographers, especially when framed against the bay or during sunset. Spring brings a colorful display of wildflowers, creating stunning foreground elements for landscape shots.
Hiking trails within the preserve lead to various vantage points. These offer different perspectives of the church, Tiburon Peninsula, and the surrounding bay area.
For the best lighting, visit during the golden hours just after sunrise or before sunset. Clear days provide the most expansive views, while foggy conditions can create moody, atmospheric scenes.
Park Rules And Safety Guidelines
To protect the preserve’s delicate ecosystem, stay on designated trails.
Many rare plant species grow here, so avoid picking flowers or disturbing vegetation.
Dogs must be kept on leash at all times to prevent disturbance to wildlife and other visitors.
Remember to clean up after your pet.
Fires, smoking, and camping are not allowed within the preserve. These rules help prevent wildfires and maintain the area’s natural state.
Bring water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes for hiking.
Trails can be steep in places, so watch your footing.
Respect the church building and other historic structures.
Do not climb on or damage these important landmarks.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
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