We’ve hiked ruggedly beautiful and desolate Gary Giacomini Preserve several times and have been struck two things: (1) that we were virtually the only visitors on this huge property, and (2) that the map provided by the Marin County Parks website bears only a slight resemblance to the trails actually found there.
Perhaps those two factoids are related in a steal-the-Bolinas-sign sort of way: Those in the know don’t want others in on the secret. But please, don’t let this stop you as this preserve offers landscapes and vegetation unlike any other I’ve discovered in the Bay Area.
There are exactly zero trail signs in the entire preserve, but again, don’t let this stop you or you’ll miss the exquisite dwarf Sargent Cypress trees, brightly colored rock gardens (massive stones of green minerals with bright orange patina) and spectacular views.
Cell service is spotty, so you might want to print or download the PDF map from the above website; maybe we were just having a bad map day and you’ll find your way more easily.
Once you’ve parked your car on Edgewood Road (Google Maps link above), walk about 50 yards south on Edgewood Road; the trailhead will fork off to your left at a metal gate. Then make your way up to the San Geronimo trail, which runs for five miles along the length of the park.
Dogs welcome and must be leashed on trail and under voice command on fire roads.