Loma Alta: Blossoms and Birds
Source: Marin County Parks
Loma Alta Preserve
Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 10am – 2pm
The north slope of Loma Alta is always a fantastic destination for both birds and wildflowers. The serpentine habitat near the beginning of the road hosts a few rare plants and there is usually a very diverse and colorful bloom that lasts through late spring. The birds regularly seen here include lazuli buntings, horned larks and grasshopper sparrows that should be quite active at this time caring for nearly or newly fledged young. This fire road is a steady climb, but we’ll take it very slowly. We’ll find a shady place to enjoy lunch, and then descend before the afternoon heat. Total miles: 4.5. Elevation change: 500’. Remember to bring lunch, and binoculars if you have them. No pets are allowed, except for service/companion animals. Adverse weather or poor air quality may cancel. Registration is required.
Questions: Contact Shannon Burke
Directions: Meet at the Big Rock trailhead in San Rafael. From Hwy 101 in San Rafael, take the exit for Lucas Valley Rd west approximately 5.5 miles (look for the big rock). The trailhead is on the north side of Lucas Valley Rd.
Sponsor: Parks
Accommodation Information: If you are a person with a disability and require an accommodation to participate in a County program, service, or activity, requests may be made by calling 415-473-4381 (Voice), Dial 711 for CA Relay, or by submitting a Disability Accommodation Request at least five business days in advance of the event. We will do our best to fulfill requests received with less than five business days’ notice. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats upon request.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 10am – 2pm
The north slope of Loma Alta is always a fantastic destination for both birds and wildflowers. The serpentine habitat near the beginning of the road hosts a few rare plants and there is usually a very diverse and colorful bloom that lasts through late spring. The birds regularly seen here include lazuli buntings, horned larks and grasshopper sparrows that should be quite active at this time caring for nearly or newly fledged young. This fire road is a steady climb, but we’ll take it very slowly. We’ll find a shady place to enjoy lunch, and then descend before the afternoon heat. Total miles: 4.5. Elevation change: 500’. Remember to bring lunch, and binoculars if you have them. No pets are allowed, except for service/companion animals. Adverse weather or poor air quality may cancel. Registration is required.
Questions: Contact Shannon Burke
Directions: Meet at the Big Rock trailhead in San Rafael. From Hwy 101 in San Rafael, take the exit for Lucas Valley Rd west approximately 5.5 miles (look for the big rock). The trailhead is on the north side of Lucas Valley Rd.
Sponsor: Parks
Accommodation Information: If you are a person with a disability and require an accommodation to participate in a County program, service, or activity, requests may be made by calling 415-473-4381 (Voice), Dial 711 for CA Relay, or by submitting a Disability Accommodation Request at least five business days in advance of the event. We will do our best to fulfill requests received with less than five business days’ notice. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats upon request.