Poking around at Bay Nature’s site, I happened upon a place in Marin County curious for its name and size: Roy’s Redwoods Open Space Preserve. It’s not more than a grove, really, at 377 acres. Check this out from the Marin Open Space District Page:
From the main entrance along Nicasio Valley Road, you enter a picturesque meadow surrounded by sheltering bay trees interspersed with clusters of towering redwoods. These redwoods are among the largest in the county. Remember that these specimens are just the offspring of even more massive “mother trees” that once stood in the center of these rings of 200 foot tall sprouts. From the meadow you can choose from a number of shaded trails that loop through this 377 acre preserve. You may also choose to climb the Dickson Ridge Fire Road to enjoy sweeping views that stretch from Mt. Tamalpais in the east to Mt Wittenberg in the west.
The primeval groves of bay and redwood were once the setting for a George Lucas movie, The Ewok Adventure. Prior to becoming an Open Space Preserve, several of the great rings of redwoods were inhabited by members of a loosely organized commune.
Wow, Ewok-land, how cool is that?
Redwood Hikes suggests a three-miler.
The loop trail circles the small hill in the center of the reserve. Starting from the main entrance, the loop heads south, then turns left at a golf cart bridge. The trail runs along the base of a grassy hill near a parking lot, the golf course, and busy Sir Francis Drake Blvd. This section of the trail is not that enjoyable, but things improve once the trail turns left and starts climbing through a shallow canyon, leaving the road noise behind.
The trail enters the woods, then emerges. At the top of the hill, two spur trails to the right lead to scenic viewpoints; Roy’s Redwoods Nature Trail branches off to the left.
Two more small open space preserves (French Ranch and Gary Giacomini) are nearby; Redwood Hikes suggests hiking through all three.
The drive on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard up to Point Reyes is wonderful once you get out of civilization; this might be a nice way to sneak a hike in on your next scenic Sunday drive (assuming you can afford the gas).
More links
Weekend Sherpa says “blink and you’ll miss it.”
Map to get you there.