Dewy at Dawn

Hike to Dawn Falls in Marin County

Redwoods, wooden bridges, a trailside stream, and lush greenery galore … Marin County’s Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve has lots of bragging rights, including a terrific 2.4-mile (round-trip) hike to a marquee grotto, Dawn Falls.

From the trailhead at Madrone Avenue, follow the Baltimore Canyon Dawn Falls Trail upstream alongside Larkspur Creek. Baltimore Canyon glistens after rains: a thriving mix of madrone, bay, big-leaf maple, and second-growth redwoods make the forest delightful when damp (just wear proper footwear). The trail meanders mostly flat, with gentle undulations. Cross over charming footbridges and hike among redwoods, including a particularly photo-worthy stand of these sky-reaching beauties. Towards the end of the hike the creek flow may taper a little, and you’ll come to a large rock where the trail veers left and upwards—for a short and steep section (mind your footwork if it’s raining; this can be slick).

Within minutes you’re at the main attraction, Dawn Falls, flowing 30 feet over a rock ledge surrounded by green ferns and mossy flanks. This waterfall has the most gusto after strong rains and loses luster by spring, making winter an ideal time to go. Dawn good hike!

NOTE: Due to recent storms it's best to check the website before going, to find out any updates on the trails at Baltimore Canyon. From SF, cross the Golden Gate and go north on 101 for 6 miles. Take Tamalpais Dr. exit and head west to Corte Madera Ave./Magnolia Ave. Turn right onto Magnolia and drive half a mile, then left on Madrone Ave. Keep left at the fork, following Madrone Ave. to its end. Trailhead is on the left side. Parking area is very small, with room for just a handful of cars. Because it’s a short hike, patience can pay off for a spot, or drive around the neighborhood to find nearby parking. Map and info available at the trailhead. Dog-friendly! 

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Serene Las Gallinas

    A serene stroll alongside marshland, passing ponds and grasses frilled in seasonal wildflowers, with Mount Tam a beacon in the background … how nice. As part of the esteemed Bay Trail, San Rafael’s Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop and Wildlife Ponds comprises about 3.5 miles of wide-open trail.

    View
  2. Paint Brushy

    This time of year you’ll have good reason to head for the hills—the electric-green rolling hills of Brushy Peak Regional Preserve in Livermore. This 4.5-mile loop hike is like stepping into a plein air painting.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    2025 POST Wildflower Walks

    Get flower empowered! POST’s complimentary 2025 Wildflower Walks guide blooms with the best places to see a variety of florals across the Peninsula and South Bay this spring.

    View
  4. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Weekend in Reno Tahoe

    Weekend plans? Reno Tahoe! Just a few hours by car or a short flight away, Reno Tahoe springs to the moment with great ways to combine adventure and relaxation in its beautiful mountains-meets-desert setting.

    View
  2. Hiker walking along the North Bluff Trail on Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park

    Purely Wild

    Channel Islands National Park lives up to its nickname as “North America’s Galapagos.” This less-traveled national park is an undeveloped and isolated series of five dramatic and distinct islands reached by boat. Hike the largest of the islands, Santa Cruz.

    View
  3. Woman hiking the South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon

    Truly Grand Day Hike

    One of the best spring day hikes in the Grand Canyon? See layer upon layer of the park’s grandeur—including the river—on this 3-mile (one-way) journey to Skeleton Point via the South Kaibab Trail.

    View
  4. A woman stands amid an array of yellow and purple flowers at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles

    Petal Paradise

    Tulips, lilacs, and daffodils—flower power is in full bloom at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Sprawling across 150 acres surrounded by mountains, the gardens are putting on their best show right now.

    View