Big Rock Ridge

Last updated
Big Rock Ridge
Big Rock Ridge as viewed from the Northeast.jpg
Big Rock Ridge, as seen from the Northeast
Highest point
Elevation 575 m (1,886 ft) [1]
Prominence 392 m (1,286 ft) [1]
Coordinates 38°3′33″N122°36′15″W / 38.05917°N 122.60417°W / 38.05917; -122.60417 Coordinates: 38°3′33″N122°36′15″W / 38.05917°N 122.60417°W / 38.05917; -122.60417
Geography
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Big Rock Ridge
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Big Rock Ridge
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Big Rock Ridge
Location Marin County, California, U.S.
Parent range California Coast Ranges
Topo map USGS Novato
Climbing
Easiest route Big Rock Trail

Big Rock Ridge is a ridge near Novato, California, and the 2nd tallest point in Marin County. [2] The ridge is 5 miles long, and runs from the northwest to the east, dividing Novato's Ignacio Valley and San Rafael's Lucas Valley, and separating Novato from central and southern Marin County. [3] [4] Big Rock Ridge is named after the rock at the base of Big Rock Trail.

Geography

Big Rock Ridge is the second-highest point in the Marin Hills, which in turn are a part of the California Coast Ranges. Much of eastern Big Rock Ridge is public land, with the Lucas Valley and Ignacio Open Space Preserves covering much of the foothills. Much of the eastern side also falls within city limits, with the northeastern side being in Novato and the southeastern side falling within Lucas Valley-Marinwood.

Various trails run up the ridge, but they all converge at the Big Rock Ridge Fire Road, which runs along the top of the ridge to access the 2 radio towers at the top. [3] [5] The easiest way to the top is the 6.7 mile Big Rock Trail, which opened in 2003 when George Lucas donated 800 acres of land to create the Lucas Valley Open Space Preserve. [6] The views from Big Rock Ridge are sweeping, with views to Mt. St Helena and Mt. Diablo from the top.

  1. 1 2 "Big Rock Ridge, California". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
  2. "Hike: Big Rock Ridge, Marin's second-highest point". Marin Independent Journal. 2016-12-02. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
  3. 1 2 "Big Rock Ridge : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost". www.summitpost.org. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
  4. Jack (2018-04-17). "Big Rock Ridge". Nature in Novato. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
  5. "Hiking in Marin | Big Rock Ridge Trail". Visit Novato. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
  6. Todd, Gail (2014-01-15). "Big Rock Ridge: San Rafael trail offers great views". SFGATE. Retrieved 2023-02-08.

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