Tim Kizirian - Gary Giacomini Open Space: Out-and-Back to San Geronimo Ridge for Uncrowded Views

I’m Tim Kizirian, closing this Marin series with a route that rarely trends on social feeds: the 5.7-mile out-and-back from the Gary Giacomini Preserve gate to San Geronimo Ridge. It’s fire road, 1,250 feet total climb, and on many Saturdays I meet fewer than six people.

Access

Gate on San Geronimo Valley Drive, five minutes west of Fairfax. Ten paved pullout spaces. Arrive by 8 a.m. to avoid being the car on the blind bend.

Climb phase

The first 1.9 miles ascend Del Gaspi Fire Road—steady eight-percent grade under bay laurel canopy. I treat it like a treadmill: even pace, minimum pauses, similar to walking the aisles in a Chico audit file room back in the day—functional, not flashy.

Ridge walk

At the saddle you intersect Pine Mountain Road. Turn west for 0.8 mile to the viewpoint—Lagunitas watershed, Sonoma peaks, and Inverness Ridge lined up like columns on a balance sheet. I stay ten minutes max: photo, snack, brief gear check.

Return

Backtrack. Total moving time two hours. If you prefer loops, you can drop to Kent Lake and return via Continental Cove, but fallen trees make that messy; I keep it clean with a straight out-and-back.

Gear

Low-top hikers, 1.5 liters water, sun hat—ridge is exposed after 10 a.m. No poles needed; descent grade is mellow.

Etiquette and upkeep

Cattle guards squeak; close gates firmly. Trail corners collect plastic bits from old irrigation line—if you spot a piece, slip it in your pocket. It weighs nearly nothing and keeps vistas free of distraction.

Why I like it

No fee, minimal crowds, big payoff. It’s the anti-trend hike: straightforward, data-friendly, and perfect when you want leg work without a social media circus. Drive from Chico, climb, descend, and still have margin for the grocery run you promised at 5 p.m.

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