Roy's Redwoods Preserve within the San Geronimo Valley has a wealthy history. Originally a ranch, the 293-acre area became a hippie community within the Sixties before being designated a nature reserve because the valley was developed within the Seventies. Most interestingly for popular culture lovers, it served because the filming location for the bizarre Nineteen Eighties “Star Wars” spinoff “Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure” and is just a couple of miles from George Lucas' ranch. Previously, the character reserve was only accessible via a network of small, unofficial paths. However, this yr a system of recent trails was opened, making it much easier to traverse this small but densely forested nature reserve.
I arrived hoping to hike the newly constructed Boardwalk Trail, but after I arrived it was closed because of storm damage. Luckily, the Roy's Redwood Loop Trail was still open. This is a straightforward and moderately short loop that winds through varied landscapes without much elevation change. Despite its name, Roy's Redwood Loop Trail doesn’t undergo the redwood grove, but somewhat splits into several smaller trails that provide access to the redwoods. Horses and leashed dogs are allowed on this trail, but bicycles are usually not.
• Summary of the hike: Roy's Redwood Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile trail that follows Nicasio Valley Road and Sir Francis Drake Boulevard before heading inland through grasslands and redwood forests, ending a couple of hundred feet above the road where the trail began .
• Directions: Take Sir Francis Drake Boulevard to Nicasio Valley Road and travel north on Nicasio Valley Road for 0.4 miles. The trailhead is on the correct with a really distinguished roadside providing parking. There is a porta potty near the trailhead.
• The hike: The trail winds south, closely following the shoulder of Nicasio Valley Road. This section of the trail is generally gravel and may be muddy after rainfall. The trail turns left and begins following Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, which offers views of the San Geronimo Valley. This area just isn’t forested, apart from a brief section that passes under an overhanging branch arch and crosses a bridge over a stream. Some hikers report that they don't enjoy this a part of the hike because of the noise from the nearby road, but I didn't find it particularly bothersome.
Look out for excellent egrets hunting within the fields. Search the skies for red-tailed hawks, red-shouldered hawks, turkey vultures and other native birds of prey.
As I used to be mountaineering the loop, a tree branch had fallen on the trail, likely during a recent storm. Although the branch didn’t seriously impede the trail, it’s best understood as a warning to not travel this path during or soon after inclement weather.
Near a bridge over a stream, the trail is level and results in a ravishing clearing next to the sequoia grove. Look for trailheads for the David Hansen Trail and Mossy Rocks Trail, which lead into the grove and permit close reference to the nearly 300-year-old trees. Attentive bird watchers can spot pileated woodpeckers and blackcaps among the many leaves.
The trail ends on the intersection with Dickson Ridge Fire Road. Head downhill on Dickson Ridge Fire Road and after completing the loop you’ll almost immediately end up back on Nicasio Valley Road, a couple of hundred feet north of your place to begin. The side of the road is wide enough so that you can easily walk back to your automotive. Giaco's Valley Roadhouse in San Geronimo is an excellent option for a post-hike meal or drink.
Originally published:
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