Dawn Falls Trail in Larkspur is one of the best kept hiking secrets in the San Francisco Bay Area. Located in Marin County (north of San Francisco), this dog friendly waterfall hike is only known to locals, is not crowded at all and leads to a tranquil waterfall that most do not know about. Read my post to find out everything your need to know about this dog friendly Dawn Falls hiking trail in Larkspur.
Dawn Falls Trail in Larkspur: a lesser known dog friendly waterfall hike in Marin county
The San Francisco Bay Area has some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country which are dog friendly, but its best kept secret could very well be the dog friendly Dawn Falls trail in Larkspur, a town in Marin county just north of the Golden Gate Bridge.
This trail that passes through a dog friendly Redwood grove leads to its namesake gurgling waterfall (which you can easily see during spring/early summer) and is part of the several trails crisscrossing the lush and tranquil Baltimore Canyon. Dawn Falls trail is not only dog friendly, but is also a relatively short one (about 2.7 miles loop to the falls and back) and of mild-moderate difficulty.
This is indeed one of the most gorgeous dog friendly waterfall hikes in the Bay Area and one where dogs can be off-leash, provided they have excellent voice recall. We have hiked here with our pups in two very separate seasons-wet spring in February and dry, hot fall in October and saw two very different facets of nature while hiking.
Dawn Falls Trail Hike: How to get there and where to find parking
It takes about 30 minutes to drive to Madrone Avenue from San Francisco, where the Dawn Falls trailhead is located. Parking is difficult to find on Madrone Avenue since it is a narrow, meandering path.
Your best bet is to arrive early and try to park in one of the spots on the side of the road, preferably before a “no outlet street Echo Place” sign as suggested by Yelper Caroline S.This is what we did the first time around and then walked up to the trailhead, which is a short distance.
The second time too, we found parking on the side of the street, i.e. Madrone Avenue and walked up to the trailhead. The trailhead shows up clearly on Google Maps in case you are looking for directions. Once you get off the road you will find a bridge across the Larkspur creek from where the trail begins.
You can either walk along the upper trail or get down to a parallel path with the Larkspur creek flowing right alongside. If you are on the upper trail, you will see the falls on your right.
Dog Friendly Dawn Falls Hike: Know before you go
HOW LONG IS DAWN FALLS HIKE?
The trail is 2.7 miles loop to the waterfall and back. It will take you about 1.5-2 hours for a relaxed experience.
HOW EASY IS IT TO HIKE THE DAWN FALLS TRAIL?
Dawn Falls trail hike is not strenuous at all and what makes it one of the most comfortable waterfall hikes is that there is ample shade due to a thick canopy of Redwoods, which is one of the best dog friendly Redwoods near San Francisco. As mentioned before, we’ve visited Dawn Falls twice, both in in late fall (thus the crinkly leaves everywhere) and late winter where it was all wet with lush greenery everywhere thanks to our winter rain.
The one advantage that hiking during winter/ spring provides is that you can actually see the waterfall cascading down as well as gurgling streams as opposed to everything dried up to the bone in fall. No matter the season, the tranquility and quiet solitude provided by this hiking spot is unparalleled due to lack of crowds.
TIPS FOR HIKING DAWN FALLS TRAIL WITH DOGS
If you are planning to hike with your pups on Dawn Falls trail, please carry enough food and water for them as well since they can get tired on the way back. Also, please dress in layers and wear sturdy waterproof footwear since there are rocks along the way. This is true especially for spring hiking since the ground is very wet and slippery.
When is the best time to visit Dawn Falls Trail in Larkspur?
Marin county hikes to waterfalls are best experienced in spring due to winter rainfall. Thus the best time to hike along Dawn Falls trail and actually see the waterfall in full glory is between December and March (i.e. winter-spring). This is one of the reasons that Marin county is such an excellent winter getaway for nature lovers!
On our second outing (Feb 2019) we were greeted by a rain drenched redwoods grove with the waterfall which was a visual treat. Plus, it was so soothing to hike to the babble of a brook. If you are not a big fan of hiking in slippery conditions, I suggest either mid summer or fall when the ground has dried up.
Post Waterfall hike: Dog Friendly Pizzerias in Larkspur and Ross
If you feel like rewarding yourself after your Dawn Falls hike adventure, then lunch at the outdoor patio at Picco’s, a dog friendly pizzeria in downtown Larkspur is an excellent option. It is only a few minutes drive from the Dawn Falls trailhead and has yummilicious pizza.
Another great pizza place (which does have a tiny outdoor seating area though) is Tony Tutto pizza in Ross, about 12 minute drive away. Not only is the owner the friendliest but they also have amazing made-from-scratch pizzas ( plus soup, salads, lasagna, calzone and pizzelles which are all vegetarian). There are vegan pizza options too and they have gluten free ones on Sunday. I cannot rave enough about how good this place is (and no, they have not paid me to say so)!
I hope you liked reading our dog friendly hiking experience on Dawn Falls Trail in Larkspur. This dog friendly trail is one of the best kept secrets in the Bay Area and one that you should definitely explore if you are visiting! You can read all our other dog friendly adventures right here by clicking on this pet friendly travel link.
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You find such great trails to visit! We haven’t been hiking in a while, you’re reminding me that we really should go before it becomes fall and rainy. That pizza looks delicious.
That place is gorgeous! It looks like everyone had such a wonderful time, kudos.
What gorgeous scenery. I’m glad everyone had a great time.
I missed visiting Muir Woods when I was in San Francisco. That would be my first choice, but I will definitely add Larkspur to my list for my next visit.
I have been in this area and it is absolutely stunning. Your photos are beautiful. Makes me want to go back for another visit
Your visuals are so glorious – and you take hikes in such interesting and beautiful places! We are marking them down for our CA trip and will make sure to stop as we jot our way around the state. My favorite pic was the doggos taking a swim – they look so cute from the angle that the photo was taken!
Thanks Rebecca! You have to visit!
That looks like such a cool place to hike. Great photos and the pizza and salad made me hungry- they look delicious. I went straight up to Napa for a wedding last visit to your area but will clearly have to make more time for exploring next one.
It’s good to know that you don’t have to put up with the crowds to enjoy the area. Definitely a place worth the effort to get to and would love to visit it someday. Sandra and Dolly
I’m happy to learn of an alternative to Muir Woods as I know it is very crowded. I will definitely add Larkspur to the list for my trip out to San Francisco. The pizza looks delicious!