Directions to Martin Griffin Preserve
The Martin Griffin Preserve is located between the towns of Stinson Beach and Bolinas in west Marin County, California. Two canyons within the preserve offer public access at various times throughout the year.
Directions to Picher Canyon (main entrance) of Martin Griffin Preserve
The entrance to Picher Canyon is at 4900 Highway 1, Stinson Beach. To get there:
Option One: Take Highway 101 north from San Francisco or south from San Rafael to the Highway One/Stinson Beach exit. Follow Highway 1 approximately 12 miles to Stinson Beach. Continue 3 1/2 miles north of Stinson Beach to the preserve entrance on the right. Look for the sign: “Audubon Canyon Ranch, Martin Griffin Preserve.”
Option Two: Take Highway 101 north from San Francisco or south from San Rafael to the Sir Francis Drake Boulevard Exit. Follow Sir Francis Drake Blvd. northwest for about 21 miles to Olema. Turn south (left) on Highway 1 and follow it for about 10 miles to Bolinas Lagoon. Once Bolinas Lagoon is within view, continue approximately another mile. The preserve entrance will be on the left. Look for the sign: “Audubon Canyon Ranch, Martin Griffin Preserve.”
Public transportation
The Martin Griffin Preserve is accessible by public transportation via the West Marin Stagecoach, though on a limited basis. Please check their website before embarking on your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Martin Griffin Preserve open? Generally, the Preserve hosts school hiking groups in spring and fall and offers several public access opportunities a year; please check our calendar for upcoming opportunities.
What’s going on with the heronry? Since 2013 the Preserve nesting sites were abandoned in favor of others on the western shore of Bolinas Lagoon and elsewhere in the Bay Area. Although no one knows why the birds left, we suspect avian predators (Bald Eagles) as the likely cause. Click here for the history of the heronry and updated information on nesting activities.
What else is there to do at the Martin Griffin Preserve besides observing the heronry? Lots! Visitors are encouraged to hike over eight miles of fern-lined trails, discover ponds with newts and other aquatic life, enjoy a picnic under the redwoods and take in views of the birds on Bolinas Lagoon. See the calendar for visiting opportunities.
How much do you charge? Suggested donation: $20 per person, $15 for members. Contributions support Audubon Canyon Ranch’s preserves and programs. All donations are greatly appreciated!
Is food available at the Preserve? No. People often bring their lunch, and you are welcome to picnic at the tables in the ranch yard but there is no food available for purchase.
Do you have overnight accommodations for the visiting public? No. Accommodations can be found in the neighboring town of Stinson Beach.
Can the facilities be rented for weddings and events? Our facilities are not available for weddings and private parties. Audubon Canyon Ranch considers renting its facilities for corporate, business, and non-profit retreats. Please contact our Development Team for details.
Are you still open if it rains? Yes.
Are dogs allowed on the Preserve? Sorry, no pets are allowed on the Preserve except for service animals, i.e., any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to a person with a disability.
Please note that there is no smoking on the Preserve.