Name: Espinosa Trail
Rating: 4.8

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Plan in onX Backcountry

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Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Poison oak is prevalent here, and I'd suggest winter or early spring for your run if you want to avoid the worst of it.

Runner Notes

Mostly good, even trail.

Description

From the parking lot, pass the gate and start off on an old forest service road for a short distance until you see a trail heading downhill to the right. Barrel downhill for 3/4 of a mile until you meet up with the creek. Enjoy the lowlands along a tributary of Pine Valley Creek for another mile until you arrive at Horsethief Canyon.

The area ranges from a healthy waterfall and swimming hole to a dry dirt lowland with some fetid water. Cross the creek and pass the Secret Canyon trail cutting off to your left. Head precipitously uphill through some switchbacks and intense climbs for another mile until the trail slowly eases up. Another mile on more comfortable terrain leaves you on the Corte Madera Road, where you can turn back or catch a run.