In Mill Valley, Mount Tamalpais State Park is mostly off-limits to dogs, but there’s one legitimate option if you’re set on hiking here: the Old Stage Road. This short trail—about a half to three-quarter mile—actually allows leashed dogs, which is rare for Mt. Tam itself. The path is gentle and lets you experience some of the rolling terrain and views that make this area special without the crowded parking or massive elevation gains of the main mountain.

The Old Stage Road connects to Marin Municipal Water District Land on the other side, and dogs are permitted there too, so you can extend your walk if you want. It’s not a dramatic hike—you won’t get the sweeping bay vistas or redwood groves that other parts of the park offer—but it’s a solid option if you’re in the area and want to get your dog out on actual trails rather than just walking neighborhood streets.

The park sits right above Mill Valley, and getting there involves some winding roads through residential neighborhoods. The landscape around here is typical North Bay: chaparral, oak woodland, and grassland. Spring is nice if you want wildflowers, but honestly, any season works for this shorter walk. Just bring water for yourself and your dog, especially on warmer days. The trail itself doesn’t have much shade.

One thing to know: most of Mt. Tam’s other trails are completely off-limits to dogs, and rangers do enforce this. Stick to Old Stage Road and the adjacent water district land to stay compliant. If you’re hoping for a longer, more ambitious dog hike in Marin, you’ll probably have better luck at places like Blithedale Ridge or some of the Tamalpais Trails closer to Fairfax. But if you’re already in Mill Valley, Old Stage Road gives you at least a taste of the mountain without the hassle of finding a dog-friendly alternative elsewhere.