Loma Alta Preserve
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Loma Alta Preserve is a protected natural area located in Marin County, California.
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Summary
There are many good reasons to visit the preserve, including its stunning views, diverse wildlife, and excellent hiking trails. The preserve is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including several endangered and threatened species, such as the California red-legged frog and the northern spotted owl.
Some specific points of interest to see within the preserve include the 1,592-foot summit of Loma Alta, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and the numerous creeks and streams that run through the area. Visitors may also be interested in exploring the preserve's historic ranching buildings, which date back to the 19th century.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that Loma Alta was once the site of a large-scale dairy operation, which supplied milk to the San Francisco Bay Area in the early 20th century. The preserve was established in the 1990s, and since then, efforts have been made to restore the natural habitats of the area and protect its biodiversity.
The best time of year to visit Loma Alta Preserve is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the vegetation is at its most colorful. However, the preserve is open year-round and offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing throughout the year. It is important to note that visitors should be prepared for variable weather conditions and should take care to follow all posted rules and regulations to protect the preserve's delicate ecosystems.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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