Where to go for a wildlife show
The Las Gallinas Ponds put on a wildlife show most days. Almost always the star performers are waterfowl. They may include at different times: mute swans, white pelicans, great blue herons and night herons, great and snowy egrets, an amazing variety of ducks and others. But occasionally, the show might feature raptors or other birds and much more rarely, river otters, deer or jackrabbits.
Sometimes the show will be dramatic, sometimes just some ducks floating on a pond, sometimes not much at all. The performances and performers are different every day, sometimes every minute — scheduled, cast, directed and produced by nature's rhythms.
The Las Gallinas Ponds hike itself is beautiful and flat with good footing, accessible to almost everyone. You can design your hike to loop one, two or all three ponds in any configuration and length you choose. Don't forget to look at the neighboring marshes and fields, the hills and Mount Tamalpais, and the sky above, for all display differing subtle shades of color.
• Getting there: Take Highway 101 to the Lucas Valley/ Smith Ranch Road exit and head east on Smith Ranch Road toward McInnis Park and golf course. Just feet after crossing the railroad tracks, get in the left lane and turn left. Continue on the road and through the left gate to the road's end. You may park in the parking lot on the left or along the road. Even with many cars, the hike will not seem crowded.
• Hike summary: The Las Gallinas Ponds hike is flat with good footing with a route and length of your choice. The hike from the trailhead circling the first pond back to the trailhead is approximately 1 mile. It is generally the pond with most of the wildlife action and is sometimes called the “Wildlife Pond.”
Occasionally, there is a disagreeable odor in the parking lot area, which you will leave behind once you walk over the short bridge leading to the first pond. Port-a-potty available in parking lot. Dogs on leash allowed. Bring your binoculars.
• The hike: Starting from just over the bridge, you can proceed straight or turn left. Observe the pond both ways and take the di