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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marin Stables and Trails, Inc.?

Where exactly is Marin Stables?

Are there parking or use fees to access the trails from
Marin Stables?

Who owns the Stables?

Who takes care of the horses and the facilities?

How can I make arrangements to board my horse at the Stable?

What kind of programs do you offer for members of the community who do not ride horses?

How can I arrange for my group to participate in an education program at Marin Stables?

What will my donation be used for?

How can I volunteer to help?

barnWhat is Marin Stables & Trails, Inc.?

Marin Stables and Trails, Inc. is a non-profit public benefit corporation organized to operate, renovate, and preserve historic Marin Stables, and to maintain the Canyon and Ethel Moore trailheads, to insure that public use and access to these popular facilities will continue. We operate Marin Stables under a 30 year lease from the Marin Municipal Water District. We rely upon tax deductible contributions to accomplish our mission.

mapWhere exactly is Marin Stables?

We are tucked into a canyon in Fairfax, behind Deer Park Villa, in the midst of a residential community. Directions: from Highway 101 take the Sir Francis Drake Boulevard exit West and continue on to the town of Fairfax; turn onto the main Street by the movie theater and go one block to Bolinas Avenue. Turn left onto Bolinas Avenue and continue to Porteous (a short distance past the Fairfax police station). Turn left onto Porteus and then take an immediate right to continue on Porteous. Travel a short distance on Porteus and take the first right on Wood Lane and go all the way to the end. We are one of the main gateways to the watershed. There are no bikes allowed on the Canyon Trail or Ethel Moore Trail, but you are welcome to visit and hike and walk your leashed dogs.

trailAre there parking or use fees to access the trails from Marin Stables?

No. Public access to the trails and parking at the Stable is free.






Who owns the Stables?

The Marin Stables land and structures are owned by the Marin Municipal Water District. Marin Stables & Trails, Inc. leases the facility from MMWD under a 30 year lease. Marin Stables is a public treasure for all of the people of Marin County and the Bay Area, not a private riding club, and that is why we are asking for public donations. For those of you familiar with the location of the Stables, it is easy to understand how losing this facility would be a real tragedy for the community and neighborhood. If you have not done so yet, we encourage you to come out and visit. You may be surprised at what you have been missing, and its located practically in your own backyard!

jimWho takes care of the horses and the facilities?

Taking care of horses is a big job and a labor of love. Daily horse feeding, stall cleaning, and stable maintenance at Marin Stables is provided by Ruff Spot, LLC under the direction of Jim McDermott who has been managing the facility since 1980. Don’t be afraid to ask questions either, Jim and Jamie know more about horses than the horses themselves. If you would like more information about boarding your horse at Marin Stables please call Jim McDermott at (415) 459-9455.

How can I make arrangements to board my horse at the Stable?

If you would like more information about boarding your horse at Marin Stables please call Jim McDermott at (415) 459-9455.

What kind of programs do you offer for members of the community who do not ride horses?

Marin Stables has become more than just a recreational facility. It is the site of public educational, therapeutic, and mentoring programs for adults and children. These programs have included a recreational therapy program for cancer patients, MMWD Ranger led nature walks for senior citizens and school children, programs for developmentally disabled adults, programs for local Girl Scout and Cub Scout troops, animal training programs led by the Marin Humane Society, and our annual participation in the Adopt a Family program. For more information please contact Trudy at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

cedarsHow can I arrange for my group to participate in an education program
at Marin Stables?

For Outreach info, please contact Trudy at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it





arenaWhat will my donation be used for?

The Marin Stables Arena Restoration Project is our top priority right now, so unless you specify otherwise, this is where we will direct your contribution. We have a devoted set of board members who are dedicated to seeing the Restoration Project through to completion.

volunteerHow can I volunteer to help?

We welcome anyone who shares our commitment and vision willing to volunteer their time. There are a multitude of ways that you can help with outreach programs for adults and children, or trail maintenance projects. Or you may; lend your professional expertise in construction, environmental matters, and architecture. Donations of building materials are a GREAT donation! Or feel free to suggest a way that your particular skills might be valuable. The best way to reach us is via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call our office number at 415-459-9455, leave all your pertinent information, and we’ll find a place for you.