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Lucas Valley Road, West Marin, California
Photo: md. childress · CC BY 3.0 · cropped

Drives California The North Bay

Lucas Valley Road

West Marin, California · San Rafael → Nicasio

Twisty10.2 mi25 min700 ft climbHigh point ≈ 700 ftOne way
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The drive

Lucas Valley Road is the short way from US 101 in San Rafael to the open country of West Marin. The first two or three miles are suburban, through the Marinwood and Lucas Valley neighborhoods, then the houses end and the road starts to climb.

It tops out at Big Rock, a large rock beside the road at the head of the valley and a trailhead for hikes up Loma Alta and along Big Rock Ridge. From there it winds down the other side, following Nicasio Creek west past Skywalker Ranch, which keeps a discreet presence from the road and is closed to the public. The road was named for an early-20th-century landowner, not for George Lucas.

The drive ends just short of Nicasio Valley Road, near the small community of Nicasio, which dates from the 19th century and sits among open pastures.

Along the way

  1. San Rafael (US-101)
  2. Nicasio (Nicasio Valley Road)
Elevation
700 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 700 ft
San RafaelNicasio
Curves
Mostly moderate, with two twisty stretches
San RafaelNicasio
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Expect cyclists, especially on weekend mornings, on the climb to Big Rock and the winding descent.
  • Parking at the Big Rock trailhead is limited and fills early on weekends.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Marin County Public Works: roadway restrictions.

Questions about this drive

How long does Lucas Valley Road take?

Lucas Valley Road from US 101 in San Rafael to Nicasio is 10.2 miles and takes about 25 minutes.

Is Lucas Valley Road named after George Lucas?

No. Lucas Valley Road is named for an early-20th-century landowner, though George Lucas's Skywalker Ranch is on the road.

Can you visit Skywalker Ranch from Lucas Valley Road?

No. Skywalker Ranch, on Lucas Valley Road, is private and closed to the public.

Is Lucas Valley Road twisty?

The first few miles of Lucas Valley Road are suburban; the curves start on the climb to Big Rock and continue on the way down toward Nicasio.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Lucas Valley Road, from San Rafael to Nicasio