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Big Trees Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 81 Google reviews · Running trail in Novato, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 4 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Big Trees Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking, horseback riding, and picnics are popular activities at this area with scenic redwoods.
What runners say about Big Trees Trail
“Gorgeous vistas, stands of redwoods, mist-covered spider webs, a dozen sightings of California Newts, and a good hiking companion.”
“Mostly gradual uphill for about three miles to the Indian Tree grove, almost all shaded, so good for a summer hike.”
This is a nice hiking trail. Parking is on the side of road were you can find room. The trail is narrow. For this reason you my need to step into the hill side to make room for passing. There are 3 forks on the trail. The first fork is at the start of the trail. You can take Big Tree Trail or Upper meadow Trail.
Hiking the trails in this area are extremely pleasant and enjoyable. The majority of the trail is shaded and passes through many small groves of beautiful Redwood Trees. Once reaching the top you will find some magnificent Redwood Trees and views.
Very nice hike. There are not many views, but the forest is very diverse and looks great. I went on a rainy Sunday, started at 8am. I haven’t met anybody until 10.30am. The full loop took me about 3 hours. The parking is on the street, there is plenty. The hike is steep at times, but overall I’d rate it as moderate.
Really enjoyed this hike. Its an uphill hike, but it isn't too steep and you can do multiple loops along the path which range anywhere from about 3-7 miles and you can go through young redwood groves if you follow Ships Mast. Its shaded nearly the whole way which makes it an awesome hike for a hot, sunny day.
Trail conditions & character
“Gorgeous vistas, stands of redwoods, mist-covered spider webs, a dozen sightings of California Newts, and a good hiking companion.”
“Mostly gradual uphill for about three miles to the Indian Tree grove, almost all shaded, so good for a summer hike.”
“Great hiking, and of course, the big giant redwood on the top of the ridge is well worth the climb to get there.”
“Lots of parking near the base, clear map and trail intersection markers, and great views at the top!”
“Easy approximately 4 mile long, mostly shaded loop with beautiful views.”
Plan your run at Big Trees Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- Loop distance4 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
Running trails near Novato
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Ohair Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 153 reviews
Park with trails for walking and biking, as well as farm animals to view.
Miwok Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 423 reviews
Family-friendly park with a museum devoted to Native Americans and a playground.
Mt Burdell Hike
4.5 ★★★★★ 116 reviews
Preserved space for hiking and biking, with kid-friendly options.
