Home › California › Novato › Buck Gulch Falls
Buck Gulch Falls
4.8 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · Running trail in Novato, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 2 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Buck Gulch Falls' 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.
What runners say about Buck Gulch Falls
“We went in March after lots of rain fall and caught a gorgeous day.”
“Easy trail for all ages with a cute, small waterfall at the end.”
Great quick little hike 3/4 mile with moderate incline. Awesome water fall at the end of you catch it during the right time. We went in March after lots of rain fall and caught a gorgeous day. Shaded and very accessible.
A nice little waterfall my kids enjoyed there its so much fun.Nice scenery beautiful view nice short and enjoyable hike….🤗🤗
A beautiful, easy hike that is great for kids and dogs. We went after the recent rains and the waterfall was impressive. The path is well-shaded and full of ferns and mossy trees. You will have to cross a few shallow streams, so wear waterproof boots if you have them. Highly recommend for a quick nature fix!
Incredible place, smooth and practically flat trail in a short time you arrive at the waterfall, around 15 to 20 minutes. The fall is not very strong but I only went there in winter after some rain a few days ago, I don't know how it is in summer. I was there in March 2023.
Trail conditions & character
“It looked like an enjoyable hike with a nice waterfall view but going during the summer is a no go as the water was dried up but the hike was nice regardless.”
“A nice little waterfall about a 1/4 to a 1/2 mile hike from the parking area/trailhead.”
“Until H Ranch decides to sell their property to open space, this is the only waterfall that’s accessible.”
Plan your run at Buck Gulch Falls
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- Distance2 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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.
Ignacio Valley Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 98 reviews
Undeveloped, 906-acre open space with trails for hiking, mountain biking & horseback riding.
Lucas Valley Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 91 reviews
A 1,271-acre preserve with valley views featuring lots of open space & trails for hiking & riding.
Pacheco Valley Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 48 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area featuring a waterfall.