Home › California › Larkspur › Dawn Falls Trailhead
Dawn Falls Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 178 Google reviews · Running trail in Larkspur, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Dawn Falls Trailhead'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.
Popular nature trail with a waterfall and a creek, dog-friendly and great for kids.
What runners say about Dawn Falls Trailhead
“Very cute trail tucked away in the Larkspur hills, gorgeous forest scenery tucked next to ridiculously expensive houses in the surrounding neighborhoods.”
“Even with all the people we saw on this trail, it is still quiet and serene.”
“The trail is entirely in the woods, and a cool creek runs along the trail Dogs are welcome on leash (off leash on fire roads only).”
I’ve hiked this trail 100+ times and have some great info if you’ve never been here before. First, know it’s possible to reach the summit of Mt. Tam from the bottom of where the trailhead starts. You should budget for 3-6 hours depending on pace. It’s 2500 ft and will require using 3 different fire roads.
Even though it's very short. This is our favorite trail nearby. There are No big hills to traverse. Plus there's a beautiful stream all the way to the waterfall. There's always someone on the trail. Not a lot of someone's. Just a couple every now and then.
Amazing area, better if not summer. If you like to stroll the woods with your dogs, be warned... This amazing location is overrun with people who do not leash their dogs, which is against the rules. Bottom line: If your dog does not obey your commands, then leash your dog.
Beautiful hike. Nice and shaded. A few rougher areas, and a few spots with drop-offs beside the trail. Definitely not stroller accessible. Lots of dogs. Waterfall was more of a trickle in June, but the hike was still awesome!
Trail conditions & character
“The trail is entirely in the woods, and a cool creek runs along the trail Dogs are welcome on leash (off leash on fire roads only).”
“Very cute trail tucked away in the Larkspur hills, gorgeous forest scenery tucked next to ridiculously expensive houses in the surrounding neighborhoods.”
“There is very limited parking, so plan to park down the street and walk to the trailhead.”
“The climb can be daunting when you start heading uphill on the first switchback, but it’s a short one and take you to a fire road worth exploring in either direction.”
“Even with all the people we saw on this trail, it is still quiet and serene.”
“Beautiful, wooded, easy to moderate trail.”
“Definitely not stroller accessible.”
“Roads are marked by obelisks and there’s a trail map at the very bottom as well as a relief map/ trail map at the top by the parking lot/ water fountain.”
Plan your run at Dawn Falls Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteparks.marincounty.org
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 Larkspur
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Baltimore Canyon Preserve
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Temelpa Trail
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Mount Tamalpais East Peak
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