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Deer Island Open Space
4.5 ★★★★★ 96 Google reviews · Running trail in Novato, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Deer Island Open Space'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.
Kid-friendly area featuring a well-maintained, tree-lined loop trail with scenic views.
What runners say about Deer Island Open Space
“Nice spot for a hike, trails aren't very long but they are beautiful.”
“Easy walk with mixture of shade and sun.”
“Several narrow, winding trails forming two loops of easy hikes, taking approximately an hour each.”
Short on time but you want to get in a decent hike. The Deer Island Loop is your hike. Nice vista's of the Novato ridgeline; especially as the sun sets to the west. The wildlife, well, I saw not one Great Horne Owl 🦉 but two🦉🦉 in the same tree - what a hoot 😉.
Take a beautiful walk or run around the island. Yes, there are many deer seen here. Very pretty during the time of year when all is green and lush and verdant. Parking is available but lock your car and take valuables with you or leave at home. Personally never had an issue but always lock your car anyway.
Several narrow, winding trails forming two loops of easy hikes, taking approximately an hour each. Pretty views of hills, especially at sunset. In spring, the fields are covered with wild flowers. Usually not crowded, at least not in the early evening. Dogs need to be kept on a leash.
Great hike. Saw a turkey and had a bunch of sweet ladies chase me up the trail. I couldn't let me catch me.
Trail conditions & character
“Nice spot for a hike, trails aren't very long but they are beautiful.”
“I always enjoy this easy walk and the lovely vistas of trees, hills and waterways.”
“Limited parking adjacent to an industrial area but should be fine outside of peak times as this is not a destination spot, more of a locals getting a walk in their backyard spot.”
“Mostly flat except the side trails that you can use for extra exercise.”
Plan your run at Deer Island Open Space
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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 — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitemarincountyparks.org
- Phone(415) 473-4381
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
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.
Reservoir Hill Vista Trail
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews
Mount Burdell Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 90 reviews
Park with oak trees, hiking trails, and a peak that features a plateau and views.