Home › California › Novato › Ignacio Valley Preserve
Ignacio Valley Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 98 Google reviews · Running trail in Novato, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Ignacio Valley Preserve'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.
Undeveloped, 906-acre open space with trails for hiking, mountain biking & horseback riding.
What runners say about Ignacio Valley Preserve
“Beautiful trails that take you on a nice course to view Novato, San Rafael, and eventually most of the bay area.”
“The path follows a small stream and the whole area is peaceful and shaded.”
“Simple and easy hikes along a great river with the reward and a small waterfall at the end.”
Beautiful lush trail, hiked in mid April. Saw a few mountain bikers, so be careful. Elevation is challenging in areas, and the trail is dirt the whole way. The path follows a small stream and the whole area is peaceful and shaded.
Simple and easy hikes along a great river with the reward and a small waterfall at the end. Brought my dog. There are a lot of flat shallow spots along the river and he had a great time.
Buck Gulch falls. Very beautiful and easy hike. Great for bringing children.
Had a fantastic hike this morning! Did not disappoint. ❤️ the trails. Met some hikers out on the trail this morning. We enjoyed their company. Wildlife in the area, don’t forget to download offline maps of the area. Very peaceful area. Pack a lunch and enjoy. Please pack out what you pack in.
Trail conditions & character
“Great hike for beginners not hard at all nice scenery good to take your dog and at the end of the trail nice little waterfall”
“Great hike for beginners not hard at all nice scenery good to take your dog and at the end of the trail nice little waterfall”
“There is a more challenging upward climb gulch trail for those seeking a longer and more challenging trail.”
“The path follows a small stream and the whole area is peaceful and shaded.”
“There are a lot of flat shallow spots along the river and he had a great time.”
“We brought a 3-wheeled jogging stroller.”
Plan your run at Ignacio Valley Preserve
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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- 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.
- Websitemarincountyparks.org
- Phone(415) 473-6387
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.
Pacheco Valley Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 48 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area featuring a waterfall.
Marinwood Open Space
4.6 ★★★★★ 89 reviews
Nature preserve featuring trails and mountain biking, plus opportunities for children.