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Indian Valley Preserve Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 49 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 Indian Valley Preserve 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.
What runners say about Indian Valley Preserve Trailhead
“Gorgeous, I felt like I was in the Sound of Music, with all the rolling green hills.”
“A"Must-see/go to" Quiet,serene, nature'licious!”
“Lots of friendly dogs walking their peeps.”
There is no parking lot. You need to find a spot to park off Indian Valley Road, on the other side of of the street. Walk down the dead end street and find the trail head and signs, near the horse corral and chicken egg selling stand.
My go to walking trail. Up to 2.3mi gentle walk round trip - not counting numerous available side hikes. Lots of friendly dogs walking their peeps. Shade, sun, and frogs in the pools.
Gorgeous, I felt like I was in the Sound of Music, with all the rolling green hills. You can walk the fire road, and it is basically flat, or take some of the trails and get a bit of a workout! Lots of dog walkers!
Classic short trail with access to more trails above that can lead to big rock ridge... connector from Indian valley road to ivc campus open to foot, bike, and horse traffic. If they had built this into a road, the whole town would have been different.
Trail conditions & character
“Gorgeous, I felt like I was in the Sound of Music, with all the rolling green hills.”
“A"Must-see/go to" Quiet,serene, nature'licious!”
“You can walk the fire road, and it is basically flat, or take some of the trails and get a bit of a workout!”
Plan your run at Indian Valley Preserve 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.
- 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.
- Websiteparks.marincounty.gov
- 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.
Miwok Park
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Ignacio Valley Preserve
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Undeveloped, 906-acre open space with trails for hiking, mountain biking & horseback riding.
Big Trees Trail
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Hiking, horseback riding, and picnics are popular activities at this area with scenic redwoods.