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Little Mountain Open Space Preserve

4.8 ★★★★★ 22 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 Little Mountain Open Space 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.

Open 24hScenic

What runners say about Little Mountain Open Space Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (22 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 6 mentions

“Beautiful location, well maintained trails to enjoy”

I enjoy this place a lot. Mostly for the mild doubt I overcome when hiking here. It's tough in spots, but not in a,"ending the day now" kinda way. Great place to see the stars also. Shooting stars were awesome in August.

★★★★★ — Levi , Aug 2023

Can be very soggy after rains, but terriffic views in the top. It's a well kept secret, so you might have the trail to yourself. Combine with Big Trees or Ships Mast trails if you want a longer out and back hike.

★★★★★ — Erinn , Feb 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 22 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 8 mentions

“Can be very soggy after rains, but terriffic views in the top.”

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Plan your run at Little Mountain Open Space 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.
  • Websitemarincountyparks.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

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Little Mountain Open Space Preserve

Unnamed Road, Novato, CA 94947

Get directions

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.

Ohair Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 153 reviews

Novato, CA

ScenicDog-friendly

Park with trails for walking and biking, as well as farm animals to view.

under a mile away

Big Trees Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 81 reviews

Novato, CA

4 miLoopShadedScenic

Hiking, horseback riding, and picnics are popular activities at this area with scenic redwoods.

under a mile away

Dwarf Oak Trail Trailhead (Mount Burdell)

4.6 ★★★★★ 48 reviews

Novato, CA

ScenicDog-friendly

under a mile away

Miwok Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 423 reviews

Novato, CA

ShadedScenicDog-friendly

Family-friendly park with a museum devoted to Native Americans and a playground.

1.5 miles away

Mt Burdell Hike

4.5 ★★★★★ 116 reviews

Novato, CA

5.2 miLoopNatural surfaceShaded

Preserved space for hiking and biking, with kid-friendly options.

1.8 miles away

Mount Burdell Preserve

4.6 ★★★★★ 90 reviews

Novato, CA

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Park with oak trees, hiking trails, and a peak that features a plateau and views.

2.4 miles away

All running trails in Novato, CA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.