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Marinwood Open Space
4.6 ★★★★★ 89 Google reviews · Running trail in San Rafael, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Marinwood 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.
Nature preserve featuring trails and mountain biking, plus opportunities for children.
What runners say about Marinwood Open Space
“Black Sands Beach was beautiful, the old bunkers were very interesting.”
Really nice area for hiking. During winter and spring there are a lot of small waterfalls by the trailheads. However, the terrain is quite steep and hiking or mountain biking along the ridge can be fairly difficult.
Trails have changed it seems, the waters must have carved out the path. Our little "Fern Gully" is gone. Lots and lots of poison oak so be mindful of where you walk. There is a huge tree "branch" that leans onto the path and you will need to go duck under. Not good if you have a bad back. Still a nice walk all in all.
Beautiful trails winding up into the Oaks above neighborhood. Friendly hikers, dogs & kids raoming around.
Went for a hard 6 mile hike on the chicken shack to ponti fire road! Such an amazing place.
Trail conditions & character
“During winter and spring there are a lot of small waterfalls by the trailheads.”
Plan your run at Marinwood 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- Websitemarinwood.org
- Phone+1 415-479-0775
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near San Rafael
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.
Ignacio Valley Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 98 reviews
Undeveloped, 906-acre open space with trails for hiking, mountain biking & horseback riding.
Ponti Ridge Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 13 reviews
