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Mount Burdell Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 90 Google reviews · Running trail in Novato, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Mount Burdell 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.
Park with oak trees, hiking trails, and a peak that features a plateau and views.
What runners say about Mount Burdell Preserve
“This is a gorgeous preserve with some of the most glorious Oak trees I have ever seen.”
Mount Burdell is the natural backdrop to the city of Novato. It’s a fairly small mountain, but will still give you some pretty views across the entire Bay Area. Follow the Eagle Rim trail to get to the top. The Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve is ideal for gentle hikes and outdoor picnics.
This is a gorgeous preserve with some of the most glorious Oak trees I have ever seen. Also, lots of little streams along the way. I haven’t seen any wildlife but did hear an owl. The hike is somewhat challenging but can be easily done by just about anyone. The trails are wide.
Such a great preserve to hike, bike, and stroll. Incredible for sunrises and sunsets. There are easy to strenuous hikes and loops plus some good uphill climbs too. Great spots to stop and really enjoy the scenery (maybe, coyote, cow or bird sightings). A must do!
Love this hike. Today it was nice and muddy and some of the streams we're flowing high. Just be careful crossing some of the more faster deeper streams after a long rain. Mount Burdell has many different paths to take and the views are always fun to check out. Multiple paths means different times to finish.
Trail conditions & character
“It’s a fairly small mountain, but will still give you some pretty views across the entire Bay Area.”
“Lots of large fire roads where dogs can be off leash along with even more trails where dogs ok on leash.”
“It did rain a little bit as a storm cloud passed close overhead once I was at higher elevation.”
“Today it was nice and muddy and some of the streams we're flowing high.”
Plan your run at Mount Burdell Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- Websitemarincountyparks.org
- Phone(415) 473-4381
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 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.
Mt Burdell Hike
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Preserved space for hiking and biking, with kid-friendly options.
Miwok Park
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Ohair Park
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Olompali State Historic Park
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