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Mount Tamalpais Watershed
4.8 ★★★★★ 659 Google reviews · Running trail in Fairfax, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Mount Tamalpais Watershed yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.
Protected mountain area with streams, redwood & fir forests & hiking, biking & equestrian trails.
What runners say about Mount Tamalpais Watershed
“Cataract Trail is a beautiful and moderate to hard hike depending on how far you decide to explore.”
Yep I started at Phoenix lake and just kept going up and up great trails. The bikers were very courteous. It was kind of fun going to the muddy trails on a rainy day. Got to the top thought I ran outta road mayor just been me, turned around and went back down. It was just fantastic, great hike.
Amazing and beautiful hike!!! The waterfall is all on the way up... I will note that there are a lot stairs, just to keep in mind. It is great for kids as there is water to refresh yourself and stay cool.
One of the more challenging hikes I've been on, but well worth the effort. I started from Muir Woods and then hiked to the top of Mt Tamalpais, but you can also hike from the bottom to the top of Mt Tamalpais, or if you're smarter than me just drive a car to the top :) Depending on the weather, whether clear or foggy,…
Hike around the lake is gorgeous, there is two routes a sunny one as well as a shaded one. I would recommend doing the sunny side earlier in the day. Dogs are allowed and it's a great spot to bring your furry friend. Trail isn't super crowded, but you do have to pay for parking there.
Trail conditions & character
“All the different lakes scattered around Mount Tamalpais' north slope make for incredibly panoramic views.”
“Trail isn't super crowded, but you do have to pay for parking there.”
Plan your run at Mount Tamalpais Watershed
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Phone(415) 945-1180
Running trails near Fairfax
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
