Home › California › Novato › Olompali State Historic Park
Olompali State Historic Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 442 Google reviews · Running trail in Novato, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Olompali State Historic Park'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.
This tranquil former Coast Miwok village offers hiking & equestrian trails & a picnic area.
What runners say about Olompali State Historic Park
“Beautiful place to hike and see birds (Quail, Wild Turkeys, Red Tail Hawks, Turkey Vultures & Golden Eagles?”
“A lightly strenuous 3-miler around Loop Trail, mostly shaded so still ok in the summer unless it’s really hot.”
Actually bigger than I thought. Took the loop trail, at first it seemed that it was never going to end after many loop backs but it did end up way up in the canyon and looped around the other Hill and back down towards the village. Actually ended up being a great hike.
This is one of our go to short hike locations. A lightly strenuous 3-miler around Loop Trail, mostly shaded so still ok in the summer unless it’s really hot. If you go counter clockwise you get the “up” part over and done with quicker. (It’s steeper that way.
Took a brisk but calming solitary hike after rains in mid-February. Wildflowers just coming out and beautiful streams flowing.
A short video to share with you. https://youtu.be/yPyxyBbuZCw?si=zZVjMUZjiuncNna2 A well preserved ranch in an ecologically designed fashion since old days. Not flat but smooth up and down. Good for exercise while relaxing to enjoy the trail. Shadows in most areas. Fees required with self service. Dog is not allowed.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful place to hike and see birds (Quail, Wild Turkeys, Red Tail Hawks, Turkey Vultures & Golden Eagles?”
“Parking is $8 cash and The visitor center doesn't always have the right cash.”
“A lightly strenuous 3-miler around Loop Trail, mostly shaded so still ok in the summer unless it’s really hot.”
“A lightly strenuous 3-miler around Loop Trail, mostly shaded so still ok in the summer unless it’s really hot.”
Plan your run at Olompali State Historic Park
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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websiteparks.ca.gov
- Phone(415) 898-4362
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 | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–5 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.
Mount Burdell Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 90 reviews
Park with oak trees, hiking trails, and a peak that features a plateau and views.
Mt Burdell Hike
4.5 ★★★★★ 116 reviews
Preserved space for hiking and biking, with kid-friendly options.
Miwok Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 423 reviews
Family-friendly park with a museum devoted to Native Americans and a playground.
