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Pacheco Valley Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 48 Google reviews · Running trail in San Rafael, 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 Pacheco Valley 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.
Kid-friendly hiking area featuring a waterfall.
What runners say about Pacheco Valley Preserve
“Great spot for short hike to a sometimes waterfall; beautiful and somewhat hidden location.”
Take Chicken Shack Fire Road (3.2 miles) for a steep uphill climb to Big Rock Ridge. Travel through classic oak woodlands that open to views of Mount Burdell and Mount Tam. Rugged quarter-mile Pacheco Creek Trail leads to a lovely seasonal waterfall.
Great spot for short hike to a sometimes waterfall; beautiful and somewhat hidden location.
Trail conditions & character
“Great spot for short hike to a sometimes waterfall; beautiful and somewhat hidden location.”
“2 miles) for a steep uphill climb to Big Rock Ridge.”
Plan your run at Pacheco Valley 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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitemarincountyparks.org
- Phone+1 415-473-6387
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 |
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.
Ignacio Valley Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 98 reviews
Undeveloped, 906-acre open space with trails for hiking, mountain biking & horseback riding.
Marinwood Open Space
4.6 ★★★★★ 89 reviews
Nature preserve featuring trails and mountain biking, plus opportunities for children.
Ponti Ridge Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 13 reviews
