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Piping Rock Trail Head
4.3 ★★★★☆ 15 Google reviews · Running trail in Novato, 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 Piping Rock Trail Head'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.
What runners say about Piping Rock Trail Head
Very steep trail. Takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes all the way up and then down. Partly so steep that you have to start using your hands. But worth it for anyone who is a little athletic.
A nice short trail to the a little waterfall. Nice scenery in the early spring/late winter. Make sure to go after recent rainfall to ensure the waterfall is flowing. Overall a nice short and enjoyable hike.
Quiet trail, very light traffic. There are many places where it's difficult to see which is the actual trail. Very steep in places. Streetside parking only.
Very short hiking, I enjoyed with my 8th years old niece. The a little waterfall was nice.
Trail conditions & character
Plan your run at Piping Rock Trail Head
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.
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 Novato
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Pacheco Valley Preserve
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Kid-friendly hiking area featuring a waterfall.
