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Ponti Ridge Trail

4.5 ★★★★★ 13 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 Ponti Ridge Trail'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.

Ponti Ridge Trail — running trail in Novato, CA, photo 1
Ponti Ridge Trail — running trail in Novato, CA, photo 2
Ponti Ridge Trail — running trail in Novato, CA, photo 3
Ponti Ridge Trail — running trail in Novato, CA, photo 4
Ponti Ridge Trail — running trail in Novato, CA, photo 5
Open 24hHilly

What runners say about Ponti Ridge Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (13 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

Really nice hiking trail with some easy to moderate elevation gain. Some parts are sunny while most are partial shade provided by oak and madrone trees with nice views to the east and south

★★★★★ — Kevin , May 2021

they already had a trail here but it was replaced. new one is kind of alright

★★★★★ — Michael , Aug 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 13 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

⛰️ Hills / elevation 3 mentions

“Really nice hiking trail with some easy to moderate elevation gain.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Ponti Ridge Trail

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.
  • Websitemarincountyparks.org

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

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Ponti Ridge Trail

150 Alameda del Prado, Novato, CA 94949

Get directions

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.

Horne Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 23 reviews

San Rafael, CA

Scenic

under a mile away

Loma Verde Preserve

4.5 ★★★★★ 38 reviews

Novato, CA

ScenicDog-friendly

1.1 miles away

Pacheco Valley Preserve

4.5 ★★★★★ 48 reviews

San Rafael, CA

ScenicDog-friendly

Kid-friendly hiking area featuring a waterfall.

1.3 miles away

Reservoir Hill Vista Trail

5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews

Novato, CA

1.3 miles away

Marinwood Open Space

4.6 ★★★★★ 89 reviews

San Rafael, CA

Scenic

Nature preserve featuring trails and mountain biking, plus opportunities for children.

1.4 miles away

Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop

4.7 ★★★★★ 57 reviews

San Rafael, CA

Loop

Nature preserve with a walking path for birding.

1.6 miles away

All running trails in Novato, CA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.