HomeCaliforniaSan Rafael › Santa Venetia Marsh Preserve

Santa Venetia Marsh Preserve

4.6 ★★★★★ 72 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 Santa Venetia Marsh 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.

Open 24hScenicDog-friendlyQuiet

Nature preserve with trails and marshes where dogs and people can enjoy the scenery.

What runners say about Santa Venetia Marsh Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (72 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 7 mentions

“It was beautiful to see landaa meet sky or marsh meet sky.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 4 mentions

“It was quiet and comforting even though many people passed by.”

It was beautiful to see landaa meet sky or marsh meet sky. It was quiet and comforting even though many people passed by. I thought I'd be the only one out there. I was wrong! It's an easy walk. For dogs too.

★★★★★ — Rebecca , Jan 2023

Great trails to walk (with or without your leashed dog). Beautiful sunny day for it. Plentiful waterfowl. Peaceful.

★★★★★ — Patty , Jan 2024

Outstanding hike so close to the water. Great for walking photographing, and trekking with your four-legged buddy!

★★★★★ — Stephen , Oct 2018

An amazing walking path with a unique vibe. Coming from McInnis, it's a long but beautiful walk.

★★★★★ — Bryan , Apr 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 72 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.

🐕 Dog-friendly 16 mentions

“Nice they have dog "potty" station with bags at the entrance.”

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🏞️ Scenic views 8 mentions

“It was beautiful to see landaa meet sky or marsh meet sky.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 4 mentions

“It was quiet and comforting even though many people passed by.”

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Plan your run at Santa Venetia Marsh 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

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 Santa Venetia Marsh Preserve

851 Rosal Way, San Rafael, CA 94903

Get directions

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.

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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.