Novato, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Novato, California, offer top outdoor adventures. The Indian Tree Preserve is a must-visit for hikers, renowned for its scenic views and diverse vegetation. This 6.5-mile loop trail is moderately difficult, with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. The trail features a stunning array of native plants and wildlife, with a creek crossing adding to its allure. For those interested in bird watching, the Rush Creek Open Space Preserve is a prime location. The flat terrain and wetlands attract a variety of bird species. The Stafford Lake Park, set against the backdrop of Mount Burdell, offers fishing, picnicking, and disc golf. For rock climbing, Ring Mountain is the place to be, known for its unique rock formations and panoramic views of the bay. These attractions make Novato a top spot for outdoor activities.
Top Spots in and near Novato
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Tiburon, California
Camp on Angel Island
5.0Thousands of years ago, this island was a fishing and hunting ground for the Miwok Native Americans. It has also been an outpost for the U.S. Army and a cattle ranch. Now, it’s one of the closest places to escape from the hustle of San Francisco and set up camp. Camping on the island requires ba...Read more -
Tiburon, California
Angel Island Perimeter Loop
5.98 mi / 794 ft gainAngel Island Perimeter Loop is a loop trail around the circumference of the island in the San Francisco Bay. The island is located near Tiburon, California with views of downtown San Francisco, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Oakland, Sausalito, and TIburon as you traverse around the island. ...Read more -
Sausalito, California
Catch the Sunset at Swedes Beach
This is a small tucked away beach in Sausalito, CA. Being in the bay, it has very calm waters and is easy to swim in, though the water will be very cold. There are pilings in the water that are remnants of the old piers. It is a great beach to watch the sunset at. There is very limited street...Read more -
Inverness, California
Estero Trail to Drake's Estero
5.07.94 mi / 696 ft gainJune sunshine blazes on your shoulders during this scenic stroll through the Point Reyes Seashore. The trail is alive and awash with colorful wildflowers around every corner. Beginning at the trailhead, just off Home Ranch Road, with a convenient parking lot and bathroom, you'll wade through a h...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Rodeo Beach
5.0Rodeo beach is 10 minute drive past the Golden Gate. Pack up the car with a couple beverages and something to eat, then spend the afternoon and evening taking in the sunset. If you're taking the romantic angle, remember to pack a few blankets just in case the wind picks up or it's colder than ant...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Hill 88 Loop
4.05.5 mi / 1086 ft gainThis quick, yet challenging trail run is located just minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Grab your dog (on-leash), park in the large lot next to Rodeo Beach and hit the trail! The climb starts up the Coastal Trail to the right end of the parking lot if you're staring at the beach. Take the...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Coastal Trail Loop
2.57 mi / 420 ft gainCoastal Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Sausalito, California.Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Coastal Trail from Rodeo Beach to Muir Beach
11.35 mi / 3264 ft gainThis hike has beautiful views in the Marin Headlands. You'll find easy parking in the Rodeo Beach Parking lot if you get there early (by 8:30 am). This hike goes along the Coastal Trail which has a few steep areas as you make your way to Tennessee Beach. The Tennessee Beach has gorgeous dark b...Read more -
Napa, California
Westwood Hills Park Loop
4.02.12 mi / 476 ft gainThis park can get a little crowded on weekends, so best to go early if possible. In terms of parking, there's a lot at the trailhead, but also plenty of available street parking. The loop can be broken up in a various ways as there are several offshoots from the main trailhead/trail leaving fro...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Miwok, Marincello and Bobcat Trail
8.17 mi / 1391 ft gainMiwok, Marincello and Bobcat Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Sausalito, California.Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Rodeo Cove to Point Bonita Lighthouse
5.03.64 mi / 568 ft gainIf you're looking for a little hike and a lot of beach, you'll find your ideal combo at Rodeo Beach and Point Bonita Lighthouse. Park at the Marin Headlands Visitor Center at the head of the 0.8 mile trail to the beach. From the lighthouse to the beach, it will be another 1.5-2 miles there and ba...Read more -
Inverness, California
Marshall Beach
5.02.41 mi / 305 ft gainMarshall Beach located on the Tomales Bay side of Point Reyes National Seashore is reached via an out-and-back hiking or mountain biking trail. Camping:There are boat-in campsites available at Marshall Beach. The campsite does not permit hike-in campers, boat-in only via kayak, canoe, paddleboa...Read more -
Sausalito, California
Slacker Hill
5.01.02 mi / 344 ft gainAlthough the Headlands can be crowded, particularly at the parking-lot chaos of the Vista Point and pull-offs along Conzelman Road, the three routes leading to the summit of Slacker Hill remain relatively quiet, even during busy weekends. Each can be tied into larger loops throughout the Headland...Read more -
Sausalito, California
Ninja Loop
9.37 mi / 1831 ft gainThis loop can start from several different locations, including Rodeo Beach and the Golden Gate Bridge parking lot. Starting from the GGB will add 2 more miles onto this run. I like to start at the Coastal Trailhead parking lot off of McCullough and Conzelman Roads (just a notch down from Hawk Hi...Read more -
Sausalito, California
Marin Headlands Trail Loop
10.5 mi / 1990 ft gainThis trail starts at the Coastal Trail in Marin Headlands Park, where there's a small parking lot and outhouse bathroom off the circle when coming from Conzelman Road.Take the Coastal Trail until you intersect with Bunker Road (you can even turn right and spit off the trail just before intersecti...Read more -
Mill Valley, CaliforniaHeadlands Ride to Point Bonita Lighthouse
4.3The Headlands are a quick ride over the Golden Gate. On the ride, you'll see wildflowers, rugged coastline, and the Point Bonita Lighthouse. Once you cross the bridge, take Conzelman Rd up ~700 feet to Hawk Hill. From here, continue on to the lighthouse. On the return trip, head back on Conzelman...Read more
