Beautiful open space preserve. I had no clue this place existed (new to the area) and discovered it…read morebecause our photographer recommended it for photos. I'm so glad she did! There's street parking nearby, beautiful easy hikes, and lots of nature. My son loved the open space too. It's not crowded, clean, and I look forward to checking out / exploring more.

I visited this Open Space Preserve by accessing the area near the Bay Club Rolling Hills in Novato…read more On this day, I was on my mountain bike and had only hiked here one time prior as I'm new to the area. I would say this park is better for hiking than mountain biking unless you live nearby. But there are better destination mountain biking choices in the area. For that reason I only give it 4 stars. That said, its a lovely regional park for wildlife viewing, stunning vistas of the bay and just being in a well preserved swath of oak lined rolling hills of Northern California. I really had a nice time exploring the paths on my bike and may have missed one of the better single track sections to the southeast side of the park. Next time!

Only traveled on the floor level but it is beautiful, historic and calming park. Next to hwy 101,…read morethe freeway really doesn't affect the park settings that much. Plenty of trees for shade, picnic tables, a large fountain (unfortunately not operating) Some buildings & farm houses. Also easy access to restrooms. Will definitely go on the upper paths and hopefully see a view. Take a hike !!!

If you are coming strictly to hike, this might not be a bad choice. However, if you are hoping to…read moreexplore the historic sites, like the old farmhouse and Miwok village, it probably isn't worth the trip, especially if you have to drive an hour or more to get here. To be honest, the historic "houses" are just a collection of dilapidated farm buildings scattered near the visitor center. The worst part is that none of them are open to the public, meaning you can only look at the exteriors (which don't look all that different from other old farmhouses visible near the freeway). Meanwhile, the Miwok village consists of just three small, clearly replica kotca. Paying an $8 parking/entry fee feels like a ripoff for what is offered. If you are looking for actual history, I'd recommend heading to the nearby Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park instead. Though smaller in size, that site is much better preserved, deeply interesting, and actually allows you to walk inside and tour the building. Also, the visitor center is actually closed, the sign says it is open "on most fri/sat/sun", so you probably need some luck to see it open.

Came here with a birding group and was very impressed! Such a peaceful, abundant wetland area with…read moreso many birds. The trail is not a loop, but it's nice to walk to one end and then in the other direction. I did see a lot of dogs off leash, so long as they're friendly -and also that they don't endanger the wildlife- I suppose that's okay. Plenty of cool stuff from the airfield days in the neighborhood, too.

Since it's a wetland are there is a good amount of birds and other wildlife, I've seen some coyotes…read morehere as well. The trail is level, so this is more for a walk or a bike ride. I used to live around here and would come often. It was a great place for a walk after work but now if visiting Novato I rather go to Indian Valley, Indian Tree, or Mount Burdell because they are better. Hamilton is more suited for a hike if you live around here. No shade whatsoever, I wouldn't do this in summertime unless it was night. The parking is at Hamilton Landing or there's another entrance at Hangar Avenue. At the southern end of the trail there is a little area to stop and turn around or you could technically continue to go farther to do the Las Gallinas pools which is another 1.5 mile there. On the northern end you can walk all the way to Bel Marin Keyes Blvd.

I realized I have not been on this hike in several years and decided today was the day to revisit…read more I've enjoyed this area in the past and I certainly remembered how pretty it was once we got going. Most of this hiking trail is shaded, which is helpful on the warmer days- however a few parts are out in the open. The trails are very well maintained, which is much appreciated. The views of Stafford Lake on one side of the hill and then looking towards the East Bay & Mount Diablo on the other side are both sensational. Dogs on leash are permitted.

This hiking trail is located pretty far out down Vineyard Road which goes on forever and in an area…read morethat many Novato locals don't even know exists. There is a horse stable at the end of the road and people horseback ride through the trails. Be ready to dodge lots of horse poop. It's very calm and peaceful up here, it's not nearly as busy as many other Marin hiking trails. Parts of the trail look out to views of Mount Burdell and Stafford Lake. The main loop (Upper Meadow with Big Trees) is about 4 miles and takes about 2 hours. It isn't too difficult, but it does have about a 650ft steady elevation gain so you are constantly going uphill until the top where you loop around and descent. Most of it is shaded, but I'd still skip it in the summertime, unless going early in the morning. There are a couple of trails where you can branch out more at the top. I've tried the Ships Mast which ended up on the residential Rebo Drive. I wouldn't recommend that unless you had sturdy boots or hiking poles. When it turns into Indian Tree fire road there are parts that are STEEP. This is actually good if you want something rigorous for your calves on the way up but for the descent there were some parts I thought that were downright dangerous for slipping even with running shoes. There are a couple of trails on the AllTrails app that in person are overgrown and closed with signs saying 'H Ranch keep out'. Still can't figure out who owns H Ranch but I've seen signs like that at the Fairway waterfall and Indian Valley Preserve.

What's not to love? Wide open nature, fire roads for hiking, off-leash dog walking, cycling, horse…read moreriding, and some great views! There are some single track trail for hiking, some to share with bikes, and some that allow on leash dogs. With a little planning, you can hike or cycle to the coast! Pack water, clean up after your dog, and say to fellow travelers. We have been helped by some amazing people when we needed a hand and we've given water and jackets to those who were caught by early sunsets. Be kind.

I've been to several times for hiking and mountain biking. The trails are generally pretty well…read moremarked, and they're in good shape as well. This is a good place to go if you have a dog that you want to run with or hike or mountain bike. The people on the trail are really friendly and I met lots of really nice folks

Really incredible view, wish it was still maintained but still worth the hike up thereread more

What a little hiking and fresh air gem! This is literally in my backyard, and I just went to check…read moreit out for the first time. There are Spring wildflowers, grass and native Oaks. It looks like it is connected to another green area as well, behind the Cowbarn Apartments. It also has a paved road going up from Leafwood Heights, with some small parking lots. There must have been plans for this park at one time. With the road closed off, you need to hike in.

Spring and late winter is time to come when everything is nice and green. By May the grass dries up…read moreand looks like straw. The marsh looks out to Mount Burdell and Sonoma County. This is a great place for birdwatching with lots of ducks, geese, swans, herons and others swimming in the marsh. At about a mile and a half in you can turn around and go back the way you came or take a loop taking you along Atherton Boulevard where parts of the path are adorned with irises, oleander, and lavender. Both of these are around 3 miles. For something longer you can add the Bahia loop which is another 4.5 miles. I usually prefer a loop to an out and back hike, however here I rather do out and back since I prefer be closer to the water than a street with cars going by.

A great mountain bike ride (or hike) that's not too strenuous but plenty of small terrain elevation…read moreto make it fun. Years ago we started at the trailhead alongside Highway 101, now we drive down Atherton and turn on Bugeia Lane (which turns into Bahia Drive). Park at the trail head and take the Bahia Loop trail. There are trails all over the preserve but our favorite is a 6-mile out and back. The first part you drive through the hills fronting the Petaluma River Wetlands. There is some up and down but not extreme, but watch for hikers and horses (we always stop for horses and ask to pass). It's a single track that's fun to ride, beware of poison oak that creeps over the trail in Spring and summer. The 2nd part of the ride is on a fire road - you make your way up and overview the marshlands. We take the fire road and turn around at the wooden bridge. It's very common to see flocks of ducks, egrets and even pelicans here. A fun ride (or hike) out in nature.

Dawn Falls Trail is a 2.3-mile out-and-back trail near Larkspur, California. It's considered to…read morebe a moderately challenging route. It will take about an hour to walk through this beautiful redwoods round trip to the Dawn Falls. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running. The best part of the Dawn Falls trail is that it's not crowded but you may still see a few other people while exploring. This trail is open year round but the best time is from January through November. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. However, I do see local dogs roaming without their leashes. Only a few parking spots deter many visitors. However, if you will be willing to be patience, there will on a parkingspot for you. This trail is maintained so clean here, so please no littering! Enjoy!

*****pay attention *****…read more Word, to the ignorant drivers who have never been on switchbacks DO NOT come here. As you blast down the very single car lane, not paying attention and laughing away isn't cute. Be mindful of cars and pediatricians. Believe it or not its not all about you! The road to the trail is all kinds of messed up. It's a single lane through a neighborhood with very little turnouts. Believe it or not, there are huge redwoods along this road. If you have never been on a road like this, please park at the bottom of the road!!! PLEASE! Even the folks who were walking up the road to the trail aren't alert. It's sooo fun to be surrounded by people who believe it's all about them yes, im being harsh, but it was that bad!