Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Indian Tree Preserve

    4.7 (14 reviews)

    Indian Tree Preserve Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Indian Tree Preserve

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Map
    Anita V.

    It was absolutely beautiful. The trails were all cleared off very well lots of trees, outstanding view. Dogs and horses are welcome. It was my first time here and they do have a map at the beginning but I would've liked a few more signs along the way or trail markings. Not a lot of people so probably obvious good to bring someone with you. Great hike can't wait to go again!

    Ann L.

    I went on a hike w/ Greenbelt Alliance to Indian Tree OSP in Novato. First time there and I really enjoyed it. It's about 1hr10min from Fremont. No water so bring your own. No toilets - there is a grocery store and Starbucks off the freeway that is convenient. No bikes allowed I think because it's mostly single track trails and horses are on the trail along with hikers. Dogs allowed on leash. Limited roadside parking on Vineyard Rd. We started on the Upper Meadow Trail - Big Trees Trail, lots of gradual uphill on switchbacks - had lunch with a nice view near the Big Trees - then we took the Deer Camp Trail & Deer Camp Cutoff back to Upper Meadow Trail and the cars. I think it was about 5-6 miles total. We saw a snake, not much else. Worth a day trip if in the area or wanting to explore something new.

    Pacific hound's tongue
    Dana B.

    It's a real shame mountain biking isn't allowed. This area attracts only a handful of hikers and equestrians--it is sure beautiful. The grade couldn't be lovelier, it's always interesting with diverse flora: irises, ferns, Oak, California Bay, Buckeye, Redwood. Loop is about 2.5 hours hike. Midway up you hit chaparral with manzanita, madrone, and a view south, it's breathtaking. The coast redwood at the summit is a specimen that will leave you in awe every time.

    Salamander
    Jaylena P.

    To get to this trail you must exit city life as you know it, then cross over to the dirt road. The preserve features a path which meanders through Oak and Redwood trees, a diversity of ferns and moss. After walking a little ways on the trail, you'll come upon a sign post. One direction says 'trail' the other says 'Big Trees'. I wanted to see what the Big Trees looked like so I took this path. I'd say it's a good 5-6 mile hike. It's not loop so you come back the way you came. There is a fire road that continues the trail, making it a 10 mile hike start to finish. After speaking with local hikers at the end of my hike, that I found I should have continued on this road. But it is at this junction where the Big Trees live. Like something out of a movie where upon exiting the forrest you step out to a verdant clearing, then BAMM! a group of gargantuan redwoods are in your sight. Not many people on this trail, in fact it was probably every 30 minutes before I saw other hikers. So your company are the Ravens, the Gray Squirrels, Salamanders and the trees. At one point you're fully surrounded by Oak, then the floor turns a bright red from the leaves of the Redwood, then you're with the Oaks again. Surrounding the preserve are rolling hills, which when not in drought would undoubtedly be lush with tall grass. This is a very easy hike with lots of switchbacks. Only at the very end is there a push in elevation, no doubt easily accomplished by anyone with a few extra deep breaths. Once you make it to the top you will be rewarding with an amazing view of Novato, San Pablo Bay and Petaluma off in the distance.

    View as you begin the hike.

    See all

    12 days ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 18
    Thanks 0
    Love this 12
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dana B.
    180
    140
    1204

    7 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rachel C.
    86
    185
    148

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Indian Tree Preserve

    Review Highlights - Indian Tree Preserve

    The beginning of the hike on Vineyard Road was covered and relatively easy with minor changes in elevation.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Hiking 1,818 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Rush Creek Preserve

    Rush Creek Preserve

    4.4(18 reviews)
    5.4 mi

    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.

    Photos
    Rush Creek Preserve
    Rush Creek Preserve - Nice views

    Nice views

    Rush Creek Preserve - Spring is here

    See all

    Spring is here

    Dawn Falls - Dawn Falls Trail

    Dawn Falls

    4.5(48 reviews)
    12.5 mi

    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!

    Photos
    Dawn Falls
    Dawn Falls
    Dawn Falls

    See all

    Cataract Falls Trail - 1.10.26

    Cataract Falls Trail

    4.7(257 reviews)
    11.4 mi

    I had forgotten just how gorgeous this hike is--the scenery is incredible the entire way. Be…read moreprepared for a steady climb through most of the route, with plenty of wooden stairs, gnarly roots, and rock steps, but the stunning views make every bit of effort worth it. There are many great spots to stop for photos, take a break, or enjoy a picnic--we did all three. Thanks to the recent rain, there was still plenty of water flowing, which made the trail even more beautiful. The picnic area at Laurel Dell is especially serene, with a babbling brook nearby. There's even an outhouse, which is always a welcome sight. I actually found climbing up much easier than descending as one has to really pay attention to their footing. We were happy seeing Alpine Lake again knowing we were close to end of hike.

    Went here with a friend and her dog and had such a great time. Such a beautiful, peaceful hike and…read moredefinitely one of my favorites on Mount Tam. The drive in was beautiful too, the views of Alpine Lake along the way made the whole trip feel extra special before we even got to the trail. Be prepared for a lot of stairs, so it can definitely get your legs working, but the waterfalls make it completely worth it. Hearing the water and being surrounded by all the greenery made the whole hike feel so calm and relaxing. The views throughout the hike are gorgeous, and it's such a nice escape if you're looking for something peaceful and scenic. Definitely recommend checking out Cataract Falls if you're up for a little workout with a really rewarding payoff. Definitely will be coming back :)

    Photos
    Cataract Falls Trail
    Cataract Falls Trail
    Cataract Falls Trail - So pretty and green

    See all

    So pretty and green

    Indian Tree Preserve - hiking - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...