Novato, California
Looking for the best hiking in Novato? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Novato. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Novato
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Larkspur, California
Dawn Falls Trail Loop
2.79 mi / 466 ft gainDawn Falls Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Larkspur, California.Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Cataract Falls
4.22.81 mi / 1184 ft gainThe Bay Area is home to many beautiful waterfalls, but Cataract Falls located about an hour north of San Francisco is one of the most stunning. Be sure to head out on this hike after a recent rain. Cataract Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed near Stinson Be...Read more -
Larkspur, California
Baltimore Canyon Via Dawn Falls Trail Loop
5.93 mi / 1309 ft gainBaltimore Canyon via Dawn Falls Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a forested setting at the start, up switchbacks to Dawn Falls, and then to views of King Mountain Open Space Preserve as you loop back along Southern Marin Line Road. This is a dog friendly (on-leash) trail located ...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Summit of Mt. Tamalpais Loop
5.01.15 mi / 394 ft gainMt. Tam is a large park with plenty of amazing viewpoints, but the East routes and the East Peak are best for sunsets. Once you're at the top, it's an amazing spot to view a large number of Marin trails, which can help you can get a head start on planning your next adventure. At 2,570 feet, this ...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Temelpa Trail
4.52.94 mi / 1929 ft gainThe Mt. Tam Hill Climb via Temelpa Trail is an iconic, "best-of" climb in the trail running community, drawing some of the world's greatest athletes to experience its breathtaking views and technical downhill. Surprisingly though, outside of locals and the running community, the trail remains lar...Read more -
Point Reyes Station, California
Bear Valley to Coast Camp Loop
5.016.18 mi / 2818 ft gainPermit and Trail Camp Info To stay overnight in Point Reyes, you must stay at one of the Trail Camps. Camping anywhere else in the park is not allowed. Permits for the Trail Camps can be booked up to 6 months in advance. If you are looking to go on a weekend, then you'll want to start loo...Read more -
Corte Madera, California
Ring Mountain Loop
4.02.65 mi / 597 ft gainRing Mountain Open Space is an easy but uphill trail that take you to the top where you can explore more trails. Take the 101 exit for Paradise Dr in Corte Madera, follow the road, and park on the side of the road once you pass Westward Dr. Even though there are many places to start the trail fo...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Cataract Trail Loop
4.58.7 mi / 1670 ft gainDuration: 3.5-4 hour hike at a moderate to quick pace with a short break for lunch. Starting at an elevation of 1989ft and maxing at 2001ft, you achieve 1428 of elevation gain through a beautiful peak and valley hike. From the free Rock Springs Parking Area, the basic trailheads to follow along...Read more -
Bootjack Campground, California
Bootjack Campground to Muir Woods
5.67 mi / 1562 ft gainGetting permits into Muir Woods can be hard, but if you want to work for it, there's a much better way to visit the National Monument. To do this loop into Muir Woods National Monument, first drive to the Bootjack Parking Area in Mt. Tamalpais State Park. The Bootjack Parking Area should be fou...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Camp at Bootjack Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park
4.0Bootjack Campground is located within California's Mount Tamalpais State Park. There are a couple of campsites within the park, but if you are driving on the Panoramic Highway from Mill Valley, this will be the first campground you pass. The fee is $25 fee to camp, but they have bathrooms and ru...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Steep Ravine and Bootjack Trails Loop
5.06.66 mi / 2083 ft gainThis hike is best done in the winter and spring in order for the creeks and waterfalls to be flowing. Park at the Bootjack Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park. Cross the road to reach the Bootjack trail. Continue on this until you reach the Alpine trail. Go right towards the Pantoll Ranger ...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Dipsea Trail
4.613.03 mi / 3701 ft gainThe Dipsea Race is the 2nd oldest foot race in the US. The race is named after the Dipsea Inn at the end of the trail at Stinson Beach. The good news is that you can enjoy this scenic trail and its sweeping ocean views at your leisure. The bad news is that the race is only one-way. If you choose,...Read more -
Richmond, California
Explore Point Pinole Shoreline
5.0Point Pinole Regional Shoreline is a 2,315-acre parkland that juts out into the San Pablo Bay. Only a brief car ride from San Francisco, this is a great spot for a Sunday stroll, picnic or simply to find a quiet space.There are several short trails to choose from that wind through eucalyptus grov...Read more -
Marin County, California
Dipsea Trail - Steep Ravine Loop
5.03.97 mi / 1204 ft gainThis is definitely a worthwhile short hike, with views of the Bay Area, Marin Headlands, Golden Gate, and the San Mateo coastline. It's a 3.8 mile loop which takes you through forests of Redwoods and out to the coastline, even above the clouds on a lucky day. The trailhead begins at the Pantoll ...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Camp at Mt. Tam's Pantoll Campground
5.0Need an escape from SF, but can't seem to find an available campground, then head to Pantoll Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park. If you get there early on friday (or even better Thursday afternoon), you should be able to lock down one of these first-come, first-serve campgrounds. Each of th...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Trojan Point
4.50.25 mi / 75 ft gainThe endlessly scenic Trojan Point can be reached by taking the Panoramic Highway to Pantoll road from Stinson Beach to the west, or Mill Valley / Highway 1 to the east. It can also be reached by taking West Ridgecrest Boulevard from the north from the Fairfax-Bolinas road. Park at the large par...Read more