I realized I have not been on this hike in several years and decided today was the day to revisit. 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. read more

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This hiking trail is located pretty far out down Vineyard Road which goes on forever and in an area that 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. read more

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Listen, if you're tired of constantly escaping the paparazzi, as most of us experience, then you may want to drive out to the isolated western part of Novato and hike the trails in this heavily wooded preserve. Trust me, nobody will find you here, and frankly I had trouble finding the open space since there was no parking lot and a small sign hardly visible from the road. In fact, I found myself on a gravel road in the middle of a horse stable. Once I finally found the Big Trees Trailhead, I began a slow and steady walk that became a gradual ascent through a wide variety of trees. It was quite manageable through a series of lengthy switchbacks. This pattern lasted for a couple of miles before I reached the first directional sign. What a welcome sight as I was growing weary of looking at the same foliage over and over again. Here I diverted myself to the Deer Camp Trail which turned my hike into a more circuitous path where I felt the prospect of seeing my car again increased significantly. My major challenges during this stretch were piles of horse manure and indeed the occasional equestrian where I had to yield perilously on a ledge since the trail became quite narrow. I made another right onto the Upper Meadow Trail where yes, civilization felt imminent. No autographs please. RELATED - Exploring north of San Francisco? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2OrC8nU read more

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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! read more

Indian Tree Preserve - Map - Hiking Near Me - Novato, California

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We took our kids, ages 9 and 13 on this hike and made it about 1.25 miles down the hill. We stayed on Upper Meadow Trail from the parking area (no lot, just side of the road) because the Big Tree Trail looked like it went mostly uphill and a person running on the trail said it was. Upper Meadow Trail was very manageable for all of us. The trail starts out exposed to the sun and single-track width with dry grasses kissing your shins (thankfully, no ticks today) and occasional poison oak but dips down into a wider tree-shaded trail that parallels a dry creek bed. We passed a few horses and a bunch of small lizards. The views are mostly of a nearby farm and rolling hills. Somewhat pretty but not picturesque. We didn't see any water sources or outhouses. read more

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. read more

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The Indian Tree Open Space Preserve is not as well traveled compared to the other trails nearby but that is what made it perfect for a hike during times when a crowded trail is not what one wants. The trail we took was a 5.5 mile moderate loop on mostly fire roads, that was shaded throughout much of it. The total elevation change is 1200 feet with a few short but steep sections. The beginning of the hike on Vineyard Road was covered and relatively easy with minor changes in elevation. The end of the trail was steep and mostly exposed. One part I did not enjoy was a sharp descent on loose dirt If it were anything but sunny and dry I highly recommend a walking stick for this section. Eventually patches of grass appeared so that made the descent easier. The hike ends in a residential neighborhood before hikers end up on the main road that leads to the trailhead. If you start on Rebelo instead of ending on it, you will start this hike with a very steep incline. We shared the trail with dogs on leashes, trail runners and a handful of hikers. Horses are allowed but we didn't see any on that day. There is plenty of parking on the side of the road at the trail head. Note that as soon as the residential portion of the street ends it turns into a dirt road. That's where the trail head is located. Make sure to bring tick and mosquito spray on this trail. There are no water stations or restrooms. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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As we have done this hike several times since my last review, I thought it was time to write an update. I love this hike. It is 5.5 miles, nearly deserted, a perfect mixture of shade and sun, and super dog friendly. If you follow the instructions in the link below, it is a loop and no trespassing of the horse barn is necessary (see previous review). We must have taken a wrong turn the first time. http://www.bahiker.com/northbayhikes/indiantree.html read more

Gorgous space, well worth the drive from San Francisco to explore. It is an easy hike and the trail is well-maintained. I appreciated that the people that brought their dogs were good about keeping them on a leash. GPS location on Google maps is a bit off; it says to drive past the horse stables, which you cannot do. Park once the paved road abruptly turns into a dirt road. If you want to see a ferns and Redwoods, use the trail on the left. read more

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Excellent place to go for a walk and feel in tune with nature! It's pretty close to home and is a great place to walk in a nice day. It's never too crowded, at least not when I go, and I just love the trail. read more

I love this hidden gem. Its a long hike if you do the entire hiking trails. It is very peaceful and relaxing. Lots of shade and fresh air. Bring comfy shoes which will get very dirty. Also if during winter bring a jacket since it gets cold then. Enjoy ! read more

i hiked this area when i was a teenager living out on vineyard road about 50 yrs ago. last week i again went on a hike down memory lane. The trail was very easy to climb with all the switchbacks, back in the day we just ventured straight up the mountain.I did make one hike up there about 25 yrs ago and saw that the opening in the Indian tree was closing up and too small to enter inside as we once did as teenagers. Now the tree has resealed itself encasing the initials we left there. On the way down the fire road goes thru a dense grove of redwoods where I dug up 3 little seedlings about two inches high ,brought them home, planted them,and now they are huge trees on 28 Roberts Ave. in San Rafael. Those trees are 46 yrs old. My only big disappointment was after the redwood hike I wanted to go straight up to the summit of Big Rock Ridge but couldn't find a way thru the Hill ranch private property. one more interesting note is immediately after the hike I realized that exactly 50 yrs ago i was there one snowy afternoon (Apr.20 1963) and this yr 85 degrees and sunny. I love that area and now live in upstate N.Y. with other new hiking adventures read more