Great trail with smaller off shoots. Go when it's not hot, as this area can be warm with little shade. Go after rains to see the waterfall gushing! But really, go anytime as the area is beautiful, and it's a peaceful, serene area. Lots of newts, frogs, raptors, birds, and other wildlife. Dog friendly trails are marked as such. We've come twice now and each time it looked gorgeous, and different due to various water levels. Leave no trace =) read more

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Beautiful area with lots of fun and challenging side quest trails. My only complaint is that there's a LOT of horse poop everywhere so you need to look down to avoid it. read more

Indian Valley Open Space Preserve - Parks Near Me - Novato, California

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Indian Valley Open Soace is a quaint local park. Seems to be a great locals spot with a variety of single track and wider fire roads. The terrains is varied between interesting woodland and open hillsides. It's all about the journey with no sweep vistas but a nice variety of wildflowers, mushrooms and a small waterfall (seasonal.) There's a large lot at the college in Novato, with an $8 parking fee. From the lot, you walk behind the ball fields and will get to the trail entrance..There's a park map and well signed trail. I opted to go left on Paheco Pond trail which eventually connects to the waterfall trail.. That wound up some gentle switchbacks through quiet woodland. The waterfall itself wasn't much to see after a dry January but the forest was still a pretty hike. From there, I took the Susan Alexander and Wixel trail down to the Indian Valley Fire road to complete the look. While there's a few short steep climbs, most of the loop was pretty mild and I really enjoyed exploring here. Seems like a great local park and if I lived nearby, I'd be a regular. Beautiful park. read more

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Buck Gulch Falls is a small hidden gem in Novato. We came last year and there was no waterfall so we decided to check it out again after all the rain we just had. It's not a huge waterfall but it's something to see! The trail to the waterfall is very easy and seems more to me like a short stroll. It is dog and kid friendly! It's a shaded path and could get a little chilly depending on when you visit so a light jacket might be useful. Parking is all residential as the entrance is located at the end of a residential street but there are plenty of spots to park. We went around 4pm and it wasn't crowded. We had the entire waterfall to ourselves. The sounds of the water running throughout the trail were so peaceful. read more

Indian Valley Open Space Preserve - No waterfall as of 5/28/22 - Parks Near Me - Novato, California

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This is a solid hike area with many trails. Parking is at the end of the campus near the baseball fields and is about $4 except Sundays. There is a bathroom next to the ballfield. For the easiest walk it's best to go from the lot to Indian Valley Road which is about 2 miles RT. Part of this is shaded so it's nice for the summer if it's particularly hot outside. From this trail there are various trails that can take you up the hill and loop around. The Buzzard Burns Fire Road to the Witzel Trail is pretty steep which is good for a workout but avoid going up that if you wanted something easier. My favorite is the waterfall trail. During the winter especially after a heavy rain is best because in addition to the waterfall there is a stream flowing along the path to the hike making it serene and peaceful. read more

Indian Valley Open Space Preserve - Parks Near Me - Novato, California

Great hiking place especially after the rain. If going to Buck Gulch waterfall, make sure to wear water boots if the stick bridge isn't there anymore. read more

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I hike here often you can do easy or moderate. Or for some hard. After the rain there are lovely little creeks and waterfalls read more

Indian Valley Open Space Preserve - Parks Near Me - Novato, California

Just one of the best and easiest places to hike and bike. Bike's not allowed everywhere but great hiking, mini trails and small pond

Here's a preserve that's not very well known. "It's one of the least visited Marin County open space preserves." (from the website) I lived in San Rafael for a total of three years, got to know southern and central Marin quite well, but didn't get up to Novato much. Today, I was passing through, looking for a place to hike, and decided to try this out. You need to know how to get here, it's not obvious. And when you do, you find a nice, quiet preserve with many views of Mt. Burdell, San Pablo Bay, and the neighborhoods of Novato. The landscape reminded me more of Lake County than of Mt. Tam, with its oaks and manzanita. I entered on Winged Foot Drive, and was faced with a steep uphill. Having seen two other fire roads, also with steep downhills (Pebble Beach & Chicken Shack), I think you're in for a steep hike no matter how you enter. It's shady, so that helps. Looking at the map, some of this might actually be in the Loma Verde preserve. It doesn't matter, it's all good. I also noticed many small trails leaving the fire roads. They're not on the map, so either you explore on your own, or bring a lunch with you and take it down one of those trails to have a quiet picnic without being bothered. Ignacio Valley Preserve is not a Destination park. Instead, it keeps this ridgeline as open space, and offers a typical outdoors North Bay experience while working your cardio. A good getaway for northern Marin residents. read more

Indian Valley Open Space Preserve - Rugged meadow off the Winged Foot fire road - Parks Near Me - Novato, California

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Why are horses allowed to poop all along the trails? They make horse bags specifically to rectify this problem. I pick up dog poop just to wash their paws and my shoes from horse matter. read more

Outdoor enthusiasts: This is why you live in Marin. The vast amount of preserved open spaces offer amazing hiking opportunities for all levels, from gentle fire roads to steep hikes through single track hills. Novato has a number of designated open space areas around Ignacio Valley, College of Marin Indian Valley campus, and the Marin country club. They all run together, so I'll write a bit about them all here. First, there are a number of trails at the end of Fairway in Novato, one of which runs up to a creek and waterfall that are active during the rainy season. Just park at the end of Fairway, start walking where the road ends, and stay to the left. If you follow that trail you'll end up on the arroyo and finally at the waterfall, which is an easy hike that kids can enjoy. There are a couple of steep trails to the left of the waterfall, they're unmarked, not maintained by the county, and recommended only for advanced hikers and bikers. They lead up to the Chicken Shack Fire Road, which offers amazing views of about five counties. Most days, we take another route up to Chicken Shack, parking at the top of Pebble Beach Road in Novato (off Fairway) and hiking up from there. It's about a mile hike up to Chicken Shack and about a 400' gain in altitude, but once you're up there you can continue to the right and hike a couple miles more - up to an altitude of 1900', to the microwave antennas you can see from down below. Bring plenty of water! Most days we just do about 2.5 miles with our two dogs, but still amazing views of SF, Mt Tam, Mt Burdell, Ignacio Valley, Lucas Valley, Pacheco Valley - just beautiful, i've posted a very few photos here as well. We also hike a number of trails in the Indian Valley Open space (behind the ball field at college of Marin - there are several trails there and a few nice waterfalls when it's rained. Easier trails, but still some exertion if you're out of shape. I'd love to share my favorite hiking trails with anyone interested, just reach out to me here on Yelp! read more

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This area is ridiculously beautiful and you are surrounded by Bay Trees and honestly, there's no greater beauty in the Bay than those trees. What I really like, is that you start out in this beautiful forest of Bay Trees and then out of nowhere emerge into fields and hillsides which are not foresty at all. If it's not too far out of you way make it a point to visit and keep an eye out for California Newts! I saw signage that said they would be around but I wasn't lucky enough to see one. read more

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After hiking at Indian Valley Open Space Preserve we drove about 10 minutes away to do another waterfall, first time there too. FREE street parking in a residential area, it's on Fairway Dr & St. Andrews Dr, Novato. There's only 2 trails in this side of the park. We did the Buck Gulch Falls Trail which is less than 0.5 miles each way and pretty easy, even kids can do it. It's a nice 30 ft waterfall that was runny really well Sun 3/24/19. Then I think we went on Spyglass Trail that kept going up & up. We didn't finish that trail so not sure how far it goes. Maybe next time I will finish that trail. Worth a visit especially to see a nice waterfall during Winter/Fall. read more

Tucked back behind the Indian Valley campus is a hikers paradise. There are various trails with all levels of difficulty. My friend and I usually stick to one of the trails which starts off flat then progressively inclines until the top. The majority of this particular trail is in the shade with tall trees, ferns and various kinds of species of plants all around. This is my go to spot for a hike on the weekends. It's dog friendly so you'll see plenty of dog owners either running or walking past you. You might also see people riding their horses on these trails, I've only see one so far. On the particular trail I frequent someone started a fairy garden where people have added little trinkets to it over time. You might spot banana slugs or newts along the trails. The next trail I'll be hiking is new for me and will be more challenging. All I can say is bring it! read more

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Great hiking trails and seasonal waterfalls. The paths are usually well maintained. Could be a little less horse droppings in the paths. Make sure to look around at the wild flowers and just in the tree line you're likely to see a deer grazing and watching you. They are very used to people so they tend to watch from a distance. Please be respectful and pick up after yourself while hiking/picnicking. This includes not just bagging your dogs droppings and leaving it right there. That's not the point of bagging it. Trails are clearly marked would be nice to have a sign or two more about the trails closer to the beginning/ end of them Incase there are no pamphlet maps to take with you on the hike. read more

Indian Valley Open Space Preserve - Just a deer grazing on his lunch - Parks Near Me - Novato, California

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Indian Valley Open Space Preserve is a fine place to enjoy a leisurely walk through an lowland oak woodland, complete with ephemeral creeks and water running over rocks into pools. The trails are well marked and easy to walk. I saw nothing greater than a 4% grade. There are bridges across the creeks for those who fear getting their feet wet. Things you will certainly see: Oaks, California Bay, California Buckeye, Monkey Face Flower (Blooming months for this Jun , Jul , Aug and Sep ), poison oak, coyote brush and a variety of annual grasses. You may see a few deer. They are rather tame, hanging around the parking lot to eat the landscaped plants of the college rather than the annual grasses which have poor forage value. Have a dog? You can bring your dog here and let it run off leash! I saw a few dogs. All of them were well behaved and enjoying the time of getting out to the preserve to check out the scents. What should you bring with you? Water. Plenty of water. You will get shade as you enter the woodland but the grasslands get full sun. This park is easy to drive to and has ample parking. read more

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Stunning park tucked away in the hills of Novato near Bel Marin Keys. Finding the park is not too difficult, but keep in mind that cell service is non existent once you reach the park due to the large hills blocking any service. Ended up parking nearby in a school parking lot (Sunday, so no school), which was convenient, but there is closer parking near the park if you google ahead of time to find the route. Well maintained road through the main portion of the trail, with multiple stops along the way (Dog park, baseball field, shaded seating, etc). There is indeed a waterfall which tends to be one of the many photos associated to the Yelp page, but was really non existent when I was there due to the heat. I am sure during the winter it looks wonderful though, so definitely revisiting then. I did not get to fully explore the park, but it looks quite large. A tip for you is when you are entering the main gate area of the official trail, there is a map, so take some time to view it or snap a photo to reference along the way. As for the hike itself, nothing to strenuous, some hills, but again nothing that should cause too much of an alarm. Great place anytime of the year, and will happily suggest this to any others looking to explore a new trail in the county! read more

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A few nice hiking trails exist in this Open Space. One of them leads to a waterfall which is lovely- looking forward to returning after some rainfall. Partially shaded and dog friendly too! We enjoyed a nice picnic at the top of the waterfall today. read more

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Well maintained gentle trail to 30' falls. The day after heavy rains, there is a shallow stream crossing on stones along the way and the falls are active (but not gushing.) read more

The entrance is really hard to find since the address listed is wrong. It's actually located near Saint Andrews Drive at the end of Fairway Drive. It's a beautiful preserve very quiet and tucked away behind a residential area. Trails are well-maintained and marked. There's free parking along the residential roads. Be aware there is limited to no cell service once you enter the trails. Bug spray is a must! The Buck Gulch waterfall trail It's about 20-30 minutes walk to the end straight forward easy to follow trail. Although without a good rain the falls do not run. There are more on UnMarked trails past the waterfall area although those are not maintained by the county, and I considered to be private property. The spyglass trail hold some amazing view sites but can be quite steep at times definitely not as family-friendly as the Falls Trail. Be aware Vehicles to drive through this trail for electrical line work. Woke up as far as you can the Overlook is definitely worth the work. The spyglass trail took me about an hour to an hour and a half I would recommend bringing a hiking pole. There are also many little lizards running around all over the preserve as well as beautiful birds and rabbits! Enjoy read more

I'll be going out of my way to revisit this great location. I really appreciated that we could let the dog off leash on the fire road portion. She loves that! Despite other reviews, the waterfall trail is marked, just not all that early on the trail. Here's the deal. There are two access points. The one with the easiest parking is located at College of Marin - Indian Valley Campus, commonly referred to as IVC. Park in Parking Lot 5, head west (kind of feels south-ish but my nav said it was west) walking through Parking Lot 6 (currently under construction). You'll pass the baseball fields and a convenient restroom on your way to the trail head. Stay on the main fire road but keep checking the minor trail markings on your left. I think it was maybe the second trail option to our left before we saw a signpost that indicated a waterfall trail. It was a lovely short walk to a small seasonal waterfall, emphasis on seasonal. Don't expect any great gushing water in August. We returned back to the picturesque fire road and walked all the way through to the other side and ended up in a neighborhood. This other access point is obviously a locals secret. Lots and lots of cars parked but absolutely no signage indicating which way to go. I'd recommend parking at IVC just as a matter of courtesy to the neighborhood. Nevertheless, the GPS may want to take you in this direction if you don't specify the College of Marin - IVC campus. If that happens, here's what to look for: Park at the junction of Old Ranch Road and Indian Valley Road. You'll see a little odd building as noted in photo. Park in this area. You'll see a dirt road that says "Restricted Access." That's your walk-in access point. It looks remarkably like someone's driveway, and I suppose it is. But it's also the legitimate entry into the Preserve. Also, I think it's the prettier entrance. Maybe the better option if you want a very short walk. read more

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If you're looking for a fairly easy, short (3-mile) hike, it's hard to go wrong with Indian Valley near College of Marin's Novato campus. Here's what I like about it: - The Waterfall Trail is a scenic trail for beginners and intermediates. Mostly flat; Not too much uphill climbing. A lovely cascade awaits you at the end of the trail. - There's plenty of nearby parking at College of Marin or San Jose Middle School. - It's dog-friendly. - You'll be rewarded with lovely Marin County views as well as glimpses of local (friendly wildlife). - There are public restrooms and water fountains. Make sure you pack the following: - water bottle (as well as a water bowl for your pooch) - sun screen (because it can get hot hot hot in the summer) - bring a leash for the dog - bring a picnic to enjoy at the waterfall (but don't forget to clean up after yourself - no one likes a litter bug!) Enjoy! read more

This particular open space is SO diverse. The main path/loop is nearly 100% flat, great for strollers or light hikers. There are several trails that fork off from the main loop. In the spring, nearly any trail you take is going to lead you to a waterfall. The website has a great map to down load and has a pretty accurate description of the main hikes. read more

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Awesome dog-friendly hike with a gushing waterfall right now! Dogs are even allowed off- leash on the fire road, which is a rare find in Marin. The waterfall trail itself isn't too strenuous and is just as beautiful as the waterfall. Everything is a vibrant green and the creek cascades along most of the trail. There are over 500 acres of beautiful trails in this preserve and you can even park for free at the end of Indian Valley Rd if you get there early (there's room for about 30 cars). Don't forget to wear boots or bring a change of socks if it's just rained, because you'll be crossing ankle-deep water several times during the hike. read more

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FLATS, HILLS, RAVINES AND WATERFALLS Truly a multitude of hikes for all abilities. If you stay on the main path, you can enjoy a perfectly level walk from the trail head off Indian Valley Road to Indian Valley College. Completed shaded for most of the way by tall trees and flanked by babbling brooks, it's delightful in temperate weather and so nice and cool during the hot summer months. If you want a moderate hike, head up the slight slope to your left about 100 feet from the trail head. You meander through woods, going up and down gentle slopes. At the halfway mark, there is a nice uphill that takes less than 5 minutes to scale. At the top, you'll see the softball fields of IVC. Head downhill, following the path toward the right, and it dumps you back onto the main path for a flat walk back. If you want a much more vigorous hike, walk for about 10 minutes and look for Buzzard's Burn or or Waterfall Hike to your right. Both hikes will give you a nice work out. Waterfall Hike is particularly nice during the wet season for obvious reasons. read more

I thought this was would be easy and since we had planned on going to Fairway Falls and this one was only a few blocks further we felt why not. It also stated in circulations and via alternate online review sites that it would be an "easy" less than .5 mile walk. It might have been easier if their were signs that led you to the falls and I had a better understanding of the grade up the hills. It should have been 15 minutes to the falls with 2 kids and 15 back. I think we took nearly 2 hours. The walk offered a lot in addition to the falls and we found wildlife habitats that he kids lived, wild animals and lots of tadpoles. People were helpful and friendly as we searched for the falls. The one thing I have heard is, and this likely won't matter to those who are NOT disabled, but if the parking lot is full during the school semesters and you must park far away - 5 parking lots minimum. Bottom line if you find walking 10 minutes brutal then the extra 5 prkg lots you walk through might be enough to send you home. One plus side is the trail was seemingly dog friendly. That is always a positive. They provide bags too so no dog treat along the trail. Very clean! I would have loved to visit the organic farm or pool to scope out other kid activities but someday in the next couple weeks after I recover from this I might try again...just to the farm. It is really close. read more

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Great place to hike. Parking is nice. The park is well maintained. Nice trail. My kids enjoyed it read more

Beautiful place to visit. Very quiet. This Is a place that you need to visit! Day visits are really nice. Take a picnic we always enjoy going there read more

We had a lovely hike in the Indian Valley Open Space and took advantage of the free parking lot at College of Marin's Novato campus, which is very near the trailhead. There are several trails from which to choose and some link or intersect so that you can have a shorter or longer hike to suit your time constraints and desire for exercise (some are steeper than others). We hiked during the summer, but the waterfall trails must be beautiful in the early spring when the water is flowing and wildflowers are in bloom. There is a small pond, some shady spots with fallen logs or large rocks that are perfect if you want to stop for a rest or picnic, and the trails are well marked and easy to follow. Dogs are allowed--on leash on single track trails and off leash on the fire roads. All trails were well maintained and it seemed that creek clearing work was taking place. We will be back to explore other trails and certainly in the spring to see the waterfalls along the Waterfall Trail. read more

Good if you like little hikes. There were no directions to get to the waterfall so we had to ask a few(6) people. Everyone was pretty nice. read more

Indian Valley Open Space Preserve - Pond - Parks Near Me - Novato, California

I love taking the short hike to the waterfall here with my toddler. It's wide, mostly flat, and easy to hike, but heavily wooded and so pretty! I recommend bringing wellies if you are hiking with small children so you can explore the puddles and the creek together. read more

Nice easy little walk where it feels like you are far away from town and you're only a couple mins. Also short enough to do a quick hike and be able to go get other things done, so good for a weekday walk. read more

It's a wonderful place once you get past the soccer / baseball fields. Check out the fabulous organic farm! read more

Indian Valley Open Space Preserve - Parks Near Me - Novato, California

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I absolutely love this place. I always come here to bike, hike. This place has all types of hikes easy or difficult level!

I just moved out of state and I already miss these trails. They can be as easy or difficult, long or short as you want them to be. I would take my dog, and we'd hike past the lake and down the waterfall trail, or we'd do a shorter loop, sticking to the fire road to greet other friendly people with their doggies. Sometimes I'd go with friends just to stroll in the woods and catch up, and sometimes I'd go on my own to run on the more difficult trails. Love it! read more

Indian Valley Open Space Preserve - The grass is dry in the summer, but my dog loves IVC no matter the time of year! - Parks Near Me - Novato, California

Lots of shade and water along trail. Keeper to keep exploring in the future. Pond trailhead is beyond the organic farm.

Great for a short family hike with little ones if you just do the loop to Pacheco Pond and back. Charmingly scenic and woodsy with some wildlife. Ducks were frollicking in the pond and our 4 year-old spotted a newt in the brush. Dogs are off leash, so just be cautious with children, since although most are friendly, you can never be totally sure. read more

Went here for the first time over the weekend to take a nice little hike with the kids. Plenty of valley floor trails as well as those in the sunshine. The place was pretty crowded I thought but maybe just because it was a beautiful day. Will definitely be coming back to explore all the trails. Dog owners for the most part had dogs off leash even though it is posted that they must be on leash because there are sensitive wetland habitats here so not sure what the deal is with that is, Marin dog owners. read more

Lovely place. My GPS tool me weird places but the Yelp review and the bahiker website helped. Lovely place. Easy trail loop and lots of side trails to explore. Bery very hard to figure out access. Wish they posted the trails and maps with more info. Itnwoyld be great to have maps to have in hand so one can explore the side trails and know where they go. Lots of options but a bit confusing for me as a tourist. read more

Easy walk, great for dogs, the waterfall is really a treat. One of Novato's best surprises. I've gone there when it's gushing like a mini Niagara Falls and it's really a thrill. My experiences have been that, even when there's a crowd, the vibe is pleasant and folks (including kids) are respectful and not-too-rowdy which is important because the pond into which the water falls in small and you wind up gathering around it. The cascading water can be mesmerizing! That noted, I've been there in summer when there's virtually no water at all. So I'd give this short and fun adventure an A+ but try to time your visit so you'll get the full waterfall experience. read more