A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Novato, California

Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Deer Island Open Space Preserve

Hike Route

Deer Island Open Space Preserve

Dogs Allowed
easy
1.52 mi
+253 ft
Mt. Burdell Preserve Loop

Hike Route

Mt. Burdell Preserve Loop

Birding
moderate
4.98 mi
+1,217 ft
Rocky Ridge and Alpine Lake

Hike Route

Rocky Ridge and Alpine Lake

Birding
moderate
4.73 mi
+937 ft
Ring Mountain Loop

Hike Route

Ring Mountain Loop

Views
moderate
2.79 mi
+578 ft
Panoramic Loop

Hike Route

Panoramic Loop

Views
moderate
4.48 mi
+1,077 ft
Muir Woods via Deer Park Fire Road

Hike Route

Muir Woods via Deer Park Fire Road

Less Crowded
moderate
4.13 mi
+1,082 ft
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Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Mt Tamalpais via as Many Stairs as Possible (via Dipsea Stairs & Muir Woods)

Hike Route

Mt Tamalpais via as Many Stairs as Possible (via Dipsea Stairs & Muir Woods)

Views
extreme
12.98 mi
+3,344 ft
Mount Tamalpais East Peak via Stinson Beach

Hike Route

Mount Tamalpais East Peak via Stinson Beach

Views
strenuous
13.19 mi
+2,703 ft
Keyhole via Bear Valley, Skyline & Meadow Trail

Hike Route

Keyhole via Bear Valley, Skyline & Meadow Trail

Views
strenuous
12.01 mi
+1,732 ft
Mount Wittenberg and Bear Valley Loop

Hike Route

Mount Wittenberg and Bear Valley Loop

Birding
moderate
13.81 mi
+1,946 ft
Palomarin to Bear Valley

Hike Route

Palomarin to Bear Valley

Lake
strenuous
12.26 mi
+1,817 ft
Bear Valley + Coast + Woodward Valley + Meadow Trails Loop

Hike Route

Bear Valley + Coast + Woodward Valley + Meadow Trails Loop

Views
strenuous
12.83 mi
+1,576 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Olompali State Historic Park

Hike Route

Olompali State Historic Park

Views
strenuous
6.86 mi
+1,503 ft
Novato Hill Climb

Hike Route

Novato Hill Climb

Views
strenuous
6.57 mi
+2,344 ft
Big Rock Trail

Hike Route

Big Rock Trail

Views
moderate
5.12 mi
+925 ft
Loma Alta

Hike Route

Loma Alta

Views
moderate
5.28 mi
+1,112 ft
Terra Linda Fire Road + 680 Trail Hike

Hike Route

Terra Linda Fire Road + 680 Trail Hike

Dogs Allowed
moderate
6.27 mi
+1,458 ft
China Camp State Park Loop

Hike Route

China Camp State Park Loop

Birding
moderate
8.28 mi
+853 ft