The Novato Rim Trail is a collection of walking, running and biking routes meant to showcase the urban fabric and natural surroundings of the city of Novato.
Possible to do in either direction (with clockwise being recommended), the routes featured on this site are organized by their trail surface type (off-road and road). Each route can be done in parts or as whole loops and are designed to avoid as many busy roads and awkwardly steep or technical terrain.
Each route takes you through a variety of neighborhoods, parks and path, each with their own quirks and character mixed in.
Routes have spots to stop to use the restroom, refill water bottles or grab a snack sprinkled throughout.
Cellular service is available on much of the trail but downloading or printing maps may be of service.
TCX and GPX file versions of the routes are downloadable from the links below.
Notable viewpoints
Points of Interest (Road Route):
Grant Avenue & Old Town Novato
Hamilton Field History Museum & bird watching at the Hamilton Wetlands
Panoramic views of Big Rock Ridge, Mt. Burdell and Mt. Tamalpais
Stop for a coffee in Ignacio or at San Marin Plaza
Have a picnic at one of the grassy knolled parks found along the trail
Say hello to the farm animals found off of Indian Valley Road
Take a break or fish by the Petaluma River
Points of Interest (Off-Road Route):
Grant Avenue & Old Town Novato
Bird watch at the Hamilton Wetlands
Enjoy the winding single-track of Ponti Ridge Trail
Panoramic views of Big Rock Ridge, Mt. Burdell and Mt. Tamalpais
Stop for a coffee in Ignacio or at San Marin Plaza
Explore the oaks and salt marshes of Rush Creek
Hike to Ken Harth waterfall trail just off of the main rim trail
Check out the old quarries used for building the streets of San Francisco at Mt. Burdell and Indian Valley