Ignacio Valley Preserve

• Find peace and solitude here–it's one of the least visited Marin County open space preserves.
• Travel steep slopes to Big Rock Ridge for top-of-the-world views. Dramatic elevation changes will give you a good workout.
• After heavy rains, enjoy the cascades over 30-foot Buck Gulch Falls.
• Travel through to Loma Verde, Pacheco Valle, and Indian Valley preserves as well as other adjacent public lands. These contiguous band of undisturbed open space encompass virtually the entire northern slope of eastern Big Rock Ridge.
• Dogs are welcome. Dogs must be leashed on trail, and under voice command on fire roads, with leash readily available.

• See massive manzanitas, as well as coast live oak, madrone, black oak, and California bay trees.
• Sandstone slopes with madrone groves are prime habitat for cedar waxwings, band tailed pigeons, hermit thrushes, and American robins. They feast on madrone berries in winter.
• Deep canyons and wild woodlands shelter thriving populations of wildlife. Coyotes and foxes enjoy the manzanita berries that ripen in fall.

• Stay on roads and trails to preserve sensitive ecosystems and to avoid trespassing on private property.
• Be courteous and safety conscious when sharing roads and trails. Go slow and say hello.
• Dress appropriately for the weather. Trails can be muddy during rainy season.
• Bring water.
• Watch your footing on steep slopes.
• There are no restrooms at this location.
• Steer clear of poison oak.
• After an outing, check for ticks.

From Highway 101 in Novato, take the Ignacio Blvd/Bel Marin Keys Blvd exit west towards the College of Marin Indian Valley Campus, turn left at Fairway Dr, and turn left at Winged Foot Dr. MCOSD gate is at the end by Carnoustie Heights.

Street parking. Please be respectful of local residents. Do not block streets, gates, or driveways. Pay parking lot is available Monday through Saturday at the Indian Valley campus of The College of Marin.

• Golden Gate Highway and Transportation District
• Marin Transit Trip Planner
• Route from San Rafael Transit Center

You can also dial 511 to find out about transit options from your location.

• No smoking or fires.
• Weapons and hunting prohibited.
• Motorized vehicles prohibited. (Individuals with qualified disabilities may operate certain kinds of zero-emission mobility devices on some roads,multiuse trails, and certain other facilities.)
• Everyone must yield the right-of-way to horses. Bikes must also yield to pedestrians.
• No model airplanes, drones, or other self-propelled crafts.
• Permit required for commercial use and groups of more than 15 people.
• Dispose of waste property. Pack it out.
• All resources are protected. Do not follow, approach, or feed wildlife.

DOGS

• Dogs may be off-leash on fire roads only if kept under voice control. Leash must always be readily available.
• Dogs are allowed on signed trails and must be leashed. Leash must not exceed 6 feet in length.
• Off-fire road and off-trail use prohibited.
• Individuals accompanying dogs are required to clean up and remove pet waste.
• A maximum of 3 dogs per person is permitted with exception granted through commercial use permit.

BIKES

• Permitted on signed fire roads and trails designated for multiuse and hikers/bikes.
• Off-fire road and off-trail use prohibited.
• Speed limit is 15 mph or less. Must slow to 5 mph when passing others or around blind turns.
• Electric bicycles are not permitted.

HORSES

• Permitted on signed fire roads and trails designated for multiuse and hikers/horses.
• Off-fire road and off-trail use prohibited except when watering or resting the horse.

In an emergency, call 911. To report an incident or suspicious activity, call the Ranger Field Office at (415) 473-2816 or submit an Incident Report via online form.

Visitors are responsible for knowing and obeying all Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD) regulations. Citations will be issued for violations. Read the official regulations: Marin County Municipal Code Appendix A.

Call (415) 473-6387 for more information regarding allowable types and use of mobility devices for people with qualified disabilities.

The MCOSD is a special district pursuant to the California Public Resources Code. Marin County Parks oversees the management of the county parks system and provides public information on behalf of the MCOSD.