This short loop is actually quite tricky in some spots due to the lack of grip on the dirt inclines, but it is pretty.
Location: Indian Valley Open Space Preserve
Length: 2.4 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Shade: mostly shaded
Parking: College of Marin, free in Lot 5 or on Sundays/holidays
Public Transportation: buses 251 and 257 stop at College of Marin
WC: toilets at the ball fields near the parking lot
Dogs: allowed on all trails
Hiked: Jun 2025
Trail Route & Notes
Once you’ve circled the ball fields, you’ll see the trailhead marked with a large sign. Follow the wide fire road for about half a mile, then turn left onto Witzel Trail. You’ll climb gently uphill for another half a mile. At the trail marker, take Susan Alexander Trail on the left, which will climb steeply for a short bit before evening out. It will then descent steeply before you hit the next trail marker – stick to the left to reach the Ken Harth Waterfall Trail, which will take you back to the fire road.
I will honestly say that I don’t recommend this hike because, while it’s very pretty, there’s are two sections on Susan Alexander Trail that are steep inclines with just dirt, making it very easy to slip and fall. I don’t mind a climb, but this was frustrating. I’ll also add that we saw plenty of people at Indian Valley, but none on Susan Alexander Trail.
The hike is pretty, but there are better hikes at Indian Valley – for example, taking Ken Harth Waterfall Trail past Pacheco Pond, which is a similar length, includes some climbing, but you never worry you’ll slip on loose dirt.
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