2. Ring Mountain TrailDistance: 2.8 milesShaded: 10% Elevation Change: 700' Hiking: 10 Difficulty: 6 Rocky and rutted areas. When to Go: Best on clear, calm days in March to May for flowers. This climb up the grassy slopes of Ring Mountain provides some of the best views and wildflower displays in the bay area. For the latest trail information, call the Marin County Open Space District Office 415-499-6387. |
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This map looks best on a high-resolution monitor displaying 256 shades of grey. The map and hike description are excerpts from the book, Hiking Marin, 141 Great Hikes in Marin County, ©2006 by Don and Kay Martin. |
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This hike starts along Paradise Drive in Corte Madera. Getting there from Hwy 101: In Corte Madera, E on Paradise Drive for 1.5 miles, past Westward Drive to parking area and trailhead gate. 0.0 Park on Paradise Drive just past Westward Drive. Look for the Nature Preserve sign and gate. The trail crosses a small bridge to an information display. Pick up a nature guide if it's available. 0.2 Junction #1. Head left at the signed "Loop Trail". Up ahead, the trail crosses a small creek. Look for the white Oakland star tulip. 0.3 Post 4 and junction. There are several unofficial crossing trails. Continue right on the main trail. Numbered posts mark the way. 0.9 Knoll, road and junction #2. After climbing a knoll offering grand views south, the trail drops down to a road. Continue across the road to Turtle Rock. From the south side of the rock, take the footpath uphill to the east, aiming to the right of the water tank. 1.0 Junction. Continue across the road and head uphill on the unofficial trail, which soon passes over a white serpentine outcrop. 1.2 Junction #3. The trail meets the road, but again, leave the road and head right, up towards the highest point. 1.3 Ring Mountain at 602'. The summit of Ring Mountain was flattened to house anti-aircraft guns after World War II. The broad hilltop is worth exploring for its magnificent views and wildflowers. The hike continues by taking the paved road back towards the west. 1.5 Junction. The hike leaves the paved road and heads west. 1.6 Junction #2. Go back to Turtle Rock again and now take the path to the right, west down a rocky outcrop towards another large rock with the sign, "Protect Rare Lichens." Continue past the rock uphill. 1.8 Hilltop and junction #4. You can add another two miles to this hike by taking the dirt road left, out and back, along the ridge. Otherwise, head right downhill and right again at another junction. 2.0 Junction #5. Take the Phyllis Ellman trail. At post 13, take the upper trail left to look for the rare Tiburon Mariposa Lily, a tan-colored calochortus that grows only on Ring Mountain and flowers in late May. 2.8 Back at the parking area with no facilities. Disclaimer: The information provided on this web site is only a general guide. We do not accept liability or legal responsibility for trail conditions, trail information, errors or omissions. Options Top 7 Hikes in Marin County Marin Trails Home Page |