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| Ring Mountain Preserve: Marin County California |
Ring Mountain is a rad little hike in Corte Madera California which is located about 9 miles north of the Golden Gate bridge as you head away from San Francisco. There are plenty of great hikes in Marin County, but this is one of the best vantage points to get a view of San Francisco and the bay. This hike has more of a “neighborhood” hike type of vibe with very few tourists. There are a couple of interesting rock formations along the loop where you may spot some local rock climbers practicing their bouldering skills.
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| View of San Francisco Bay from Ring Mountain |
The Ring Mountain Preserve has 4 different trails with access points to the loop at the top, but parking is complicated. There are a few spots at the different trailheads, emphasis on “few”. Neighborhoods in this area have a lot of restrictions for parking. I recommend parking at Blackie’s Pasture and crossing Tiburon Blvd to access the preserve by walking up until the end of Reed Ranch Road. There is room for about 5-6 cars at the top of Reed Ranch road, but these spots are often taken.
If you start as Blackie’s Pasture, follow Reed Ranch Road to the trailhead and do the loop at the top, the total distance of the trail would be about 5 miles roundtrip with 500 feet of elevation gain. This is a fairly easy hike, but I don’t really recommend it for families with small children under 8 years old because the initial hill through the neighborhood is a little steep and you’ll have to cross a busy intersection on Tiburon Blvd. There are also mountain bikers to contend with. This is definitely not a hike to push a stroller on.
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| Ring Mountain Preserve Trail in Corte Madera |
Be aware that Blackie’s Pasture may have parking restrictions in place due to Covid.
The Ring Mountain Preserve is dog friendly, but leashes are required. The trail is fairly heavily trafficked by local hikers, pet owners, mountain bikers. It’s best to hike this one on a clear, sunny day. From the top, you get panoramic views of San Francisco Bay, Mount Tamalpais, San Francisco and Marin County. Bring plenty of water because the trail is exposed to the sun.
Trail stats
Distance 5 miles roundtrip from Blackie’s Pasture if you do the loop at the top
Elevation Gain: 500 Feet
Dog Friendly: Yes
Bike Friendly: Yes
Best months: Year-round on a clear day
Not Suitable for very young children who can’t hike 5 miles with a steep hill
Location of Trailhead on Google Maps:
https://goo.gl/maps/Skc6vCW9wyMkYxMf6
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| Ring Mountain Loop in Tiburon |
Also in the area:
While you’re in the Tiburon area, I highly recommend taking the Tiburon Ferry across to Angel Island for a bike ride. There is a bike rental location in Tiburon before you cross over to Angel Island, but it’s not cheap at $64/day not including the cost of the Ferry, so bring your own bike if you can.
If you’re looking for a good place to eat, I’d recommend skipping the lousy touristy restaurants in the area and grabbing a picnic lunch to go at The Woodland’s Market in Tiburon. They have fresh food made daily by a team of chefs. The roasted chicken is the best meal I ate anywhere on Marin County. The market also has an excellent selection of beer and baked goods. Grab a Pliney the Elder and the best box of chocolate chip cookies you will ever eat in your life.
