This hike offers some great views of San Pablo Bay, San Quentin, Mt. Tam, Tiburon, and even San Francisco on a clear day. There are couple different approaches on this Mountain - this hike covers the route mentioned in the book, 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: San Francisco
There is no parking lot at the trailhead, but there is plenty of roadside parking. The trailhead is well marked and has some signage about the open space area. However, there are few trailposts or signs along the hike. But since most of the trails all end-up at the top of the mountain its hard to get lost.
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| From Ring Mountain |
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| From Ring Mountain |
Stay left on the main trail at the first trail junction -- the trail to the right is the way you will come down. You might totally miss this junction since the main trail is clearly used more by hikers.
The lower trail is a bit overgrown with some dry grass and brush brushing on you as walk by. Its not bad, just a bit annoying.
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| From Ring Mountain |
The hike quickly starts uphill to the top. I would still call this hike easy -- but its definitely not flat.
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| From Ring Mountain |
There was a patch of poison oak under a small tree covered area -- otherwise the hike is mostly out in the open and under the sun. The area is often windy, so its doesn't get too hot -- even at 3pm when I did the hike.
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| From Ring Mountain |
About 3/4ths the way up - you may feel the urge to call it quits and just enjoy the view to the North - but make sure you continue up the hill. There are a couple un-marked trail junctions along the way. As an example, after the #7 post marker do -not- take the path veering to the left -- instead continue up the middle/uphill trail.
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| From Ring Mountain |
The mountain had a number of wildflowers and wild berries this time of the year. It was great to see these among the mostly brown and dry grass and foxtails.
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| From Ring Mountain |
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| From Ring Mountain |
After a fairly steep final assent, you reach a main peak of the mountain. There a couple sights to see here including Turtle Rock and Petroglyph Rock as mentioned in this book
. I chose to enjoy the view by Turtle Rock. You can also see Mt Tam and the mountains around the Marin Headlands.
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| From Ring Mountain |
We could see the city on the day I did the hike -- this is a zoom picture, but it was still easy to see SF through the haze/fog.
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| From Ring Mountain |
The suggested way back is along Phyllis Ellman Trail -- just look for the trailmarker off the main fire road at the peak of the mountain.
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| From Ring Mountain |
This downhill trail is very narrow and goes over some fairly rocky terrain in parts. Its also a bit overgrown in spots -- but there is a trail to follow. You do pass a couple more unmarked junctions along the way, just take the more traveled path downhill. You can see the trailhead most of the way down -- so again, its hard to get lost.
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| From Ring Mountain |
This hike has some world class views of the Bay and Marin. It would be better if the trails were better marked, but since you can see the mountain peak and trailhead from most of the route -- its easy to find your way. No bikes allowed on these trails - so that was bonus.
View Ring Mountain Trailhead - Paradise Drive in a larger map
Basics:
Area - Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve
Trails - Loop Trail => Phyllis Ellman Trail
Map - Ring Mountain Trail Map
Length - 2 miles Loop - Easy Hike - some steep parts (about 500' Elevation gain)
Trail - Narrow hard dirt trail
Dogs - Yes, on a leash
Bikes - Not allowed
Views - This hike is ALL Views
Getting There - From San Francisco: Take US101 , Exit Paradise Drive head east. The trailhead is on Paradise Drive around the bend after Westward
Fee- None, free parking
Weather - Can be windy - full sun
Other Trails - Yes, there are other trails mostly leading up or down the mountain. Very few markers.
Facilities - there are no restrooms or water at the trailhead or parking lot.