Home › California › Corte Madera › Ring Mountain Preserve
Ring Mountain Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 169 Google reviews · Running trail in Corte Madera, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Ring Mountain Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Scenic mountaintop area offering sweeping vistas of the bay.
What runners say about Ring Mountain Preserve
“When I hike here I am reminded of how beautiful Marin is and how vast these protected pockets of open storage are.”
“It's an easy trail and good with dogs in any season for bay area weather.”
“Great trails for beginners and the experienced hikers, and leashed dogs are welcome.”
Beautiful place and hidden gem to wander around and get lost in thought. Doesn't matter what trail you follow because there are plenty of intersections and loops. Enjoyed the rolling fog, rock features, and scenic views of the bay and surrounding small towns.
Really nice trail with some shades to go up and beautifully view Get 6000 steps in with this hike! #stepsgoals
Finding places to park might be tricky, but it wasn't a problem for us. It's an easy trail and good with dogs in any season for bay area weather. On the top, we followed a rocky trail leading us to a wonderful view of San Francisco - perfect spot for a picnic or snacks.
Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve in Corte Madera. Started the hike from Ring Mountain Fire Road to Phyllis Ellman Trail.
Trail conditions & character
“The real showstopper is when you reach the top and are treated with panoramic views of the bay, with the bay bridge, golden gate bridge tips, suttro tower, and downtown SF skyline.”
“Great trails for beginners and the experienced hikers, and leashed dogs are welcome.”
“The preserve itself is mostly open grass hills spotted with unique, large boulders and small stands of oak trees.”
“Driving by I was just planning to walk around the bay but saw a large number of cars at this trailhead so decided to give it a shot.”
“Pretty decent loop trail, just under one mile to the top with about 450 feet of elevation gain.”
Plan your run at Ring Mountain Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteparks.marincounty.gov
Running trails near Corte Madera
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Blackie's Pasture
4.7 ★★★★★ 488 reviews
Scenic waterfront park featuring grassy fields, a playground & paths for walking & biking.
Corte Madera Town Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 293 reviews
Baseball, soccer and tennis courts, plus a skate park offer sports and recreation.
Camino Alto Open Space Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 80 reviews
Wood & grassland preserve on a ridge spanning 170 acres popular for hiking, cycling & horse-riding.