01
Best first-time hike
Phoenix Lake Loop
Ross Trailhead At Natalie Coffin Greene Park • Shaded Lakeside Loop With Gentle Grades • Go-To Choice For Casual Hikers And Visitors
A classic loop that circles Phoenix Lake with steady shade, water views, and just enough up-and-down to feel like a real hike.
Starting from Natalie Coffin Greene Park at the end of Lagunitas Road, this loop wraps around the shoreline on a mix of wide paths and narrower singletrack, roughly three miles depending on small variations. The route stays mostly under oaks and bays, with frequent peeks across the water to forested hillsides. It’s a friendly choice for families and out-of-town visitors, but parking fills quickly on weekends, so early starts pay off.
02
Best view payoff
Bald Hill via Bill Williams and Tucker Trails
Above Ross In The Mount Tamalpais Watershed • Steep Fire-Road And Singletrack Climb To A Summit • For Strong Hikers Chasing Big Panoramas
A stout climb from Phoenix Lake up to the open dome of Bald Hill, where the whole Bay seems to spread out below you.
From the lakeshore, you pick up the Bill Williams and Tucker-area trails and fire roads that angle steadily uphill toward Bald Hill. The grade is sustained and feels like a workout, but the payoff is a grassy summit with big sky and wide views over Ross Valley, Mount Tamalpais, and out toward the Bay. Expect some sun exposure near the top and bring extra water; this is one to do in the morning on warmer days.
03
Most peaceful circuit
Lake Lagunitas Loop
Higher In The Watershed Above Phoenix Lake • Quiet Forest-And-Shoreline Path Around A Reservoir • Best For Unhurried Strolls And Birdwatching
A mellow loop that trades crowds for still water, tall trees, and the feeling of being tucked away in the upper watershed.
Drive up from Ross into the watershed and you reach Lake Lagunitas, where a well-signed path circles the reservoir at an easy grade. The loop wanders through pockets of redwoods and conifers, with occasional benches and clearings that invite you to linger. It’s a great pick when Phoenix Lake feels busy, especially if you’re more interested in a quiet walk and spotting herons than racking up elevation.
04
Best mix of distance options
Bon Tempe Lake Trails
Ridges And Shoreline Above Fairfax • Network Of Rolling Lakeside And Ridge Trails • Flexible Pick For Groups With Mixed Abilities
A web of trails lets you stitch together anything from a short lakeside leg-stretcher to a longer, hillier circuit with views of Mount Tam.
Just beyond Phoenix Lake and Lake Lagunitas, Bon Tempe offers multiple trail choices, from easy shoreline paths to more exposed ridge options like Rocky Ridge and Sunnyside. You can keep it simple with a mostly flat loop close to the water or link ridges for a more athletic outing. Because there are frequent junctions and clear signage, it’s easy for a group to tailor the distance and effort on the fly.
05
Best moderate loop
Yolanda Trail and Shaver Grade Loop
Hillsides Between Phoenix Lake And Sky Oaks • Sunny Hillside Singletrack And Old Road Loop • Great For Trail Runners And Steady Hikers
A satisfying mid-length loop that climbs above Phoenix Lake for open-slope views before dropping back through quieter forest.
From near the Phoenix Lake shoreline, the Yolanda Trail climbs on well-benched singletrack across open hillsides with big looks back over Ross Valley. At higher elevations you connect with Shaver Grade, an old road that offers a more gradual descent and a different feel on the return. The mix of sun, shade, and moderate mileage makes it a sweet spot for runners and hikers who want something more than a stroll but less than a summit push.