01
Best overall pick
Phoenix Lake & Yolanda Trail Loop
Ross Watershed Trailhead • Lakeside And Hillside Loop • Local Favorite Close To Town
A classic Ross watershed loop that circles Phoenix Lake before climbing to broader views on the Yolanda Trail.[3][5]
Phoenix Lake sits just above Ross, making this loop one of the easiest ways to feel deep in nature without a long drive.[3][5] Gentle lakeside sections mix with moderate climbs, so you can tailor the outing to a quick after-work walk or a half-day hike with vistas over the water and surrounding hills.[3]
02
Best ridge loop
King Mountain Loop Trail
Larkspur Back Hills • Shaded Ridge Loop • Best For Longer Weekend Loops
A wooded ridge loop above Larkspur with steady climbing and rewarding views of the bay and Mount Tamalpais.[5]
Tucked just south of Ross, King Mountain feels surprisingly wild once you leave the neighborhood streets behind.[5] The loop undulates along a forested ridge, offering a good workout, glimpses of surrounding towns, and quieter foot traffic than some of the better-known routes on Mount Tam.[5]
03
Best creekside escape
Dawn Falls Trail Loop
Corte Madera And Larkspur Canyon • Creekside And Canyon Loop • Best For Families And Newer Hikers
A mellow canyon-and-forest loop that traces a creek toward Dawn Falls before looping back on higher hillside trails.[5]
This route starts from the residential edge of Larkspur and quickly settles into cool, tree-lined creekside walking.[5] The grade stays moderate, making it an approachable hike for newer hikers or families who still want the feel of a classic Marin canyon trail.[5]
04
Best lakeside walk
Bon Tempe Lake Loop
Marin Watershed Near Fairfax • Scenic Reservoir Circuit • Quiet Escape On Busy Weekends
A relaxed loop around Bon Tempe Lake with wide paths, rolling terrain, and constant water views.[6]
Set in the Marin Municipal Water District lands, Bon Tempe Lake offers a mix of open shoreline and pockets of shade.[6] The main loop stays close to the water and can be extended onto neighboring fire roads, making it a flexible choice for everything from casual strolls to longer fitness hikes.[6]
05
Best big-day outing
Mount Tamalpais via Collier Trail
Mount Tamalpais State Park • Challenging Summit-Focused Hike • Iconic Bay Area Viewpoint Route
A more strenuous route from the Ross side of Mount Tamalpais that strings together Collier and other trails into a big-view summit day.[3][6]
Starting near Ross, this route climbs steadily through mixed forest toward the higher slopes of Mount Tamalpais, linking local access paths with park trails.[3] The payoff is classic Marin scenery—broad ridges, sweeping bay and ocean views, and the sense of having earned your vistas on one of the region's signature peaks.[3][6]