2 min
Overview
A stroll through Ring Mountain Preserve, a 387-acre preserve on the northern end of the 4.5-mile long Tiburon Peninsula north of San Francisco, reveals the rare Tiburon mariposa lily, petroglyphs, metamorphic rocks, and 360-degree views of the North Bay. This hike follows the Phyllis Ellman Loop Trail, a short, 1.76-mile loop, with side trips to Ring Mountain, Turtle Rock, petroglyphs, and the John Thomas Howell Bench. Stellar views from Ring Mountain Preserve to Angel Island, Belvedere Island, Richardson Bay, and the Marin Headlands The Tiburon mariposa lily (Calochortus tiburonensis) is the crown jewel of the Ring Mountain Preserve, typically blooming in late May. It grows in Marin County and nowhere else in the world! The tiger stripe petals are surprisingly difficult to spot against the warm browns and yellows in the preserve. The Tiburon mariposa lily is rated 1B.1 on the California Native Plant Society’s rare plant ranking system, one step away from the 1A rating, assigned to species that are either presumed extinct or no longer growing in California. Please help preserve the Tiburon mariposa lily by treading gently, posting consciously on social media, and leaving no trace. Tiburon mariposa lily (Calochortus tiburonensis) has a California Rare Plant Rank of 1B.1 Begin your hike at the entrance gate. A welcome kiosk presents an overview map of the trails. The trailhead is a scant 10 feet elevation, just across the street from the Tiburon Peninsula’s northeastern shore and the northern boundary of the San Francisco Bay. Cars whiz by on Paradise Road, circling the forested peninsula on stomach-curling turns. Housing developments are a reality around Ring Mountain Preserve, but no worries, your overall nature experience is stellar thanks to local citizens and environmental groups that fought to preserve this open space. Oak and bay woodland provide occasional shade on the slopes of Ring Mountain Preserve. Hike south past the Phyllis Ellman Trail signpost, named for a Tiburon resident who helped save Ring Mo
Trail Stats
5.8 km
236 m
176 m
-13 m
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