Ring Mountain

Ring Mountain rises 603 feet above sea level on the Tiburon Peninsula, featuring serpentinite rock formations and grasslands mixed with oak trees. The preserve is accessed via the Phyllis Ellman Loop Trail, a path that winds 1.76 miles through the terrain.

The mountain was named after George E. Ring, a former Marin County Supervisor and dairyman who acquired the land from the Reed family and owned it from 1895 to 1903. This naming records the ownership history of the region in the late 19th century.

The Coast Miwok people left petroglyphs on the rocks here, marking their presence and traditions in the region before European settlement. These engravings show how long indigenous communities knew and used this place.

The climb is moderate and trails are well marked, making access easier for visitors with different abilities. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes, as the serpentine rock creates uneven surfaces.

The mountain harbors the only population of Tiburon mariposa lily, a rare flower that grows exclusively in this specialized serpentine soil. This plant thrives nowhere else in the world, making the site botanically significant.

Location: California

GPS coordinates: 37.90993,-122.48581

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:07