Hiking Phoenix Lake | Ross, California
Part of My Best Hikes in Marin Series
View of Phoenix Lake from the trail.
Phoenix Lake is a hidden gem in the middle of Marin County. One of the many things that influenced my decision to move from San Francisco to Marin years ago is all the hiking available here. When I lived in Noe Valley, I often found myself driving north to Marin to hike Muir Woods or visit the Point Reyes National Seashore. At that time I didn’t know about Phoenix Lake, one of the reservoirs that the Marin Municipal Water District maintains for the citizens of Marin. Water from this specific lake and Soulajule Reservoir is only used during drought conditions due to the high cost of pumping water.
Phoenix Lake Offers a Variety of Hiking Options
Phoenix Lake offers a variety of hiking options – from trails that are mostly flat to steep ascents up hills that provide views of Marin and San Francisco in the distance. The most common hike is a 2.7 mile loop that around the lake, combining the Bill Williams Trail, Gertrude Orr Trail, and Phoenix Lake Trail. However as this trail progresses, it narrows and you may need to turn around due to the abundance of Poison Oak.
Proceed cautiously and keep dogs on leash. I usually bring poison oak wipes and Tecnu (available at most drugstores) in my backpack, along with water and a printed map if I am going on an unfamiliar trail. Cell phone coverage is spotty once you venture from the flat loop around the lake.
Phoenix Lake Map
A beautiful July day at Phoenix Lake
Continue the Loop Around the Lake
As you loop around the lake, you will see a historic log cabin. It was built circa 1894 for the Hyppolite Ranch by James and Walter Landsborough, nephews of Mrs. Janet Porteous. It used to be available for rent for group functions but I don’t think that’s the case these days.
Watch out for rattlesnakes sunning themselves on the trail up to Mt. Baldy
Hiking Up to Bald Hill (“Mt. Baldy”)
My preferred hike is a bit more strenuous — but the reward is a stunning vista of Marin County and the San Francisco skyline in the distance. After entering the Phoenix Lake parking area and trailhead, you walk up the gravel fire road to the lake. Keep right and walk around the lake about 10 mins. On the right you will see a fire trail which then splits — take that trail and begin the ascent up to Bald Hill. It takes about 30 minutes to get up to the top but the view is worth the hike.
A word of caution: I have seen rattlesnakes sunning themselves in the middle of this trail on several occasions. Best to pay close attention to the trail ahead of you, and turn around if the trail is already “in use.”
Phoenix Lake Parking Can Be a Challenge
Here’s the insider parking tip that I don’t see mentioned in any of the online articles about Phoenix Lake. The parking lot, which is at the end of Lagunitas Road (see Google map above), fills up very early on weekends and even weekdays. Because it is often full, cars queue just past the first small parking lot, on the left. Newcomers who don’t know the drill often pass these cars and go into the larger lot, looking for parking. I have seen arguments break out over this, with more experienced visitors telling the newcomers to “get in line and turn your engine off.” My advice is look for people sitting in their cars over to the left as you pull in and pull up behind them, and turn your car motor off.
My Local Tip on Easy Parking for Phoenix Lake
Better yet, do what I do, and extend the hike by parking in the spaces across from the Ross Post Office. As of this writing they are 3-hour spaces and are usually available. There are also parking spaces down Lagunitas on the left in front of the tennis courts, but those also fill up on weekends. One of the benefits of walking (instead of driving) down Lagunitas is you get to look at some of the beautiful homes — which as you know is one of this Marin Realtor’s favorite past-times!
We are very lucky to have Phoenix Lake here in Marin — I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
If you are thinking of moving to Marin County, I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you. Please call or text me at 415-847-5584 or you can learn more about me here.
Flowers on the Phoenix Lake trail
About Thomas Henthorne
Thomas Henthorne is a consistently top-ranked Marin County real estate agent with Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty, known for thoughtful guidance, strong negotiation, and polished marketing. He is the publisher of a widely read Marin real estate blog covering local market insights, neighborhood spotlights, the best Marin County hikes, and the lifestyle that makes Marin such an exceptional place to live. Thomas leverages a unique background in design and branding to ensure every listing is positioned for maximum impact.
You can learn more about Thomas here.
Call or text Thomas at 415-847-5584 to discuss your real estate goals.
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Thank you for reading my article. I would welcome any comments, suggestions, or trail tips to help others.