Ring Mountain Preserve — Attraction in Paradise Cay

We're so lucky to have open spaces like this all over the Bay Area. Ring Mountain is a favorite of mine (especially as a family photographer) with it's incredible views in nearly every direction. I can't think of a better spot for sunrises and sunsets. Most of the trailheads are just little parking areas or neighborhoods, so don't expect amenities (i.e. bathrooms). The preserve itself is mostly open grass hills spotted with unique, large boulders and small stands of oak...

Ring Mountain Preserve is a nice preserve to hike at. I parked on Paradise Drive and hiked up the Phyliss Ellman Trail to the fire roads on the ridgeline. At the rope of the trail is Turtle Rock and a rock with petroglyphs on it. The views from the ridge are great. You can spend thirty minutes or less hiking up to the ridge and back down which is about two miles or hike further on the fire roads in the Preserve. The views and...

Driving by I was just planning to walk around the bay but saw a large number of cars at this trailhead so decided to give it a shot. Pretty decent loop trail, just under one mile to the top with about 450 feet of elevation gain. The real showstopper is when you reach the top and are treated with panoramic views of the bay, with the bay bridge, golden gate bridge tips, suttro tower, and...