Go, Tell It on the Mountain

Easy hiking at King Mountain in Marin

12.07.2017

Want to be king of the mountain? Head to King Mountain, the 108-acre open space preserve just above Larkspur in Marin. Despite its lofty name, hiking King Mountain proves that simple can be beautiful. This 3-mile (round-trip) lollipop loop hike makes a nice afternoon walk in the woods, with peek-a-boo views of San Pablo Bay and Mount Tam.

You’ll start the hike in residential streets and rise quietly on a fire road, opening to impressive views of downtown Larkspur and bigger views of Marin—all the way to the Richmond Bridge.

After 0.75 mile you’ll get to the turn for King Mountain Loop Trail, a singletrack route threading a 1.8-mile loop around the crown of the mountain, most of which is cozily enclosed by an oak and bay woodland fragrant with bay leaves. You’ll also get some vista payoff with a gorgeous up-close look at Mount Tam’s East Peak and another bonus: redwoods. Who’s king of King Mountain now?

BONUS PIZZA: Post-hike, grab a bite in downtown Larkspur at Pizzeria Picco, a hot little spot serving up organic salads and Neapolitan style pizzas cooked in a wood burning oven. The wine list impresses, too!

There's limited parking at the trailhead. Here's a map. Dog-friendly! Pizzeria Picco is located at 316 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur. The path is dog-friendly.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View

  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View

  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Hiker taking a photo of sunset at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Sunshine and Skyline

    Head to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for a 4-mile out-and-back hike on the Bay Area Ridge Trail that offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View

  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View