Rock On: The Rare Rocks and Petroglyphs of Tiburon
Here’s one for all of the geology-lovers, rock-lovers, and open-space lovers: Ring Mountain Preserve on the Tiburon Peninsula. This spot is a staff favorite at Waters Edge Hotel in Tiburon and it’s a bit of a hidden gem, so naturally we want to share!
This is not one of our much-loved Flat Hikes of Marin. No matter which way you approach it, you’re in for a steep climb. But wow when you get up there, worth it! Mars-like landscape. Vast open space. Views of the San Francisco skyline. And those rare rocks and flowers.
Bay Nature Magazine characterizes the spot in bit of poetic geology:
“The rocks underneath the hiker’s feet have been squeezed and folded, smashed and pushed, chemically altered and physically tortured. Indeed, the geologic story of Ring Mountain is probably among the most violent of the entire Bay Area. Scientists believe that most of the rocks underlying this modest 602-foot-high “mountain” once lay at the bottom of an ocean, and beginning about 165 million years ago, they were driven many dozens of miles into the earth’s mantle in a process called subduction—only later to be pushed back up to the surface, displaying the scars of their voyage into the fiery cauldron deep inside our planet.”
The entirety of the Bay Nature Magazine article is worth a read.
Getting There: The main trailhead is on Paradise Drive east of Corte Madera. Take the Paradise Drive exit from Hwy. 101. Just past Westwood Drive is a small sign on the right for Ring Mountain. Park along the road. There are no facilities. Or continue along Paradise Drive for another half mile and turn right on Taylor Road. There is limited parking at the end of Taylor Road.
See you out there!
