Go, Tell It on the Mountain

Easy hiking at King Mountain in Marin

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. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Hidden Gems of Reno Tahoe

    Step into a land where adventure meets relaxation. Reno Tahoe is where the spirit of the great outdoors and the energy of vibrant city life inspire you to live with no limits.

    View
  2. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  3. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View