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June 25, 2008
OUTDOORS
A. Titan
 Phoenix Lake Trails and Activities
At 10:15 A.M. on a Wednesday morning in late June, I stopped by an ATM in the center of San Anselmo's commercial district. Looking up this small town's main street, top to bottom, I saw not another soul in the 5 minutes it took to do my banking. 10 minutes later, after I made the short drive to the Phoenix Lake trail head parking lot in Ross, I learned where everyone was. They were out for a morning hike, jog, fishing spree, nature exploration, mountain bike ride, photo safari or toddler discovery class. At this best-loved park, I counted no less than 60 souls enjoying the many activities there. It was a sharp contrast and a telling one about the high value this community puts on the enjoyment of its open spaces and public lands.
Despite the concentration of visitors around the lake's trail head and dam that I saw this morning, I know that if one wants solitude or a physical challenge, it can always be found by taking one of the connecting trails that branch off from the lakeside trails. Phoenix Lake trail connections include both fire roads and single-track trails. There is something for everyone. Fire roads climb the Bolinas Ridge and Mt. Tam, to the West via the Eldridge Grade and Shaver Grade, and a number of single tracks take hikers and runners to Kent Woodlands (south), to Bald Hill (north) or to the upper lakes (west).
Starting from Phoenix Lake, one can choose from a 30 minute jog around the lake, a 1.5 hours hike or run to the system of upper lakes and Yolanda trail, an extended tour that climbs Mt. Tam in a 12 mile trek, or make a whole day hike of it by choosing a route from the vast network of trails that make up the lands of Mt. Tamalpais State Park, and the Marin Municipal Water District. One can even connect to trails in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Samuel Taylor State Park, but these are marathon hikes. If you venture beyond the lake area, take a good trail map, one that will give you an accurate idea of changes in elevation, and plenty of water. Summer or daytime hikers should be wary of taking dogs on extended hikes and should stay close to water sources at all times.
All trails in and around the Phoenix Lake area offer the visitor grand views. The immediate vicinity offers shady redwood and bay wood glens, open hillsides of chaparral and oaks and occasional wildlife sightings of osprey, egret, ducks, deer, fox and plenty of ravens. The fantasy architecture left over from the days when the area was a private play spot of the wealthy Greene family also adds interest to a stroll. Especially quaint is the Queen Anne style split log cabin with rustic carved details over its windows. The cabin perches on a rise over the banks of the lake and enjoys a stunning alpine view to the south. The upper trails accessed from Phoenix Lake offer sweeping vistas of Mt. Tam and the Bolinas ridge, the north bay, Marin hills, communities, and rural lands. At the streamside park at the trail head there are restrooms, water, picnic tables, some charming primitive split log shelters, and posted area trail maps.
Finding the Phoenix Lake area is easy. From either direction on Sir Francis Drake Blvd., at the “T” intersection of Sir Francis Drake and Lagunitas, turn onto Lagunitas Road and go west over the Lagunitas bridge. Follow Lagunitas all the way to where it ends in the parking lot of the Natalie Coffin Greene Park. The Phoenix Lake dam is just a short hike up the fire road.
Be advised though, if you are going mid day, the parking lot fills up fast and Ross does not allow street parking in many areas. I oftentimes opt for parking in central Ross on the green or near the post office. It adds a good 20 minutes to the trip to walk or jog up Lagunitas Road to the park, but the architecture of the stately homes along Lagunitas is a visual treat ranging from Renaissance revival, to Craftsman, Tudor, Victorian and Modernist styles.
 Hours:
Natalie Coffin Greene Park and the Phoenix Lake area are open sun up to sun down every day. This popular but beautiful area is always worth the visit.
Trail Map:
For a trail map of the Phoenix Lake area and Mt. Tamalpais watershed trails access this map: Link to map of Phoenix Lake and Tam watershed.
Important Trail Safey Guidelines
Dogs: Remember when bringing your dog, take along a leash, and pick up bags to clean up after your dog. It is also a good idea to take water if you are going to visit upper trails.
Bikers: Single-track trails are off limits. Fire roads are shared multi use trails. Use caution and slow down when approaching horses and hikers especially the elderly and those with small children. The maximum speed limit on the fire roads is 15 mph but when approaching equestrians and others it is recommended to slow to a speed close to a stop. Follow common sense, call out to other trail users and let them know that you wish to pass. In the case of horses, be observant about the behavior of any horses and watch for signs of skittishness and tension. Speak out to the riders and take direction from them about how you can pass safely. Always pass horses on the downhill side only.
All users: Be courteous tolerant and responsible. As in any wilderness or natural area, follow the "leave no trace" rule and do not disturb the area's plants or wildlife. While fishing is permitted, a license is required. As certain upper trails are isolated and less frequented, the buddy system is always best.
Photos: L. Stampfli
More Downtime:
Marin County Fair and other festivals/Events
Film Review: The Hulk
Film Review: Iron Man
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