Ridge Trail

The Lake Ranch Trail starts at its junction with the Coast Trail - South next to a smattering of ponds covered with lily pads. You are likely to see wildlife in and around these swampy spots. Begin climbing a moderately steep, open hillside, switchbacking to gain elevation. Once the high point of the trail is reached, the forest cover increases and the mossy, fern filled woods become darker all the way up !Bolinas Ridge. The remainder of the trail is more level, with mild undulations between wood covered knolls. Once past the west side of algae covered Mudd Lake, the trail is nearly flat until it joins the Ridge Trail. Note: bikes are not allowed on this trail.