Phoenix Lake Loop via Gertrude Ord Trail is a 2.7 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near San Anselmo, California that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until September. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
dog friendly
kid friendly
birding
hiking
nature trips
trail running
walking
forest
lake
views
wild flowers
Very nice trail. Friday afternoon beautiful views of water and foliage. A great hike for a few hours and not crowded during the weekday.
Easy, kid-friendly, watch out for lots of mountain bikers/runners. Didn’t want to wait for parking, we just parked off of glenwood Avenue (about 2 street parking spots). Did this trail with two kids in tow (3 and 5 year old). Not one complained during the 3ish miles (including how far we parked from the trailhead). Plenty of shade when you get up to Gertrude-ord trail. Lots of benches.
Easy, quickly, refreshing
Easy trails to take. A number of options. Some more difficult than others. The parking lot gets crowded early. If you’re going mid-morning, park towards town and walk in. A beautiful short loop of a trail.
Took my 3 yearold and had a great time. Parking is a nightmare and we had to park a mile away and walk in so be prepared. Also a TON of mountain bikers so watch out.
Love it. 8-9 am is great time to hike this trail.
Busy parking lot for a Tuesday but just park on the street before you drive down to the parking area. From there you can take a trail to the loop. It is unmarked but takes off on the left hand side of the road leading to the lakes parking lot.
Lovely loop, great for trail running
perfect hike with my dogs. So much cooler weather in that area.
Great loop!
Great hike, pretty even grade throughout, half fire road / half trail
A nice, easy hike around a small beautiful lake. Short and mostly level. Despite being an easy hike this is one to do again and again. The environment is spectacular.
Great trail run or walk. A little over half in the shade. Seems to be popular so parking could be an issue. I preferred counter clockwise but it wouldn't matter. Some of this is a dirt road, not a trail.
Wonderful walk, not too strenuous. Some parts you have to watch your step for rocks and roots ready to trip you up.
This is where i began my trail running and continues to be my favorite. Parking is limited so arrive early. If you are there on the weekend, may take 30mins to wait for a parking spot. however, i highly suggest dropping people/kids off at the parking lot and then parking back by Ross school. It's a .8mile distance from there to the parking lot at phoenix lake. We usually do this anyways so we can make the hike about 5 miles round trip. it's 3 miles from just the parking lot. the single track trail is on the other side of the lake with shade. id say total, there's about 70% shade on this loop.
Pretty easy trail with beautiful views
Atsuko T.
Lots of shade. Next time bring lunch and spend more time there with Mimi. Perfect length. Easy to get there and I only needed three hours for a whole trip.
The tail itself is really easy. The view from every angle is breathtaking!
Reed C.
Great!!!
Sandra Dee K.
I started on Phoenix Lake and also went on Bobs trail, Yolanda Trail..... This trail is breath taking and beautiful.
Very pretty loop. A bit crowded and you have to park quite a bit away in a community.
Fairly easy trail, great for family and trail running. Scenery is just so so.
One of the most timeless hikes in Marin. Beautiful, peaceful and epitomizes the grandeur of this great place we live. I have been coming here since I was a child in the 70's and it never disappoints. A must have on your bay area hike bucket list!
Incredibly beautiful trail good for running mountain biking or hiking
Great easy trail! Live the nature!
Great fairly easy trail around all 3 lakes up on Mt. tam, Mt. Bikes and Dogs are welcome which I love! Great weather all year round. Not too busy, and VERY beautiful views.