Phoenix Lake Loop via Gertrude-Ord Trail

This trail starts from the main parking lot at the end of Lagunitas Road. If going counter-clockwise, you start on a dirt road, going around the northern part of the lake. After about a mile, you can take a left onto a hiking-only trail that traverses the southern part of the lake. There are bridges to cut the left side a bit, if you're short on time. Along the southern part of the lake, there are some small inclines, and then a small switchback back down to a dirt road. The road then returns to where you started, and you can take one of three small trails down to your car. Great loop to do with your dog in the Mount Tamalpais Watershed, a lesser-known and lesser-visited park area nearby Mount Tamalpais State Park. You’ll have an easier time parking here than at other trailheads in the area but will still probably share the trail with a few other joggers making this a safe and convenient choice for a run or hike. Accessibility: The transition from the parking lot to the trailhead is estimated to be the steepest part (over 12%). Users have reported that only the first mile is wheelchair or stroller friendly but then the surface gets really uneven with rocks and roots past that. The trail itself is dirt and moderately steep with a max grade of 7%. Use caution during the rainy season...trail becomes muddy and slippery.