The Best View in Marin Was Worth the 40-Year Wait

     For decades, hikers climbing King Mountain in Marin County could enjoy the fresh air, winding trails, and magnificent scenery, but there was one frustrating catch. The very top of the mountain was off-limits. A locked gate and a chain-link fence stood between outdoor enthusiasts and one of the most impressive viewpoints in the North Bay. Now, after nearly 40 years of conservation efforts, those barriers have finally given way to something much more inviting. The public can climb to the summit, and the view is every bit as rewarding as the long campaign to protect it.

Rising above the neighborhoods of Larkspur and Kentfield, King Mountain has always been something of a hidden treasure. Its wooded slopes, dotted with coast live oaks, redwoods, and California bay trees, have provided a welcome escape from the bustle below. Yet while hikers could explore the mountain's 3.5-mile loop trail, its crowning attraction remained private property. The 32-acre summit was surrounded by fencing, leaving visitors to admire the mountain's highest point from a distance. It was rather like being invited to a spectacular house party, only to discover that the best room was locked.

The mountain's future was not always so promising. During the 1980s, developers began eyeing the valuable hillside property, prompting concerned residents to organize the King Mountain Open Space Association. Their goal was straightforward but ambitious. They wanted to preserve the land from development and eventually make the summit accessible to everyone. Those concerns were justified. At one point, plans called for a sprawling 27,500-square-foot private residential compound near the mountaintop. Although the estate was never built, the possibility of development lingered for years.

The breakthrough finally came in 2026 through an unexpected act of generosity. The Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund, a philanthropic organization based in Delaware, provided funding that allowed the nonprofit Marin Open Space Trust to negotiate the purchase of the privately owned 161-acre property. Marin County's Open Space District Board approved the acquisition arrangements in July, and the transaction closed in August. The property was transferred to the district, expanding King Mountain Open Space Preserve from approximately 108 acres to 269 acres. Remarkably, the purchase was accomplished without using taxpayer funds.

The donation also included $2 million for managing the newly protected property, improving public access, and addressing wildfire hazards. Plans include removing invasive vegetation, particularly highly flammable French broom, along with old fencing and other structures. County officials also intend to install picnic tables near the summit, giving future visitors an opportunity to enjoy a meal with a view that would make most waterfront restaurants jealous. Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony in late September, the gates were unlocked, officially welcoming hikers to the mountaintop.

And what a reward awaits those who make the climb. Unlike the wooded slopes below, the summit opens into an expansive viewpoint with virtually unobstructed scenery in every direction. Mount Tamalpais dominates the western horizon, while the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge stretches across the bay to the east. Look north toward Marin's rolling hills or south toward San Francisco, and the landscape unfolds in a remarkable display of mountains, water, bridges, and urban skylines. On a clear day, it is the sort of panorama that encourages hikers to put away their watches and simply enjoy being there.

Fortunately, reaching the summit does not require mountaineering experience. Visitors looking for a longer outing can begin at the Citron Fire Road trailhead on Willow Avenue in Larkspur, following an uphill route of several miles toward the top. Those seeking a shorter approach can start at the end of Ridgecrest Road in Kentfield, where the higher starting elevation makes the summit more accessible. The surrounding loop trail remains another attraction, with connections to nearby trails and wooded areas. Dogs are welcome under county regulations, although owners should observe posted leash requirements.

Visitors should remember that King Mountain is a natural preserve rather than a developed park. Parking is limited to neighborhood streets, restrooms are unavailable, and hikers should bring water, wear suitable footwear, and remain on designated routes. Poison oak, ticks, and muddy conditions during the rainy season are additional considerations. Respecting the surrounding residential neighborhoods and sensitive natural habitat will help ensure that increased visitation remains a benefit rather than a burden.

King Mountain's reopening is about considerably more than another place to stretch your legs. It represents four decades of persistence by residents who believed an irreplaceable piece of Marin County should belong to future generations rather than disappear behind private gates. The mountain was always there, rising quietly above the communities below. What has changed is who gets to experience its finest view. Sometimes the greatest outdoor discoveries are not newly found places, but familiar landmarks finally opened to everyone.

King Mountain Open Space Preserve, located above Larkspur and Kentfield in Marin County, is open to the public 24 hours a day, with free admission and no parking fees. Visitors can access the preserve from the end of Ridgecrest Road in Kentfield or via Citron Fire Road in Larkspur. Parking is limited to surrounding residential streets, and there are no restrooms or drinking-water facilities, so hikers should come prepared. For trail maps, regulations, accessibility information, and current conditions, contact Marin County Parks at 415-473-6387 or visit the official website at parks.marincounty.gov/parkspreserves/preserves/king-mountain. No reservations are required for ordinary recreational visits.