Pleasure Rating: 1 2 3 4 5
Difficulty Rating: 1 2 3 4 5
Difficulty Rating: 1 2 3 4 5
Mileage: Apx 7 miles
For a map of this trail click HERE
Why Matt Davis and Steep Ravine?
Towering above San Francisco's north bay at 2,572 feet is the majestic Mount Tamalpais. What makes this mountain so incredible is not its height, but its proximity to the prepossessing Pacific ocean and surrounding bay. Located just a hop skip and a jump from the thundering shores of Stinson Beach, the rugged rainforest of Muir Woods, and the bustling big city of San Francisco, Mount Tam stands like a silent giant. Green, gorgeous, lush, lavish, wild, wet, and simply lovely; Mount Tam and the surrounding beaches are an incredible sight to see and experience. I recommend taking the twisty turning roads to the top of the mountain and then descending onto the sandy shores where you can relax and enjoy a fish taco or two, before looping back around through the dense redwood forest. This unforgettable hike includes everything quintessentially awesome about Northern California- redwoods, waterfalls, mountains, beaches, cliffs and tacos. What more could you want on a hikeabout?
Lets Get Hiking!
Park at the Pantoll lot off of the Panoramic Highway in Mill Valley, located close to the summit of Mount Tampalpais. Here there is a parking lot with flush toilets, water spigots, and all the trail heads for your hike. Start on the Matt Davis Trail, which is a gradual downhill dirt path brimming with evergreens, ferns, low lying mossy branches from ancient trees. Eucalyptus and the ever-present smell of unidentifiable freshness that only can be found where the ocean meets the dense forest create a meditative and almost prayerful feeling. The air smells so clean, green, pure- almost healing. On a clear day you can see clearly the grand expanse of the Pacific below you, but on foggy days the view is limited to the thickly wooded surroundings, making a more intimate feeling among the prehistoric giant redwoods. On the warm but drizzly January day we were here, an extreme storm had just blasted the north bay leaving a lingering fog and moisture in the air. We appreciated the mysterious beauty in the sudden changes in light, mixed with the rolling and rising clouds.
While you zigzag your way down the mountain on the long and winding switchbacks you will be entertained and amazed by a plethora of water features, a carpet of diverse flora, and the effervescent smell of the approaching Pacific Ocean. The vibrant and varying shades of green of the lush rainforest dazzle you along the descent.
Once you have made it the bottom, you veer right on the trail which will spit you out smack dab in the middle of the quaint seaside town of Stinson Beach. This little surfers paradise is a flashback into the classic hippy culture of San Francisco's north bay with funky shops and "take it easy" ambiance. The town offers a long and gorgeous stretch of beach, unique and delicious dining options, and an array of beautiful coastal flowers blossoming around every corner.
I highly recommend walking all the way out to the public beach, and about 200 yards south from the public restrooms is an old lifeguard tower that has been converted into a beachfront taco shack. The Siren Canteen serves an unparalleled lunch and has earned the title in my books for the Most Delicious Fish Tacos in the World! Serving an array of options such as burgers, wraps, fish and chips; their specialty is their taco. From carnitas, carne asada, to shrimp, shark, cod, and tuna- all using the freshest ingredients, a decadent array of pickled accouterment, and peppy service. At a VERY reasonable price point, I think Sirens is the best deal with the best view in town- bar none.
After you've had your fill of taco deliciousness, head down to the beach to enjoy the sand and surf. Often times you can spot surfers and possibly some wildlife, as gray whales and great whites are commonly found swimming along these shores. This is a great place to digest, rest, and breathe in the fresh sea air. Your uphill ascent returning to the car is not an easy one, so ensure you are reenergized for the second leg of your journey.
Once you have completed your lunch break, its time to start the climb back up along the Dipsea Trail, and then the Steep Ravine Trail. The title "Steep Ravine" is not only accurate, but also a fair warning to anyone who finds themselves easily taxed- this might not be for you. But for others, it is like channeling your childhood self- back to the the days when exploring the forest, climbing ladders, swinging on ropes, and splashing in streams was a dream of a day!
Follow the Dipsea Trail signs that wind steadily upward for about 2 miles, then intersect with Steep Ravine Trail. The climb will start small with gentle waterfalls and damp granite walls dripping with dew. Ferns, redwoods, and dense foliage abound as you make your way along the ravine. The gentle sound of trickling will become more forceful as you approach a series of steadily flowing waterfalls. Along what will now be a 1.8 mile uphill climb you will encounter some exciting obstacles that add excitement to the hike. First, a few small wooden bridges to cross, perhaps a downed tree or two to hop, several enormous boulders to climb, and finally a ladder to scale up and over a steep ledge.
There are drop offs, slippery slopes, skinny stints of trail where single file is most definitely the only option. You may have to work as a team at parts to help cross the obstacles safely. Once you have gotten comfortable with the maneuvers required for this type of hime, your stream of adrenaline will aid you to the end. You soon find that fears have been replaced by a new feeling of being alive- alive and wild on this gorgeous green earth!
All of us have this free spirit deep within, that sense of reckless abandon that allows us to take risks, rise up to challenge and stand fearless to any obstacle. This is good for your soul!
This near 2 mile straight up leg of the hike is exhausting- your thighs and calves will tell you so. But the mental and physical rewards of this unforgettable hikeabout are priceless.
Your hikeabout will come to its final steps as you reunite with your car at the Pantoll Campgound. This giant loop is complete and you can celebrate your accomplishment! You did it! Head into town and get yourself some dinner, some cold beers, and relive it over and over as you retell the memories of your great adventure- you've earned it!
For a map of this trail click HERE
Why Matt Davis and Steep Ravine?
Towering above San Francisco's north bay at 2,572 feet is the majestic Mount Tamalpais. What makes this mountain so incredible is not its height, but its proximity to the prepossessing Pacific ocean and surrounding bay. Located just a hop skip and a jump from the thundering shores of Stinson Beach, the rugged rainforest of Muir Woods, and the bustling big city of San Francisco, Mount Tam stands like a silent giant. Green, gorgeous, lush, lavish, wild, wet, and simply lovely; Mount Tam and the surrounding beaches are an incredible sight to see and experience. I recommend taking the twisty turning roads to the top of the mountain and then descending onto the sandy shores where you can relax and enjoy a fish taco or two, before looping back around through the dense redwood forest. This unforgettable hike includes everything quintessentially awesome about Northern California- redwoods, waterfalls, mountains, beaches, cliffs and tacos. What more could you want on a hikeabout?
Lets Get Hiking!Park at the Pantoll lot off of the Panoramic Highway in Mill Valley, located close to the summit of Mount Tampalpais. Here there is a parking lot with flush toilets, water spigots, and all the trail heads for your hike. Start on the Matt Davis Trail, which is a gradual downhill dirt path brimming with evergreens, ferns, low lying mossy branches from ancient trees. Eucalyptus and the ever-present smell of unidentifiable freshness that only can be found where the ocean meets the dense forest create a meditative and almost prayerful feeling. The air smells so clean, green, pure- almost healing. On a clear day you can see clearly the grand expanse of the Pacific below you, but on foggy days the view is limited to the thickly wooded surroundings, making a more intimate feeling among the prehistoric giant redwoods. On the warm but drizzly January day we were here, an extreme storm had just blasted the north bay leaving a lingering fog and moisture in the air. We appreciated the mysterious beauty in the sudden changes in light, mixed with the rolling and rising clouds.
While you zigzag your way down the mountain on the long and winding switchbacks you will be entertained and amazed by a plethora of water features, a carpet of diverse flora, and the effervescent smell of the approaching Pacific Ocean. The vibrant and varying shades of green of the lush rainforest dazzle you along the descent.Once you have made it the bottom, you veer right on the trail which will spit you out smack dab in the middle of the quaint seaside town of Stinson Beach. This little surfers paradise is a flashback into the classic hippy culture of San Francisco's north bay with funky shops and "take it easy" ambiance. The town offers a long and gorgeous stretch of beach, unique and delicious dining options, and an array of beautiful coastal flowers blossoming around every corner.
I highly recommend walking all the way out to the public beach, and about 200 yards south from the public restrooms is an old lifeguard tower that has been converted into a beachfront taco shack. The Siren Canteen serves an unparalleled lunch and has earned the title in my books for the Most Delicious Fish Tacos in the World! Serving an array of options such as burgers, wraps, fish and chips; their specialty is their taco. From carnitas, carne asada, to shrimp, shark, cod, and tuna- all using the freshest ingredients, a decadent array of pickled accouterment, and peppy service. At a VERY reasonable price point, I think Sirens is the best deal with the best view in town- bar none.After you've had your fill of taco deliciousness, head down to the beach to enjoy the sand and surf. Often times you can spot surfers and possibly some wildlife, as gray whales and great whites are commonly found swimming along these shores. This is a great place to digest, rest, and breathe in the fresh sea air. Your uphill ascent returning to the car is not an easy one, so ensure you are reenergized for the second leg of your journey.
This near 2 mile straight up leg of the hike is exhausting- your thighs and calves will tell you so. But the mental and physical rewards of this unforgettable hikeabout are priceless. Your hikeabout will come to its final steps as you reunite with your car at the Pantoll Campgound. This giant loop is complete and you can celebrate your accomplishment! You did it! Head into town and get yourself some dinner, some cold beers, and relive it over and over as you retell the memories of your great adventure- you've earned it!
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