3. Coast and Steep Ravine Trails on Mt. TamalpaisDistance: 7.0 milesShaded: 60% Elevation Change: 1600' Hiking: 10 Difficulty: 8 Steep in places. When to Go: Good anytime, best in winter and spring.Parking fee. This strenuous, but spectacular hike, starts out on coastal hills at Pantoll, then descends to Stinson Beach and returns along scenic Steep Ravine. For the latest trail information, call the Pantoll Ranger Station 415-388-2070. |
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This map looks best on a high-resolution monitor displaying 256 shades of grey. The map and hike description are excerpts from the book, Hiking Marin, 141 Great Hikes in Marin County, ©2006 by Don and Kay Martin. |
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This hike starts at Pantoll in Mt. Tamalpais State Park. Getting there from Hwy 101: Near Sausalito, W on Hwy 1 for 3.3 miles, R on Panoramic Hwy for 4.9 miles to the Pantoll parking area. Parking fee. 0.0 From the Pantoll parking lot, cross Panoramic Hwy and take the paved Pantoll Rd. 200' uphill to the signed Matt Davis trail heading west towards Stinson Beach. 0.4 Webb Creek. Mosses, chain ferns, bays and Douglas fir provide a woodsy setting next to bedrock carved by Webb Creek. 1.2 Open hillsides. Great views to Stinson Beach and Bolinas Mesa. Look for checkerbloom and lupine among the spring wildflowers. 1.6 Junction #1. Take the signed Matt Davis trail left towards Stinson Beach. The trail makes a gradual descent until it enters a Douglas fir forest where it drops more quickly. Lots of stairs. 3.5 Table Rock. At a fencepost under buckeye trees, take a spur trail 10' to the right to Table Rock. Great views of Stinson Beach. 3.9 Junction #2. Go left across the creek and bridge. Up ahead, bear to the right at the Y-junction. 4.0 Paved street. The trail emerges on Belvedere Street. Continue west towards Shoreline Hwy (HWY 1). At the road, go right 200 yds., then left on Calle del Mar past the Parkside Cafe to the beach entrance. 4.3 Stinson Beach. The park has complete amenities: grass, trees and shade, beach, swimming, water, food and restrooms. It offers a great place for resting and picnicking, although it may be crowded on summer weekends. After enjoying the beach, retrace your steps to the Parkside Cafe, go right on Arenal to Shoreline Hwy. 4.6 Shoreline Hwy. Head south for 300 yds. along the highway to a short spur trail that goes up to Panoramic Hwy. There, take the famed Dipsea trail towards Steep Ravine and Pantoll. 5.0 Open hillsides. Take the most prominent trail across the "moors" up towards the steps and fire road. Continue across the fire road. 5.6 Bridge and junction #3. Take the signed Steep Ravine trail left. This is a magnificent area offering an inspiring setting of redwoods, ferns, mosses, creeks and waterfalls. 7.0 Back at the Pantoll parking area with water and restrooms. Disclaimer: The information provided on this web site is only a general guide. We do not accept liability or legal responsibility for trail conditions, trail information, errors or omissions. Options Top 7 Hikes in Marin County Marin Trails Home Page |