Hike The Dipsea Trail, Steep Ravine, Matt Davis Loop – A Top Bay Area California Hike From A Local
By Carrie Green Zinn
Looking for a local’s choice for a top bay Area California hike? The Dipsea Trail, Steep Ravine, Matt Davis Loop is one of my absolute favorites!
As a Bay Area resident and huge lover of hikes, I could hike every day in this region for a year and never do the same hike twice!
But, I have to clue you in to the Dipsea Trail becasue it’s one of the really outstanding hikes for so many reasons.
This hike has climb, redwoods, water, views, and magic, and solitude, and views! Did I mention the views?
The Dipsea trails on Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County, north of San Francisco, are among the most spectacular in all of Northern California.
Hike this combo trail called the Dipsea Trail, Steep Ravine, Matt Davis Loop for the best that the Bay Area has to offer!
The Dipsea Trail, Steep Ravine,
Matt Davis Loop Details
1. Dipsea Trail- Start the hike on the Dipsea Trail through a lovely canyon and into the expanse with gorgeous ocean views.
2. Steep Ravine Trail- A dirt road intersects, but continue straight up the hill onto Steep Ravine Trail.
3. Webb Creek- You’ll be hiking alongside Webb Creek through a very lush redwood forest. You’ll see waterfalls, climb hundreds of stairs, and cross many wooden bridges.
4. Wooden Ladder- When you get to the famous wooden ladder, you are about halfway to the Pantoll Ranger Station and campground.
5. Pantoll Ranger Station and campground- At the Pantoll Ranger Station, take a restroom break because they are actual toilets, not port-a-potty! Cross the Panoramic Highway and turn left up the hill. You’ll see the Mt.Tamalpais State Park sign.
6. Matt Davis Trail – find the Matt Davis Trail sign on your left.
Stinson Beach- The trail will descend through open fields, more forests and waterfalls, and eventually deposit you at the Stinson Beach Community Center on the corner of the Fire Station.
7. Turn left, pass the fire station, and look for the Dipsea Trail sign on your left and walk the short distance back to your car.
8. You did it! Another top Bay Area California hike adventure!
Is The Dipsea Trail, Steep Ravine, Matt Davis Loop hike worth it?
I love the Dipsea Trail, Steep Ravine, Matt Davis Loop hike because you get the best of everything – ancient redwood forest, creeks, waterfalls, canyons, grasslands, wooden bridges, and views, views, views.
Begin your day at the Pacific Ocean and loop into a magical forest, only to emerge to breathtaking hillsides that roll back down to the beach.
This is a top Bay Area California hike because it combines some moderate to heavy climbing with relaxed and easy trails.
The trails are meticulously groomed, safe, and well marked.
Whether visiting from afar, or living locally, put this hike on your list as a regular go-to. It’s just less than an hour from San Francisco and a little over an hour from Alameda in the East Bay.
Where should I park for the
Dipsea Trail?
Tell your GPS to bring you to the Dipsea Trailhead on Panoramic Highway.
At the intersection of Panoramic Highway and Highway 1 is a parking area on the side of the road.
Get to the parking lot no later than 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM on the weekend if you want to be guaranteed a spot.
There is space for approximately 15 cars to park perpendicular.
If that area is full, then turn right onto Highway 1 and at Belvedere Avenue, by the Stinson Beach Fire Station, you will see some more parking.
The trailhead is the one behind you, (not the one in front of you as you park).
Cross the Panoramic Highway to find the sign that says “Dipsea Trail Steep Ravine Trail 1.2 mile”
When is the best time to hike the
Dipsea Trail?
The Bay Area and its micro climates are, at best, unpredictable.
The Stinson Beach and Mt. Tam area can get pretty windy at times and super sunny at others, so just wear layers!
I recommend the winter and spring months for this top Bay Area California hike if you want to see more water flowing and spring for wildflower season. There might be some mud, some wear the right boots!
The summer and fall months are likely to be more busy and, depending on our drought status, you may not see as much water in the falls.
Dipsea Trail Tips
→ There is a toilet facility in the Pantoll parking and camping area which is about 3 miles into the hike.
→ Take a photo of the trail map in case you lose wifi.
→ Bring plenty of water and snacks.
→ Wear hiking boots or sneakers with some tread. Be prepared for some mud.
→ Wear layers.
→ Don’t forget the sunscreen!
→ Dogs are not allowed.
→ Some of the trails are narrow, so be mindful of Covid precautions as people pass.
Please be respectful and follow all the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace!© Plan Ahead and Prepare, Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces, Dispose of Waste Properly, Leave What You Find, Minimize Campfire Impacts, Respect Wildlife, Be Considerate of Other Visitors. And no drones please!
How long is the Dipsea Trail, Steep Ravine, Matt Davis Loop?
The Dipsea trail to Steep Ravine trail to Matt Davis trail loop is a 7.5 mile hike.
It takes approximately 4 hours to hike.
I suggest you go counter clockwise. This direction will take you climbing through the forest, alongside the Webb Creek and its waterfalls, and then descending back to Stinson Beach.
You want those views on your descent!
How difficult is the Dispsea Trail, Steep Ravine, Matt Davis Loop?
The hike is billed as Moderate level, which I agree with.
However, if you’re not in strong shape, you may find the duration of the climb challenging.
Just take your time and you’ll be fine.
The Famous Dipsea Trail Run Fun Facts:
- The Dipsea Trail Run is the oldest trail race in America, started in 1905.
- The trail is 7.4 miles of stairs and steep trails making it one of the most beautiful and treacherous races in the world.
- The race is limited to 1500 runners.
- It’s always the second Sunday in June but was cancelled in 2020 and postponed in 2021 due to the pandemic.
Some of my other favorite Bay Area Hikes that you might enjoy:
Head to the Dipsea Trail, Steep Ravinve, Matt Davis Loop – A Top Bay Area California Hike
In a nutshell…
There are so many top Bay Area California hikes to choose from but this one should be at the top of your list.
You’ll experience so much of what makes Northern California the beautiful place that it is. All in one hike, you see the Redwood forest, the waterfalls that keep it lush, and then are rewarded for your climbs with spectacular views of the whole Bay Area.
Put your boots on, and head out. Use this guide to keep you on the trail.
Let me know how it goes!
Carrie
Carrie Green Zinn is the owner and author of Carrie Green Zinn – A Travel Blog, which helps travelers become inspired to explore and step out of their comfort zones. Carrie focuses on family vacations, empty nest travel, and girlfriend getaways. Her work is informed by her life as a former dancer, therapist, and school psychologist. She brings her passion for writing, photography, and making the world a smaller place to her ever growing blogging audience.
