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 Reporter |
Summary: The hike begins along the Dipsea Trail at Stinson Beach. It climbs gradually with many ocean views until you reach its' junction with the Steep Ravine Trail. From here it climbs 1000 ft. to Pantoll ranger station in 1.5 miles. It may seem difficult and steep, but we did not find it too bad. There are two significant waterfalls along Webb Creek in Steep Ravine. The upper one is interesting because you have to climb up the waterfall via a 10 ft. high ladder. These waterfalls are best seen in the winter or early spring months, after there has been a lot of rain. Once at Pantoll, cross the highway and head back down to Stinson Beach via the Matt Davis trail. You will find more great ocean views on this trail. Many people like to do this hike in the reverse direction, going up Matt Davis trail and down Steep Ravine. But the Matt Davis trail is longer (4 miles) and it is all up hill if you go this way. We think it is easier to go up Steep Ravine. Trailhead: Take Hwy 101 to the Hwy 1 Mill Valley / Stinson Beach exit. Follow Hwy 1 for 12 miles to the Panoramic Hwy just before Stinson Beach. Turn right onto Panoramic Hwy and park at the Dipsea trailhead parking area on the left side of the road. (Lat:37.89611 Lon:-122.63671) Trail Guides for Dipsea - Steep Ravine - Matt Davis loop: 101 Great Hikes of the San Francisco Bay Area by Ann Marie Brown (Foghorn Outdoors) Best Seasons: Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Mt. Tamalpais State Park, (415) 388-2070 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Leon Turnbull, who has posted 17 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Tim on 6/14/2009 This trail is great! It has views of the ocean, a small pond, interesting ledges to walk on, a ladder in the ravine, ferns, lots of bridges, large redwood trees, interesting fields, and more! Don't forget to pack a lunch or bring a snack. If you leave in the morning you will be hungry once you hit the Pantoll Ranger station. They don't have any food or bottled water. There is a bubbler though. This hike is good almost any time during the day since it has protection from the sun (due to the tree and bush canopy). Don't bring your dog. He won't make it down the steep ladder and there is no way around it.
Reviewed by H.E on 12/22/2008 I absolutely loved it:)
Reviewed by Sally on 8/23/2008 This is absolutely a great hike - and the first time I've ever finished a long hike without feeling exhausted! Try extending the hike by following Dipsea to Muir Woods, and then taking the Bootjack Trail back up to Pantoll (11 miles roundtrip).
Reviewed by Sarah on 8/23/2008 This hike was awesome. I did it on my own on a Friday and I pretty much had it to myself. I did this hike going in the opposite direction (that is what the ranger recommended) and it was wonderful to end with the Steep Ravine trail!!! 
Reviewed by angelica on 8/2/2008 great hike, especially for families
Reviewed by Douglas on 5/20/2008 I lived in Stinson Beach for 50+ years and have hiked all the local trails. I grew up on the Steep Ravine Trail. I ran The Dipsea Race which joins the Steep Ravine Trail as a teenager and as an adult. We camped at the White Gate Ranch Junction when we were kids for the opening day of trout season. The Matt Davis trail from Pan Toll down to Stinson Beach is my favorite. It is a great hike for seniors in good shape. The views North, South and West are truly spectacular. Douglas C.(Butch)Smith
Reviewed by Pey on 12/31/2007 Breath Taking, One of the best hikes ever! The scenery change is amazing, your surrounded by lush trees and water falls and end up over looking the Pacific Ocean.
Reviewed by Karen H. on 7/24/2007 I think this is a great hike to take during the summer months. We hiked this on 7/21/07 and it was a beautiful, clear, 75 degree day. Of course, you never know what the fog is going to do, but sometimes you luck out and the fog lifts by 12:00 noon. I love the contrast between the moist, mossy, green, ancient wooded trails, with the sunny, dry golden grassy hills that you come out on after the Steep Ravine trail. The views are to die for!! The heat is tolerable on the first & last part of the trail. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Marin County Hiking, Marin County Trails, Marin County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||