Matt Davis Trail to Steep Ravine Trail loop — Stinson Beach

The most common starting point for this loop is in Stinson Beach. You can find parking along Panoramic Highway or in the small parking lot near the Stinson Beach trailhead. Alternatively, you can start from the Pantoll Ranger Station, which has a larger parking area, though it requires a fee.

No, dogs are generally not allowed on the Matt Davis Trail or the Steep Ravine Trail, as these trails are within Mount Tamalpais State Park where pets are restricted to paved roads and campgrounds. Please check the latest park regulations before planning your visit with a dog.

While enjoyable year-round, the first few weeks of spring are ideal for experiencing dramatic waterfalls and abundant wildflowers. However, the trail can get crowded during tourist season, especially on weekends. Clear days offer the best panoramic ocean views, particularly on the Matt Davis Trail section.

There is no entrance fee to access Mount Tamalpais State Park itself, but there may be parking fees at certain lots, such as the Pantoll Ranger Station. Always check for current fees and regulations before your visit.

Many hikers prefer to start in Stinson Beach. This approach allows for a steady climb at the beginning on the Steep Ravine Trail and a more gradual downhill return on the Matt Davis Trail, often ending with the option of an oceanside meal in Stinson Beach.

This loop offers incredibly diverse scenery. You'll traverse lush redwood and Douglas fir forests, oak woodlands, and open grasslands. The Steep Ravine Trail section is known for its serene redwood canyon along Webb Creek, featuring multiple wooden bridges and even a 10-foot ladder. The Matt Davis Trail emerges onto open grasslands, providing spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, Stinson Beach, and beyond.

Key highlights include the magical redwood canyon of the Steep Ravine Trail with its ladder and waterfalls, and the panoramic ocean views from the Matt Davis Trail. You'll also pass by Bare Knoll and enjoy a View of Stinson Beach from the Dipsea Trail.

This hike typically takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views. The total duration is approximately 3 hours and 26 minutes of moving time.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Matt Davis Trail, the Dipsea Trail, and the Steep Ravine Trail. It also briefly intersects with the Bay Area Ridge Trail - 01 - North Bay and the ADT - California - T - Seg 9.

This loop is generally considered to be of moderate difficulty. It involves significant elevation changes, with climbs around 473 meters (1,550 feet) and descents of a similar magnitude. The ascent on the Steep Ravine Trail can be steep, and the descent on the Matt Davis Trail includes steps and can be jarring on the knees. While not for absolute beginners, hikers with some experience and good fitness should find it manageable.

Yes, if you start from Stinson Beach, you'll find restrooms and water available in the town. If you opt to start from the Pantoll Ranger Station, facilities are also available there. It's always recommended to carry enough water for your hike, especially on warmer days.