I had heard of Mount Tamalpais (or Mount Tam) in passing and decided to hike the Matt Davis – Dipsea – Steep Ravine Loop. For a first trip, why not make it one of the more popular hikes to get a sense for what Mount Tam offers?
Even though I find driving to be a chore, driving to beautiful places on windy roads brings a happy bliss. The drive to Stinson Beach was marvelous and for non-hikers, it’s worth the drive. What’s not to like about sun rays beaming through tree-covered roads, rolling hills, hairpin turns, and expansive views of the ocean and the bright sun?
I parked at Stinson Beach and made my way up the hillside to the trailhead. There are multiple starting points (with obvious signs), which all meet up with the main trail. And the view that greeted me only a couple steps in? Wow.
This trail is no easy feat, as the Matt Davis climbs right from the get-go. There are many switchbacks, several staircases and the rare flat sections. Watch out for any banana slugs! And don’t forget to take in the views of the cute and small Stinson Beach town. It’s also a fun gauge to see the change in elevation gain with each new view.
And then all of a sudden, there’s full exposure to an open hillside. This is where I realized the full extent of how popular Mount Tam is. There were cyclists, casual runners, speed runners, and casual hikers like me all meandering around this mountain. There are multiple paths and junctions on this open hillside, though most lead up the hill. Take the right fork or the lowest level path to continue along the Matt Davis trail. There is a mini path that leads to the edge of a hill, with views of San Francisco (in the very far distance – not pictured) and a more expansive view of the ocean. The sun that accompanied me in the beginning and had me sweating for much of the hike up Matt Davis was now covered by clouds. There was even a brisk, cool wind with a light drizzle from the fog, so be prepared for the changing weather!
After stepping back into the woods, more ‘public activity’ can be heard, with voices from other trails and cars passing by on Pan Toll Road and Panoramic Highway. That’s the sign that Pantoll Campground is close! At this parking lot are bathrooms, water refill stations, a wayfinding post, and a mini visitor station with rangers answering questions about the campsite or nearby hikes. Head to the southern end of the parking lot, with signs reading “Steep Ravine.” What goes up must come down! For all that elevation gain on the Matt Davis portion, the Steep Ravine heads downwards quite fast. Though, maybe not as fast because I stopped by to take pictures of the magnificent towering second-growth redwood trees. These are considered the babies!
After awhile, on this fast descent, there’s a ladder! The ladder is steep and can be slippery from the waterfall that it bypasses.
Continue heading downwards until the next junction. Take the sign for the Dipsea trail. As it’s nearing dark, I don’t have too many pictures, though the trees are a lot shorter and the trail is a bit sandy. And then, the trees disappear, with Stinson Beach in sight!
Admittedly, I sort of lose the trail because I’m walking through the streets of Stinson Beach. The trail abruptly ends at a road, and Stinson Beach is quite small, so it’s easy to find the way back to wherever the starting point was. As I arrive back at my car, I quickly walk to the beach to catch the last of this beautiful sunset.
Mount Tamalpais: Matt Davis – Steep Ravine – Dipsea Loop
Start: Stinson Beach (preferred) or Pantoll Campground (trail can be reached from other trail branches)
Duration: 3-5 hours
Difficulty: moderately strenuous – continuous elevation gain (Matt Davis) and loss (Steep Ravine), use of a ladder, length
Length: 7.3 miles loop
Danger: variable and changing weather; bring a light jacket
Length: 7.3 miles loop
Danger: variable and changing weather; bring a light jacket
Exposure: all types
Crowd factor: moderately high
(hike completed in December 2015)
Happy travels!
Cat
