Trailspotting California, New England, New Hampshire and More

Steep Ravine, Mt Tamalpais CA

• 5-star hike
• 4 to 6 mile loop
• Moderate | Gain 970 to 1,670 feet
• Stinson Beach, CA | San Francisco Region
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The image shows a group of people hiking in a forested area. They are climbing a wooden ladder positioned next to a small waterfall and stream. The surrounding area is lush with greenery, including moss-covered rocks and ferns.

The image shows a group of people hiking in a forested area. They are climbing a wooden ladder positioned next to a small waterfall and stream. The surrounding area is lush with greenery, including moss-covered rocks and ferns.

Climbing the ladder on the Steep Ravine Trail.

Steep Ravine stands as a premier hiking destination in Marin County and represents one of Mount Tamalpais State Park's most treasured natural features. Over countless centuries, Webb Creek has carved a dramatically steep canyon characterized by lush vegetation and sheltered by magnificent redwood trees. This microclimate supports diverse native plant communities and wildlife within a relatively compact area.

The most rewarding approach to Steep Ravine involves ascending from the canyon floor, allowing hikers to experience the gradual transition through various ecological zones while enjoying the cooling shade of ancient redwoods. Due to high visitor numbers, loop routes are strongly recommended over out-and-back trails to minimize congestion and environmental impact.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 5★ Dipsea to Steep Ravine 3.7 mi loop, moderate, gain 970 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 5★ Matt Davis to Steep Ravine 6.1 mi loop, moderate, gain 1,670 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

$ CA State Park fee

The Pantoll trailhead serves as the optimal starting point for two distinct loop options. The first utilizes the Dipsea Trail for initial descent, offering spectacular Pacific Ocean panoramas before connecting to Steep Ravine. The second option follows Matt Davis Trail, which provides a more extensive journey through varied ecosystems and terrain while still delivering breathtaking coastal vistas.

Pantoll provides the most substantial parking facilities in proximity to these trails. When full, nearby Bootjack campground offers alternative parking. While access points exist along California Route 1 near sea level, these locations offer extremely limited parking availability.

The Matt Davis Trail and Steep Ravine loop combination rewards hikers with extraordinary biodiversity, traversing coastal scrub, mixed evergreen forest, and redwood groves. Spring visitors encounter vibrant wildflower displays, while winter hikers may witness seasonal waterfalls along Webb Creek. The trail includes wooden bridges, stone steps, and even a ladder section that adds character to the journey. Throughout the year, the route provides opportunities to observe native wildlife including woodpeckers, banana slugs, and occasionally black-tailed deer.

The image shows a scenic hiking trail winding through a grassy hillside with a person walking along the path. The trail is surrounded by lush green trees and vegetation, with a backdrop of distant mountains and a clear blue sky.

The image shows a scenic hiking trail winding through a grassy hillside with a person walking along the path. The trail is surrounded by lush green trees and vegetation, with a backdrop of distant mountains and a clear blue sky.

Hiking along Matt Davis Trail with Pacific Ocean views.

The image shows a forest trail with wooden steps leading up a hillside. The path is surrounded by lush green vegetation, including ferns and other plants. The trail appears to be well-trodden, indicating it is likely used frequently by hikers or nature enthusiasts.

The image shows a forest trail with wooden steps leading up a hillside. The path is surrounded by lush green vegetation, including ferns and other plants. The trail appears to be well-trodden, indicating it is likely used frequently by hikers or nature enthusiasts.

Steep switchback on the Matt Davis Trail.

The image shows a scenic landscape with a group of people hiking along a dirt trail that winds through grassy hills. In the background, there is a view of the ocean with waves gently crashing onto a sandy beach. Beyond the beach, there are more hills and a small settlement or town visible. The sky is clear, suggesting a pleasant day for outdoor activities.

The image shows a scenic landscape with a group of people hiking along a dirt trail that winds through grassy hills. In the background, there is a view of the ocean with waves gently crashing onto a sandy beach. Beyond the beach, there are more hills and a small settlement or town visible. The sky is clear, suggesting a pleasant day for outdoor activities.

Dipsea Trail hikers, close to Stinson Beach.

Tangents:
• Official: CA State Parks
• AllTrails Public: Dipsea, Matt Davis
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

Trailspotting Nearby
4★ Coast View Loop (8 mi) · 4★ East Peak Mt Tamalpais (1 mi) · 4★ Mount Barnabe (5 mi) · Show Map

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