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 is one of our favorite Marin County hikes, and a a real jewel in the crown of Mount Tamalpais State Park. Cutting deep into the landscape over millennia the water rushing through Webb Creek has created a spectacularly steep sided and lush canyon shaded by towering redwood trees and populated with a wide variety of local flora and fauna.

To get the most from Steep Ravine canyon we recommend hiking up from the bottom of the trail, not only for the views, but also because you'll be hiking upward under the shade of giant redwoods. Steep Ravine is incredibly popular and we recommend against an out-and-back route to avoid creating increased trail traffic. Instead, we've plotted two different looping hikes on our map, both of which start at the Pantoll trailhead and lead you to the base of the canyon from which you can climb back up.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

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

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

The Dipsea Trail route is the shortest route and provides some great coastal views on your initial descent. Matt Davis Trail also offers great ocean sights, but on a longer trail that takes in more scenery and varied terrain.

Pantoll Trailhead has the largest parking lot close to Steep Ravine, and if it's full when you arrive, there's also the option of parking at the nearby Bootjack campground. It's also possible to begin your Steep Ravine hike close to the ocean along CA Route 1, but parking at these locations are very limited.

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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