Stinson Beach, CA: Northern California Chapter, Dipsea/Steep Ravine/Matt Davis Hike

Several years ago the SF Chronicle outdoor writer labelled this “the best hike in the Bay Area.” All Trails gives it 4.8 stars out of 5.

And it’s awesome! It features stunning views across the Pacific, a gorgeous climb along a rushing stream and through the redwoods, and a serene descent among firs and laurels. Plus a ladder!

We start at Stinson Beach, climb up along the famed Dipsea Trail with views behind us, then plunge into the forest and the Steep Ravine. While it’s indeed steep, it’s so ravishing, you’ll barely notice it. We’ll have a mellow lunch at the Pantoll picnic area and head back to our starting point along the Matt Davis trail, again through the deep woods but now with the ocean in front of us.

Schedule: Meet up at 9:30 AM for sign-in and briefing in the playground in front of the Parkside Snack Bar (See Getting There below.) Figure roughly 4.5 hours of walking, plus our lunch break, so we should be back by 3:30 PM.

Level of Difficulty: This is a reasonably strenuous hike. While it is not long – only a little over 7 miles – it climbs some 1,700 feet, mostly in the first three miles, and then descends equally steeply after our lunch break. The trail is often rocky and rugged, with lots of stairs and even a ladder. We’ll take it slowly, but be prepared for a challenge. If you haven’t started training yet or just getting started, we strongly recommend first joining one of our monthly Lake Merritt walks and/or getting more hiking experience on your own.

Advance online registration is required. Click the Register button to sign up. Because space is limited, please register if/when you are certain you can attend. Thank you!

Cancellation: If you are unable to attend, please email us as soon as possible at norcal@americanpilgrims.org so we can update our list.

Getting There

Head to downtown Stinson Beach. From SF and points south, take 101 north across the Golden Gate Bridge, and exit onto CA Route 1. From the East Bay take the Richmond Bridge, exit onto Sir Frances Drake Blvd, then follow it to 101 south. Exit onto CA Route 1. From points north, simply follow 101 south until the Route 1 exit. Once on Route 1, keep on trucking until you hit downtown Stinson Beach. You’ll see the entrance to the Stinson Beach parking on your left just after you pass the main strip of stores. Park in the Central parking lot. From the parking lot you’ll see the back of the Parkside Snack Bar. Go around to the front and we’ll meet up on the lawn in the playground there. Here’s the Google Map for the parking lot.

Carpooling: On the registration form is a link to an online “Carpool Bulletin Board” to post a message if you need a ride or can give one.

Toilets and Water: Available both in the parking lot and at our lunch stop.

What to Bring: A bag lunch, snacks, water and rain gear, if weather calls for it. The trail is rugged and steep, so hiking poles would be useful.

Leader: Andy Cohn and Rich Hubble. We’ll go unless the weather is truly awful, but if you’re in doubt, call Andy Saturday morning at 510-418-4728.

The Ruff Stuff: For insurance purposes, we are unable to welcome dogs, except service animals, at our events.