I haven't gone on a hike in maybe 7 years or so nor am I a fitness buff, but I sure as hell kicked ass on this hike! Instead of starting on the Matt Davis end first, my group and I started off with the Dipsea trail which led us to the Steep Ravine and then the Matt Davis trail. We started around 1pm and finished at 5:30 or so. The Steep Ravine part of the hike was my absolute favorite! Something about being in the forest with the tall, lush redwoods takes you away to a different world. The trail has a lot of shade so it's very cool, thank goodness! There are parts that are very rocky and there is also a 10 ft. ladder, and a lot of incline or decline depending on where you start off. The Matt Davis part was sunnier and the scenery is different from that of the Steep Ravine. Since we started off at the Dipsea trail by the time we got to the Matt Davis trail we were in a more weed-like area than the forest. As we started descending it led us into the forest, then out of the forest, back in the forest, and this repeated for a few more loops until we were completely immersed in the forest/woodland. The Matt Davis is a lot easier than the Steep Ravine since the trail isn't as steep and the pathways are more carved out. Watch out for a sign that says "Table Rock" near the mid-part of the trail because it leads you to a rock that overlooks Stinson Beach! Definitely wear sunblock and bring: bug repellent, water or gatorade, and a light meal! There were benches near the Pantoll Ranger Station- the mid-section between the Matt Davis trail and Steep Ravine- so we had somewhere to sit for lunch. Wear good running/hiking shoes! Also there are parts that are very muddy, so be prepare to get dirty. We saw a warning sign for mountain lions and rattlesnakes, but thankfully we didn't run into any. read more

We did this hike today, and found it very challenging. I'm a moderately active hiker that has hiked mt tam many times, Steep ravine dipsea loop, cataract, and a number of other loops but we had more te today and thought we would try this. Despite being pretty fit, it took us 5.5 hours to complete. There are a lot of stairs, and unfortunately I injured my knee on the trail heading down steep ravine, and ended up limping all the way back, abt 3 miles. I definitely recommend starting at Stinson beach and taking the Matt Davis trail up and the steep ravine/dipsea back down. Don't think I'd have made it up all those stairs had I hiked down first ;) probably won't be doing this hike again soon, I like to take my time and hike about 5 miles at a time, so this was a challenge, although a welcome one ;) read more

Just do it. It'll take 3-4 hours (depending if you stop for a lunch break) and you'll go through various landscapes in the short amount of time. Don't veer off the trail because there's poison oak. Start early so you don't need to deal with the traffic from Stinson Beach. We started the trail at 9a and had no trouble with traffic or finding parking. The trail head begins just past the Stinson Beach Fire Station and the church/community center. I was nervous that the trailhead would be poorly marked, but it's super easy to find on Belvedere Ave. The half way point of the hike is Pantoll Station, where my friend and I stopped for lunch. The second half of the hike is my favorite - downhill and redwoods - you seriously can't go wrong. read more

im thinking 4.5 stars. This was a pretty cute and enjoyable trail. Not as many stairs and only slightly steep. I would say its only moderately strenuous. Around 7 mile from trail head to Stinson beach then back, taking only around 3 hours. There's a parking lot at the trail head that you need to pay $8 per car. There is 8 parking spaces outside of the paid parking lot but its usually full. This trail runs along a creek and mostly in the shade. Lots of greenery. Mostly down hill going to the beach. There is an interesting ladder on the way you have to climb.This trail does not end exactly on Stinson beach. When the trail ends at Stinson, there are some shops and restaurants you can grab a bite from and look for signs that says beach to find the Stinson beach. If starting from the trail head from the ranger station, Stinson beach is a nice half way point and milestone to look forward to. If you start the trail from Stinson side, it would be easier to find free parking and have an easier time hiking back to your car. But there's really nothing to look at, at the top of the trail. read more

If you decide to hike this loop, I suggest going from the Matt Davis trailhead at Stinson Beach and hiking clockwise. The transitions through the scenery and the series of vistas you'll be presented with are fabulous, and I would imagine better than hiking the trail counter-clockwise. Instead of hiking with your back to the ocean, you'll be hiking towards the beach on the final leg of the trail... the view is just gorgeous. Some sections of the trail are a tiny bit steep, but nothing too strenuous. Beware of muddy/slippery patches. The entire loop is about 8miles, and I would say is of easy/moderate difficulty level. Enjoy the serenity of hiking through redwoods and across grassy hills. There are several areas you can park. If you decide to start at the Stinson Beach trailhead, look for free parking along Arenal Ave. read more

This is a great hike! The views and varied landscapes make it exciting and interesting. Some tips are to definitely bring layers. The climate changes quickly depending on where on the trail you are. It's a little confusing finding the trail head. Take a right at Belvedere and go past the fire house. There is another trail sign right before Belvedere that has Matt Davis posted on the list along with others. It has steps right next to it. While you could start there, as the hike is a loop, I say that starting at the other trailhead on Belvedere makes for a better hike. Also, at the first trail marker after you've started, take a right (sign says Matt Davis to Coastal Sea Trail) The beginning of the hike is pretty strenuous, so make sure you have water and snacks! Enjoy! read more

Freakin amazing. Definitely do as suggested - start at Stinson, follow the Matt Davis Trail to Steep Ravine, and finish on Dipsea. That way you can end again near the beach and have less uphill when you've already busted your butt on a 7-mile hike. The scenery is ridiculous. This is one of the few places I've been to that makes me forget about everything else. It almost tricked me into thinking the Bay Area suddenly had seasons since you go from a lush, slightly chilly forest to a crazy hot grassland hill (don't chicken out like I almost did - the trail actually does NOT take you up the freakishly large hill), back into the forest for some beautiful waterfalls and redwoods, and finally to the almost desert-like beach. As a person who gets bored fairly easily of the same scenery, I can say that this was for sure one of the most interesting hikes I've been on. read more

I would say that this is THE hike in the Bay Area, I kid you not! Would much rather recommend this hike over Alamere Falls, and it is way less crowded from my experience. You get different types of terrain (incline/straight away, redwoods, rolling hills, open fields, streams) and since it is a loop, you don't see the same thing twice, which makes for a better experience. -Stock up on supplies at the Stinson Beach Market before you head out. -Bring a lot of water, but about halfway through the loop, you pass the Ranger Station where you can fill up at the water fountain/use restrooms -You may lose reception so if you're following the guide online, make sure you screenshot the directions. -Stinson Beach is a block away from the entrance to the trail. I would save this for the end of your hike to lay in the sand, relax and take in the ocean. There are also sweet little restaurants with lots of outdoor seating you can grab a drink at. read more

This 6.8 mile loop is now one of my favorite hikes! I went early morning so weather was nice and crisp with the sun peeking through the trees. Gorgeous views of the beach as well as the green and luscious forest! I don't think I pictures do it justice. I wouldn't say this hike is very strenuous, but it can take a while depending on how many rest, snack, and picture breaks you take. Bring lots of water! read more

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At over 7 miles and 1600 feet elevation change, the Matt Davis-Steep Ravine Loop sounds like a relatively strenuous hike. In reality it is very manageable. All the trails are kept in good repair and even the steepest climb isn't particularly difficult. We started with the Matt Davis leg of the loop which is the steep climb first. After clearing the treeline near the top, we were tempted to take a shortcut straight up the hill. Just be aware that the first trail you come upon when taking this detour is the Coastal Trail. To keep on the loop turn right even though it may seem like you are descending. A few miles on, the ranger station is a great resting point and allows you to regain your bearings. Park at the Stinson beach parking lot and save yourself the trouble of trying to find spots along the tight roads. It only adds half a mile both ways and a stop at the beach is always welcomed. read more

Grueling hike with a gorgeous view. This is a must if you are in the Bay Area. Reminds you why you pay so much to live there!

My new favorite Bay Area hike! The perfect 7 mile hike to shake off the stress of the work week and re-connect with nature. Highlights: massive redwoods, streams, mini-waterfalls galore and a beautiful views from the top of the ocean. TIPS: - Timing - it took us 2 hrs 45 minutes to do Matt Davis + Steep Ravine including a 15 minute break for lunch. If you're not too athletic or want to soak in the scenery plan for it to take longer. - Bring water! This is fairly strenuous hike (when going up hill). Bring at least one big bottle per person. At the top of Steep Ravine there's a drinking fountain & bathrooms if you need more water or drank too much :) - Bring layers - there are a few microclimates along the hike. Temps range from warm/sunny, windy and cool/damp. - If your knees bother you going down steep hills (like mine do) start by climbing up the Steep Ravine trail and then go down Matt Davis trail. We went did reverse (up Matt Davis, down Steep Ravine). I found the decline to be too much for my knees going down Steep Ravine. - No dogs allowed on trails - Good for older kids read more

Hands down the best hike I've been on in a LONG time. Have you seen the scenery in Avatar? 'Nuff said! Hike it! You won't regret it. read more

We did this trail starting with Dipsea/Steep Ravine. Was a beautiful hike from start to finish and highly recommended. Steep Ravine is not as bad as some describe, but it definitely got the blood pumping. Unfortunately, the Matt Davis trail is closed from Jan 3 - 31, 2011. We parked down by the entrance of Matt Davis (Stinson Beach Fire House), so we were turned around right at the end of our hike. We had to walk all the way back up Matt Davis to the Pantoll Ranger station. Luckily we were offered a ride back to our car by an extremely generous couple. They were our heroes! All in all, the day was great. The hike is amazing. The scenery is constantly changing so it helps you "zone" out and just enjoy nature. Next time we come here we will definitely check for trail closures. Also, since there is a shuttle from the Pantol Station down to Stinson Beach (and vice versa), remember to bring cash just in case. You NEVER know when you might need it. :) read more

I don't know the difference between this review or the one named Steep Ravine. So I just copy and pasted my review from the other one here as well.. same place. Um wow! Absolutely beautiful. Came here over the weekend with my trainer and his 6 week new you challenge group and his crazy ass wants to speed through. haha I enjoy staring and taking photos of nature's beauty. So I was totally in the back of the line and looking like a straight Asian taking hella photos.. Then would have to run to catch up! hahah Such a beautiful hike.. Everywhere I looked there was something to look at.... mini streams, waterfalls, stone steps, wood steps (which are slippery so BE CAREFUL with your footing), twisted steps... tons of trails to lightly jog if you like......walls and steps covered in moss and fern peaking out every little corner. Fallen Tree stumps everywhere where you have to maneuver under... tons of brides to cross. Up and up and up you go....literally felt like fairy land. I absolutely loved this one. I think the total hike is around 9 miles? It ends up to Stinson beach. Where you can lounge around. There's a cute little town where you walk through before you hit the beach. Buy food and chill or buy food and go sit on the beach. Instead of going back to the trail. (which I may do that next time I go) we walked to our car which was a little over a mile away and near the two lane highway... slightly scary walking near all that lol. BUT also very pretty to see the coast. All in all, great hike. difficulty? I say a 2-3 out of 5. But then again I have what's called Asthmatic Bronchitis .....so I kind of wheeze while I walk up lol. YES I had my inhaler .... so those who think they can't make it... you can... just go slow and listen to your body......... I will definitely come back again! read more

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Best hike in the Bay Area in my opinion. Head down the Matt Davis, grab lunch at the beach and then work it off going up the Steep Ravine. Perfect day! read more

This is probably my favorite hike around the Bay Area. It's got great views, the scenery changes through out the loop. You'll go through the shaded side of the hill beneath the trees, to a section of a golden hill, walk by small waterfalls, and through the redwoods and ferns. If you go on a pretty steady and easy pace, with a good amount of stops, it'll take you about 4 to 5 hours. I used http://bahiker.com/northbayhikes/stinson.html as a guide for this hike. read more

Great hike near Stinson Beach. Should be in adequate shape. We headed up Matt Davis Trail, which goes up quite a bit in elevation. Morning fog lifts quickly and it gets pretty warm, especially when at the top of the hills where you no longer have shady tree cover. After 3 miles, we hit the halfway mark where we sat down for sandwiches and a bit. A break. Then we returned via the Steep Ravine trail, which is a beautiful trail and my favorite part (it helped that it was mostly downhill). Look out for amazing views of Stinson Beach. At the end we looped over to Dipsea Trail to complete the loop back to the beginning of Mart Davis trail behind the fire station. And we had some well deserved relaxation after the 6.5-7 mile trek by walking to the nearby beach to soak up some sun and sooth our feet in the sand. Great Bay Area experience. read more

7 mile hike. Takes about 3 hours to leisurely walk up the Matt David trail and down the Steep Ravine trail while taking lots of photos. Not much to see besides beautiful forget-me-nots on the Matt Davis trail until you get near the top where the grassy hills unravel before your eyes and you feel a rush of happiness fill you. The ranger station near the too has bathrooms and water refills and you can take a short break if needed. Steep Ravine trail was very peaceful and you can just relax while hearing the water flowing through the small creek right besides the path. Quite a few stone steps here compared to none on Matt Davis. Both trails are mostly in the shade with maybe 20% of it out in the open. Like a few other reviews say, park at Stinson Beach then walk to either trailhead. read more

Love this hike, learned about it from woodcut print artist Tom Killion http://www.tomkillion.com/. Hiked on April 10, 2010. One of the best in the Mt Tamalpais area, or any where in California, imho. Wide varieties of terrains, lush plants, plenty of wild flowers during spring time, rolling hills, great view of the coast ... started on Dipsea, then Steep Ravine and Matt Davis, took us about 5 hrs with leisure time for lunch and taking plenty of pictures, more here http://www.flickr.com/photos/hlclicks/sets/72157623893192182/ read more

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Fantastic hike! You park at Stinson beach and then walk up to the fire station and walk up that block and there is a little draw bridge where the trail starts. Lots of stairs and little bridges and streams and beautiful greenery and flowers on the path. Great look put points too! 6.5-6.8 miles. read more

I knocked out this hike this afternoon. All I can say is that it was awesome. I started at the parking lot of Stinson Beach and then made my out to the trail. The views were nothing short of amazing. I loved hiking up the ravine while being surrounded by massive redwoods, bubbling brooks, and occasional waterfalls. A must do if your looking to get out and smell the fresh air and take in the sights. read more

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OMG. Tied with Angel Island for best Bay Area hike, period. Nice 7+ mile loop, with every conceivable type of terrain and views. Fog? Check. Ferns and lush wooded trails? Check. Ocean view from a million miles up? Check. Grassy hillside? Check. Beach views? Check. Pretty creek? Check. Waterfalls? Check. Took under four hours. Parking is very limited at the trailhead, BUT, there's a street nearby that looked doable. What's an extra ren minutes of walking if you're doing 3.5+ hours? read more

What an amazing hike. Matt Davis is one of the most scenic trails I've ever hiked. The view of Stinson is breathtaking. Overall, I'd say this is a pretty tough hike (I'm in moderate shape), and it's definitely long so pack accordingly. read more

Absolutely my favorite hike in the San Francisco area. I love that most of the hike is in a shaded, cool tree-filled hike along a stream- so pretty! I usually start at the end of the trail and hike upwards; don't know if its better or not, maybe next time I'll try the right way. read more

we started off at stinson beach parking lot. there are signs at the edge of the lot that leads to the trails. this hike was pretty moderate. it had its challenges...STAIRS! oh those stairs.. it has a ladder too. the ladder looks pretty darn new. we were on a time cram, so i was only able to hike 4 miles roundtrip worth. will def have to come back to finish this hike. lovely view by the way! read more

This is an excellent trail to do on a weekend before lunchtime. There are some spots where you can feel your heart get going but its very do able. Its a loop so you dont see the same thing twice and you get beautiful views. There are public restrooms by one of the parking lots. After hike you can grab lunch on the main road. read more

At the top of Matt Davis you can see clouds and Stinson Beach below you! No shade until you get to Steep Ravine Loop.

This has to be one of the nicest trails I've ever hiked on. You get a little bit of everything from the trail and that's what I love about it most. It's also a plus that this trail loops around that way you don't get bored with the scenery. My friends and I started off at Matt Davis Trail and followed the trail all the way to the pan toll station. The first few miles were pretty challenging but nothing too difficult. It felt like we were hiking through a rain forest. You follow the trail til it takes you to the pan toll station and there you can take a bathroom break and fill up your water. We continued on steep ravine trail which is mostly down hill so that was a bit of a relief. We followed the trail til it took us all the way to Stinson beach. Like I said, this trail does loop around and in total, I would say it's about 7-8 miles total that you would hike if you take this loop. After, you have the beach right across the street to relax at and there is a park side snack bar to regain all the calories you lost hiking this amazing trail. Coming from Sacramento, we don't have these kinds of trails in our backyard like the people in the Bay Area do so I'm glad we made the trip out to experience this particular trail. I am definitely coming back. :) read more

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This was the best hike I've done so far in the Bay. We started out at Muir Woods then hiked dipsea to Stinson beach. We took Steep Ravine back towards muir woods. Steep ravine goes to some camp group then you have to take a back trail to the Ben Johnson trail to get back to Muir woods. There is so much lush vegetation and nice streams. I think I am turning into a female on eharmony and match.com cuz I like to hike, travel, and eat vegetarian food. fuck my life. read more

My absolute favorite hike ever. So beautiful. Mossy, beachy, green hills, beach; you experience it all on this hike. Its not too strenuous, but gives you a good work out. Plus the city is so cute. read more

This is on the top of my lists of trails that I love hiking over and over again. The other trail I love going on is the Point Reyes. It's great to go to in any season. The only complaint that I have is that parking can be tough, but it's worth circling around a few times, and even hunting down people to ask if they will be leaving. read more

Awesome! It was an great adventure. It beats being stuck in traffic for three hours trying to drive to the beach. We got to enjoy the sun and the bikini's AND had a great 7 mile workout! What a great day! read more

One of my absolute favorite trails. I park by the Stinson Beach fire station and then go up matt davis and come down on Steep Ravine and then Dipsea trail. This route will drop you back to your car, a perfect loop trail with a ton of scenery changes. I think I did this in about 4-5 hrs with my mom so it is a fantastic way to spend the day. You'll see coastline, trees, meadows, rivers, mossy greenery ... I always come here and stop by Sol Food for a post-hike meal. read more

It's a great hike! There are many varying terrains and views, however, there is no definitive stop point so that you can admire the view. Also, make sure once you reach the ranger station, don't keep going on the Matt Davis trail as you will follow a road to nowhere. Go to the ranger station and then follow the Steep Ravine trail! read more

A fantastic trail hike on the weekends. I will start at Stinson and hike up Steep Ravine to Pantoll Ranger Station and down Matt Davis. If you don't like tall weeds, you can hike up Steep ravine and come down the Dipsea instead. A total of six miles. If you're more inclined, you can go up to East Peak from the Pantoll Station. It's another 8-10 miles roundtrip and a big day of hiking, but in many ways worth the trouble. read more

Loved this hike - it took us about four hours. We brought sandwiches from Breakers Cafe to eat at the Pan Toll Station picnic area, and were really glad that we did because we burned quite a few calories! We did the hike counter clockwise from the entrance near Arenal street. read more

This hike is as beautiful as everyone says it is. You park on the street somewhere and then make your way. At first you're in the shade with little waterfalls and bridges, ascending pretty rapidly. Then there are some big open clearings with grassy fields. You'll love the views. Then you hit big tree territory with little creeks as well. The entire thing ends at the beach -- does it get better than that? The hike is a little tough at first when you're going up so quickly -- especially if it's a hot day -- but then the hike gets really doable. Throughout the whole thing, it's beautiful nature at its finest, though, so you'll be entertained. read more

Ladder climbing, hiking, tons of foliage cover and beaches- that's what Matt davis offers you. We started at the stinson beach firestation and headed into the trail. The climb is initially steep after which it levels up. Lots of creeks in the area and plenty of room for wielding the lens. Once you finish the uphill climb, cross over the panoramic highway to complete the steep ravine loop. The ladder on the steep ravine is right in the midst of a creek, with beautiful redwood trees making the whole setup look like a painting. Ensure you take the dipsea trail back to the firestation. This has breathtaking and compelling views of the stinson beach which are a treat to the eyes. On the whole, a Saturday well spent! Thank you Matt davis :) read more

The drive to this place is crazy .. so many sharp turns; my passengers were getting dizzy (or maybe it was my driving =) .. ) . Anywho, I was acutally looking for Dipsea Trail and found this trail instead. I like the scenery of the bay and you feel like you are in the forest so that's cool too. BUT this trail is not for beginners or someone who doesn't like stairs.... lots and lots of steps. I hope to come back and finish it one day in the future. read more