This trail is lush trail with lots of greenery, ferns, and streams in the winter. It's canopied for most of the trail but there are some clearings with views of Stinson. I think it's easiest to park at the Pantoll campground. It's about 4 miles to Stinson Beach from here. This hike can be done as an out and back or a loop with the Steep Ravine Trail. read more

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I just hiked this whole trail yesterday, and it was pretty hard. The first mile uphill from the Stinson Beach Fire Station was killer. Have you ever just wanted to walk up steep, slippery stairs for a mile straight? If so, this may be the hike for you. That being said, the scenery is unreal. The redwoods are covered in so many deep, thick layers of lichen and mosses, it's like a mini forest on each tree. The canyons, which can be hundreds of feet high, are filled to the brims with ferns, buckeye, and rhododendron. Many of the underlying rocks are serpentine. Mini waterfalls dripping through moss over serpentine looks like something out of a fairy tail. Imagine you're staring at one, and a red fox trots up. I've had a few of these follow me, especially at dusk. I've never heard of one attacking a human, but they can be annoying and kind of hard to scare off. Some other animals I've seen on this trail over the years include deer, coyotes, rabbits, squirrels, and all kinds of birds. I also saw a few white butterflies with gold streaks on their wings. The flowers are too numerous to name in a review, but some of my favorites that I saw this time were the Calypso orchids, poppies, lupine, irises, lilies, shooting stars, blooming grasses and miners lettuce, and more. By the time I finished hiking this trail, I could barely walk. Mission accomplished, I guess. The signs are pretty easy to follow, and I had an easy time figuring out how to make a loop from Pantoll to Stinson Beach and back. There was no water anywhere on the trail, and the closest food stores are the convenience stores and restaurants in Stinson Beach. One of the hardest but also most beautiful hikes I've done. The whole trail is just over four miles long, but took me nearly two hours to complete since I was going uphill and had done Steep Ravine first. read more

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Me and my friend started this trail near the Pantoll Ranger Station. In the beginning it was easy going and not too difficult. Getting closer towards Stinson Beach was very steep. I could already feel that going back would be the toughest part of the hike. I'm so glad we started the way we did though because there's restaurants nearby when we reached Stinson beach and I was getting really hungry since I didn't eat in the morning. A moderate hike. Took me and my friend about 5 hours to complete 8 miles. read more

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A killer workout if you're starting from Stinson Beach!!! It's all uphill but totally worth it for the views through the Steep Ravine. Hiked this trail in conjunction with the Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trails and looped back to Stinson Beach. The entire hike was magical, but this part of the hike was definitely the most difficult part. If you're starting from Stinson Beach, it's a 3.6 mile uphill hike to Pantoll Campground. The trailhead can be a little tough to find, but it's right behind the fire station. The trail starts off gradually inclining through the forest. You'll soon begin switchbacking up stairs and over several cross bridges. You'll pass through beautiful redwood groves and fern filled meadows. This part of the trail is very green and also completely shaded. At roughly 2 miles in, you'll reach a point where the trail switches from shaded to exposed. You'll get a few peek-a-boo coastal views here. The trail continues along a narrow ridge up to Pantoll Campground. I'm sure this part of the trail is green in the spring, but if you're coming during the summer, expect those golden hillsides. Once you reach the top, it'll take you out to the road. You'll have to cross the street to continue on the trails. From here, you can connect to several other different trails within Mount Tamalpais, and you can even go all the way into Muir Woods. The most popular loop trail is through the Steep Ravine Trail. I would highly recommend the loop to Steep Ravine and Dipsea. I honestly feel like going back down through the Steep Ravine Trail is what makes the uphill climb through the Matt Davis Trail completely worth it. Make sure you bring lots of water and sunscreen. Also, start early if you want to avoid the crowds and park at the beach so that you can relax there afterward and not have to fight for afternoon parking. Would definitely hike this trail again as a loop to Steep Ravine. read more

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Gorgeous hike with many options. We took the bus up from the beach area and walked down (3.5 ish hours). The bottom of this trail leads right to the little shops along Stinson beach, grab a drink or snack and walk on the beach it's gorgeous! read more

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We did a roughly 7 mile circuit of Dipsea/Steep Ravine/Matt Davis, starting and ending in Stinson Beach. Moderately challenging hike with very varied scenery along the way so never a boring moment. Compared to east coast trails most of the trail surface's quite even and not very rocky. At about 2/3 of the way we stopped on a hilltop to rest and have lunch - good spot for a view of the San Francisco skyline. Closer to the end there was another smaller lookout for a view of the town of Stinson Beach. All the trails are well maintained and marked and there are longer and shorter variations suitable for all levels and abilities. read more

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We parked at the Stinson Beach Parking lot and walked pass the firehouse to the Matt Davis Trail. It was about 4 miles round trip for us. It's a moderate hike, definitely need good hiking shoes. There are a lot of stairs and rocks you have to climb up. There are little streams you have to cross. Be careful of poison ivy on the way. The Matt Davis trail continues up a couple of hills but we stopped at the first flat area we came across and headed back to enjoy Stinson beach. Definitely bring enough water and snacks and enjoy them at the top! Happy Hiking! read more

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Another review of a place from my childhood, that I was able to revisit recently when I was out visiting my family. We were out here for a particular purpose (spreading my dad's ashes) and the Matt Davis Trail is the way to get to the particular place he wanted to end up. Anyway. The trail hasn't really changed much since I was a kid - I'm sure some of the stairs and bridges have been replaced at some point, but then again, perhaps they're the same ones. I think that perhaps the biggest difference is that the trail is more eroded than I remember it, but there's probably at least 3-4 times the traffic that was on it when I was young. During our hike that day, there was not a moment that we were really alone, so if you want a solitary hike, this isn't necessarily a hike that will give you that, unless it's perhaps in the middle of the week during the off season. It's also part of a loop that includes the Steep Ravine and Dipsea trails, so that makes it even more popular. The views are spectacular overall, and although crowded, it's still a great hike. read more

Matt Davis Trail - One of the many sets of steps on the Matt Davis Trail. - Parks Near Me - Stinson Beach, California

Why am I yelping a trail that is unable to purchase yelp ads and further the yelp cause? Because I hiked it, damnit, and I think everyone should know. The rain has ceased at least temporarily and friends asked me to join them on this trail I'd never before been on. We parked at the Stinson Beach lot and walked over to the trailhead, then spent the next 1 1/2 hours hiking upward past beautiful, rushing waterfalls and peek-a-boo views of the Pacific. When we'd finally emerged into a steep open field we drank in that view, then turned around and headed back down. The trail is pretty rigorous (a great workout) with lots of stairs and switchbacks. If you enter from Stinson, you head up, up, up but, until the open field, you're covered by a well shaded forest of lush greenery. Sweet. I can think of a lot worse ways to spend a Saturday. Minus one star though since man's best friend isn't allowed on this trail. Who does this Matt Davis think he is? read more

What a gorgeous hike! It can be cloudy up here so be sure to go on a clear day. If you google Matt Davis Trail you'll probably find this www.bahiker.com/northbayhikes/stinson.html and this guy's info is on the dot! I ended up taking a more scenic route to the hike trailhead by not going on Panaromic Highway but instead continuing on 1 (aka Shoreline Highway in this area) and then taking a right onto Belvedere St. This allows you to see the ocean view vista points along the way (and the traffic is lighter too ;) ;) ) If you go on a clear day in fall, spring, summer, be sure to bring a sports bra as you will be stripping. It gets nice and warm and humid up in the hills and the trail starts out all uphill for 2.2 miles! **Note** once you're at the top you will reach a sign (I added photo) TAKE THIS ROUTE TO THE COSTAL TRAIL. Just go down the costal trail for a few minutes and you'll see the view you hiked all the way up for. For dinner, I highly recommend Sand Dollar. Their wine service, ambiance, and food were perfect. They also let us split entrees. They had a live musician too. read more

Matt Davis Trail - Parks Near Me - Stinson Beach, California

The Matt Davis Trail rocks! It's only 3.3 miles to or from Stinson Beach. It's gorgeous, and the changes in scenery make it even better. You start in the forest and the next thing you know, you're in the most gorgeous meadow where you literally feel like you're walking through the clouds. The highest elevation is about 1500 feet, which makes for some awesome ocean views. Even going uphill, it's fun. There are lots of stairs. Don't miss the lookout rock...just don't try to catch Pokemon up there because it could lead to disaster!! read more

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Started from the trailhead near the fire station close to Stinson Beach. Hiked on Matt Davis Trail to the parking lot on Pan Tool Rd. Then went back throuth Steep Ravine Trail and Depsea Trail. Total 7.8 miles round-trip, 1500 feet elevation change. Spectacular view!!! read more

Beautiful place to go for a nice Hike. The views amazing and the beach A lot of different trails to take. Taking trails uphill goodluck if you are not really into shape. One trail up back to the visitor center where we parked kicked my butt. Nothing but stair and uphill steeps for 30min wooooo what a workout. read more

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Great trail with a good mixture of forest, chaparral and beautiful views. It's not super strenuous unless you decide to go off the trail and go straight up the mountain... or take random trails on the way down to try to get to the beach. Well worth it. read more

This is a very moderate hike in starting from Mt Tamalpais state park Pan Toll Ranger Station and ending in Stinson beach. This is around 4.2 miles and there are no steep ascents or descents. The views of San Francisco are good after 1-1.5 miles into the hike. After that its mostly walking on mountainside or tree shade. If you do this, its worth it going up the mountain steep ravine trail. read more

Matt Davis Trail - View of sf from Matt Davis trail. - Parks Near Me - Stinson Beach, California

This is one of my two favorite hikes in the bay area! I have done it many times. This has been reviewed many times, so I'm not going to rave endlessly about it (though I could) and instead just jump into my "pro tips": 1. I see people walking this trail uphill. They are clearly masochists. They are covered in sweat and look like they are in severe pain. If you want the world's most intense workout, sure you could start at Stinson Beach and walk up to Pan Toll. And then return. But, uh, that's nuts. I like to do the "downhill-only" version, which is STILL a very good lower body workout by the way. Here's the best way to do it. 2. Drive to Stinson Beach and park. Take the bus (Marin Transit 61) up to Pan Toll Ranger Station. http://marintransit.org/routes/61.html ASK THE DRIVER to be sure he is going to Pan Toll. Also read the schedule very carefully because some of the times are for peak season only (March through October). Price is $2 for adults and $1 for children and seniors. Cash only. Exact change only. 3. Now you can walk from Pan Toll downhill to Stinson Beach following the Matt Davis trail. It's about 4 miles, but it's not exactly all downhill nor is it even so expect to get the equivalent of about 6 "flat miles" worth of workout on your legs and stabilizer muscles. 4. This hike takes you through a variety of terrains: forest, streams, fields, breath-taking ocean views, more forest switch-backs, and ultimately drops you down at the beach where you can walk around or plop down and soak up some rays. 5. Personal opinion: avoid weekends. Avoid peak season. Avoid days when the weather report has been very promising-looking for a day or two at Stinson Beach. Why? Because sometimes the traffic backs up for 45 minutes - 1 hour to get into Stinson Beach. Yikes. I almost want to deduct a star for that, it's so annoying. ALSO, during peak season it's almost impossible to find parking in the lots (or, um, anywhere). I sometimes get lucky just crawling around and zipping into something that opens up... but I mostly just avoid those times. 6. Bring lunch (or a snack, or whatever) and wait until after you clear the first 1/3 of the trail - AFTER you get out of the woods. There is a beautiful spot on top of a hill where you get the most amazing 360 degree panorama view. It's perfect to eat / drink / rest for awhile. Clean up after yourself; take all your trash with you. 7. About 2/3 or 3/4 of the way down after you re-enter the woods (for awhile) you will come across a GIANT slab of rock that is off to the side of the trail a bit. We dub this "The Secret Rock", though it probably has a real name that we don't know about. If you find the hidden way around it, there's a stone plateau with a REALLY beautiful view of the beaches and coastline below. I usually pause here for 5 - 10 minutes, take a breather, and just listen to the waves. 8. My five year-old daughter and I just did this hike. She did the whole thing (4 miles, this downhill version) without assistance! So yes I'm going to say it's kid-friendly. 9. Bring a flashlight if you're starting in the afternoon to be on the safe side. The last sections have a LOT of tree cover and once I got caught out there at dusk and completely overestimated the visibility AND my night-vision capabilities. Moon or no moon, with that degree of tree cover it gets PITCH BLACK. 10. The last parts of the trail get crazy overgrown sometimes and you find yourself side-stepping through plants that are brushing you on both sides regardless. The last time I was there I was convinced I took a wrong turn somewhere, but it was actually the path. Just gets overgrown. Have faith... you're going the right way! There are actually very few places you could get lost on this trail. 11. The trail (doing it downhill) ends behind the Fire Station. Come out, turn left toward the Fire Station, and turn right on the main road to return to the parking lot. 12. I'm usually starving when I return, and there aren't too many places in town... but on the beach at the base of the lighthouse is a great little snack bar that is overpriced but serves legitimately tasty treats: burgers, fish tacos, burritos, milkshakes, beer on tap, etc. Maybe because I always just burned a million or so calories but this food always tastes AMAZING to me. :) Enjoy, be safe, and don't leave ANY trash on the trail! read more

You want God? Allah? Buddha? That thing that makes you say ah ya...I get it now. Go for a freaking hike. No I ain't no granola crunchy tree-hugging hippie...but I love me some motha nature. She's warm...picks you up when you're down and kicks you in the ass when you think you can't climb any more of these freaking steps. All the snot flying from my nose and stuff my coughs were expelling were all worth it in the end. Pack a lunch...bring a camelback....snacks and stuff. There's various trails you can go off of this one...watch out for rattlesnakes..I guess. Be careful when you pee..I'm not endorsing it but just saying...have a lookout..it's kind of embarrassing when some old hippie lady comes upon you draining gaia's hose. Word to the motherlord. read more

+ Worth-the-hurt glutes & quad workout for sure! + Clean sea air + Breathtaking views of Stinson Beach TIPS: *Note: We came in mid-February so the weather could vary in different times of the year -Eat a good breakfast! -Bring plenty of water & snacks. You WILL get hungry. It's a fairly strenuous trail. -Like others mentioned, if you have bad knees, this trail is probably not for you. Going downhill puts a lot of stress on the knees and ankles esp if you are not wearing special hiking shoes. -Don't try starting the trail past 10/11am at the latest. The afternoon fog that rolls in around 1pm WILL GET YOU LOST. You will have a really hard time finding your way to the peak if you start too late and get caught in the FOG OF DEATH -Wear synthetic fiber clothing esp for your outer layer - no cotton! When the fog rolls in you will collect condensation in your hair, your eyelashes, and your clothing. Cotton will get you pretty damp. -Be aware that this is a fairly unmarked trail. There are no markers telling you how to get to the summit. If all else fails ask fellow hikers passing by or on their way down which way to go. -Try to remember landmarks when you are on your way up! We had a hard time getting down because we took a couple of wrong turns as visibility was poor esp in the fog. -If you want to take pictures of the ocean, do it on the way up BEFORE the fog rolls in. I was banking on taking pictures on the way down... but by that time there was nothing to see! read more

This is a wonderful hike, but not one for those that don't want a little bit of challenge. Lots of steps, a steady elevation climb, and beautiful scenery. We started from Stinson Beach/Belvedere, and made it to Pan Toll (4.4 miles), which took some energy. At that point, instead of staying on that trail or turning back, we aimed for the Dipsea Trail to get us back to Stinson; however, the trail we took that connected the two was the Steep Ravine Trail. This is a magical trail--one of the best 1.5 mile hikes I've ever been on. If I were doing it again, I might go the opposite way (Dipsea/Steep/Matt), as it's less uphill, but the whole thing is a beautiful day in the woods. Highly recommended. read more

One of my all-time favorite hikes is to take Matt Davis down to Stinson, then stop in town for lunch (and a beer), and go back up Steep Ravine. (And yes, it's fun, when asked by your friends what you did on the weekend, to reply: "I went down on Matt Davis.") The hike starts off kitty corner from the Pantoll Ranger Station (as in across the street from where one parks). It slowly winds back and forth at first through a nice oak forest, then opens up to the rolling hills you see in the photos here on Yelp--with breathtaking views of the ocean, and buzzards flying overhead. Usually when I go down on Matt, it's a little foggy over the water from here--which adds a certain magical feeling to the whole trek. Then you head down the hills into a meandering series of redwood groves. Be careful to stay on track here! The path switch-backs, and some kind hikers of years past have put twigs and branches to "mark" the path... but if you find yourself going uphill again, you've taken a weird wrong turn. Soon enough you'll be heading into a residential area of Stinson. Just keep heading down into town. Search for my review of Steep Ravine (the way back--after you've enjoyed all that Matt has to offer!). read more

Matt Davis is 6.7 miles long, making it one of the longest trails on Mt. Tam. Therefore, it is no surprise that the terrain and climate on the trail keeps changing around every turn. For a few minutes, there are redwoods and then chaparral appears out of nowhere. This cycle repeats itself for the first part of the hike. Although the terrain is more consistent later, it still is different from the hike's beginning. Matt Davis Trail begins in chaparral near Mountain Home Inn. It then alternates between trees and chaparral for the next few miles, usually by the minute. Also, the trail at this part of the hike is pretty flat so no need to worry if you are not up for a steep hike today. Soon, the Nora trail branches off to the right up to West Point Inn. Then the trail goes through a chaparral covered ridge with great views (provided that the fog did not bother visiting today.) All too soon, Matt Davis trail hits Pantoll. Here, the terrain becomes more consistent. Matt Davis trail returns to Douglas Fir forest after the brief patch of grassland although there are some more grassland patches. In about 1.5 miles, Matt Davis trail branches off to the left and begins its long descent. Although the descent is steep, it is a nice descent. Large Douglas Firs accompany you the entire way. You will know this nice hike is ending when you see Table Rock. It is a nice rock but be careful because it is known for its rattlesnakes. After Table Rock, the Douglas Firs leave and coastal scrub replaces it. Also, the plants near the creek resemble plants near the ocean now instead of mountain plants. Then the trail reaches a road. The beach is only a short walk from here. Overall, Matt Davis really does have something for everyone. It goes through all the terrains on Mt. Tam's Southern side. It is also a good idea to combine the first part with a loop like looping with Troop 80 trail or Old Stage Road. It is possible to combine the Bolinas Ridge part with a loop too. You could loop up Steep Ravine and Dipsea trails to Pantoll. read more

This one makes many lists for top bay area hikes, including my own. I suggest the Matt Davis - Steep Ravine - Dipsea loop, starting at Stinson Beach (Matt Davis trail). It's about 7 miles and showcases spectacular and diverse scenery all along the way. This first leg up Matt Davis can be strenuous since you're heading uphill for about four miles, but you'll be rewarded with some panoramic views at the top. Once you get to the Pantoll parking lot, it's all downhill on the Steep Ravine trail. This is a great hike any time of the year, but especially during winter and spring when everything is lush and green, and the waterfalls are flowing. To get to Matt Davis, head to Stinson Beach and park near the Fire Station (Belvedere St.). For more details and convincing, check out the links below: http://www.bahiker.com/northbayhikes/stinson.html http://hiking.adampaul.com/gallery/tamalpais0104/index_2.html read more

Steep hike up a mountain, but doable even for someone like me, who is in decent but not great shape, and is lugging more than a couple of extra lbs around! The trail is well-maintained, the views are gorgeous, and the smells are wonderful and invigorating. A+++. The trail starts behind the fire house in Stinson Beach, btw. read more

My sister and I recently did this hike and the view from up top is definitely worth it. About the first hour into the hike, it's allll incline and very steep. It can be a little challenging if it's your first hike, but it is not impossible. It's a mixture of shade and openness, so be sure to pack a hat. March/April is the best time to go as it isn't too hot. Arrive early, about 9am would be perfect. It'll take approximately 3 hours to get to the beach if you start on belvedere st near the fire station. Things to bring: Hat, lots of water (I drank 2 bottles), and a light sweater (it can get a bit chili on the way back). read more

If it is a sunny day then I highly recommend starting in Stinson Beach and going up the Steep Ravine trail and then going down the Matt Davis trail. It is really beautiful going down the Matt Davis Trail because there are so many amazing views of the Ocean. You will be VERY happy you did this hike if you do it. Enjoy it. Tell me what you thought. This will bring your spirit up for sure. --ILYA read more

Loved it! You go through so many different ecosystems on this hike. It's mellow, and not too intense. Even on a warm day, you will be able to get shade from the forests. Pet friendly.. yes! This is the place to go! read more

This hike is a WORK OUT! If you drink a lot the night before, you will be sweating out alcohol on the trail... trust me! The beginning of Matt Davis get your blood flowing and your heart rate up within the first couple of minutes. It's all up hill from there, round and round until you get to the top. The views on this trail are spectacular even if the fog rolls in during your hike. About 2/3 of the way through, you'll come across restrooms and a water fountain before the Steep Ravine trail. Such a beautiful hike! read more

This review covers only the Steep Ravine trail - will do other parts later. Start the hike from Hwy 1, near the small parking space before hitting Panoramic Hwy/Stinson Beach. The trail itself is spectacular because of the dense foliage, unlike any other in the area. You will walk along a stream that seems to flow year round. There are miniature waterfalls (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gurumlore/558951019/), much prettier than the ones you can buy at Sharper Image! If you are a birder, you will be delighted. Bring your binocs/camera along. You may catch a Grosbeak (http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=558629480&size=l) munching on berries, or a Yellow Warbler (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gurumlore/558617488/) or a Rufous Hummingbird posing for a few seconds (http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=558941719&size=l). There is no Golden Gate here, but what you find is equally beautiful (http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=559380998&size=l). One of the must-do-before-you-die trails! read more

OK, why is no one else mentioning in their reviews the part of the trail where it's so steep that you have no choice but to go down it on your ASS?! Seriously, it was kind of scary. And it hurt the butt a little bit! But after it was over, we got a huge laugh. Seriously though, if you can't handle really steep sections (like if you have bad knees or whatever), you might have trouble with this trail in some parts. My knees aren't great, and some of the downhill sections can be hard on them. I gave it 5 stars because I don't think I'll ever forget this hike, and I'm always going to laugh about the dirty asses that we got. But I will admit that I probably won't do that part of the trail again. Just too steep for me. Beautifiul though. And a killer workout. read more

One of my favorite trails in all of California. It's a scenic, moderate hike (depending on which way you start... I recommend Pan Toll and end at Stinson, there is a bus to take you back) and it's about 4 miles one way or 8 round trip (Stinson to Pan Toll is a rough hike so if you do RT do that way first so you aren't dying later). and most moderately in shape people can do this hike. read more

Did the Dipea-Matt Davis loop to Stinson last weekend with my big family and LOVED it- ferns, waterfalls, ladders, lush greenery, epic views, and a gorgeous beach as the reward for a pretty intense 7.5 round-trip hike in the Mt. Tam hills. A wonderful hike for youa nd yours if you are in love with the outdoors, and want a great view from one of the bay area's most beautiful areas. read more

Round-trip hike about 7.5 to 8 miles at Matt Davis trail -beautiful scenery and very steep trail. You go through woods, bridges, forest and see amazing views of the Pacific and SF. Worth a the experience. Do it!!. There was this one chick although, who looked like she was drugged out, she was a trip. Good times! read more

Matt Davis Trail - Go in the spring, you'll see vibrant, it will blow your mind away. - Parks Near Me - Stinson Beach, California

Haven't hiked this in a while, but it sure was memorable. If memory serves me well, it was my first hike with the Yelp DYK (Destroy Your Knees) crew! What a glorious hike. Despite the fact that it was obviously a popular trail for hikers and joggers, there were sufficient moments of pure serenity. And the trail is just mapped out perfectly for a great workout without being too overwhelming. You will be rewarded with sweeping views of Stinson Beach and mostly shade covered trails. I can't remember the exact route we took for the descent back to Stinson Beach (from where it intersected the highway at the top), but we spent a few hours for the entire hike. It wasn't so grueling that I was struggling to drive back home to the peninsula; but I do remember sleeping very well that night! Bring plenty of water and light snacks. I always do better when I take frequent breaks too. read more

Starting from the beach, you can hike upwards and back into the hills for miles, with an array of trail directions to choose from. Personally, I like the View With A Sandwich trail the best, however Chocolate Snack by the Stream is also lovely. Unfortunately, we seemed to get caught on the Everything Is Poison Oak trail, which is visually pleasing but made me quite nervous and inspired me to keep my flower-pickin' hands to myself. Nick H. claims we did about 14 miles that Saturday, but I'm pretty sure it was more like 25-65 mi if you count the vertical. Not to say I'm a wimp, but I'm short so distances are longer for me. read more

Started at 9:30 and finished at 3:30pm. Stopped for lunch in between. Absolutely gorgeous. Waterfalls, various changing microclimates, a small pond, and beautiful views of the ocean, beach, and Bay area. Mother nature is amazing. read more

J and I hiked a portion of the Matt Davis trail (up from Stinson Beach to the Coastal Trail junction) during one of the gorgeous weather weekends SF has been having lately. I'm glad we went when it was sunny and dry-- the first section of the trail is under tree canopy, which, though nice to be shaded when its hot and sunny, can be problematic if the trail is damp/muddy. The first section of the trail also consists mostly of a bunch of switchbacks as you climb up the hillside, so be prepared for a glute workout. You get some nice views of Stinson Beach about a third of the way up, and the trees are just lovely. read more

I had high expectations for this trail since the pictures I've seen were nice. However, I didn't find the trail scenic at all. There were small moments on the path where you could see the ocean, but when we reached the end of the Matt Davis trail, we were still surrounded by trees all around. I bet the view would have been better if we continued up the hill, but the weather was extremely foggy so I doubt we would have seen anything. This is a great beginner's trail. It's not too strenuous and the trails are all clearly marked. It was one of my friend's first time hiking and I think she enjoyed her experience. read more

I've twice hiked on the portion of the Matt Davis Trail from across the Pantoll Station parking lot to where the viewpoint by its junction with the Coastal Trail. That makes it a nice 3.2 mile round trip hike. It's fascinating the experiencing you get from walking thru the forested area for a long distance and then suddenly coming out to a wide open view of the Pacific Oceans and surroundings, including views of SF. I doubt if I will ever make the hike going down all the eat to Stinson Beach though. Unless I can arrange a ride and get pocked up at one ride, it's a long round trip and, from some reviews here and in hiking books, sound too steep for my knees and bad right leg joint. read more

One of my favorite hikes of all time! Tough little uphill then scenic views and awesome decent through the woods with wooden bridges and waterfalls. read more

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Beautiful trail. If you time it correctly, you can hike for 3-4 hours and come back around in time to watch the sunset at Stinson Beach. Yep, very romantic indeed. I don't think there's much more to say other than bring some water, some friends if you have any, and enjoy Matt Davis! read more