GORGEOUS. The views were simply amazing at sunset!…read more The Verna Dunshee loop is 0.7 miles and completely flat (under 20 minutes) while the East Peak trail is 0.3 miles and ~300 feet of elevation gain (around 30 minutes up-and-down). The East Peak trail was pretty challenging with uneven ground and steep elevation, but it's doable for most people as long as you take it slow. The east peak parking lot is $8 to park but super easy to access and plenty of spots available. You can scan a QR code at the entrance to the trails to pay, and wi-fi is provided.

The Verna Dunchee loop is actually what brought us here. It is paved and flat and less than a mile…read moremaking it an easy enjoyable peaceful walk, I did it in my fuzzy boots. When we finished my husband looked up at the fire look out and then back at me and said "you wanna?". So I returned to our vehicle put on tennis shoes and started up. The first part is wooden and easy but then all the easy stops. I am going to go ahead and call it a beginners rock scramble since you must use your hands some of the time. The views are stunning! Makes you stop and appreciate nature and all its miracles. Totally worth it but I will admit it was harder than I anticipated. The loss of the star is 8$ parking. Oh and the bathrooms were clean! Dog friendly.

I finally made it to this trail! I used to live & work in Mill Valley (years ago) & never made it…read moreto this hike. We started at the beautiful Old Mill Park (where I used to take my niece & nephew when they were little). As mentioned in other reviews there are lots & lots of steps! Great cardio & leg strengthening. The views are so worth it and the trip back was super quick bring all downhill. Many other options of hiking trails to take from here which I like.

One word; STAIRS! Lots of stairs. And inclines galore. The hike along the Dipsea trail is…read moredefinitely not for the faint of heart. It's a strenuous trek that maneuvers through some of the most beautiful parts of Mount Tamalpais and Muir Woods. The great thing is, you can combine this trail with other trails within the park to make it as easy or as strenuous as you'd like. One of the most popular variations of this hike is the Dipsea-Matt Davis-Steep Ravine loop trail. It's roughly 8 miles and 1,700 feet of elevation gain, and tackles parts of the Dipsea stairs and Matt Davis trail inclines. I hiked this loop and it was absolutely fabulous! The Dipsea portion of the hike is mainly exposed but offers some really scenic coastal views when you reach the top. Compared to the Matt Davis and Steep Ravine Trail, it was my least favorite, but I still enjoyed the workout that I got from hiking up the stairs. The Dipsea trail is definitely more of an incline workout versus a super scenic trek. But when combining this trail with other more scenic trails in the park, you'll be able to enjoy the best of both worlds. The Dipsea Trail can actually be accessed from a few different locations within the park. The three most popular access points are from Stinson Beach, Pantoll Campground, and Muir Woods National Monument. I started on the trail from Stinson Beach and I really enjoyed the loop through Steep Ravine and Matt Davis. Would recommend if you're looking for a versatile hike in Marin with a mix of stairs, ocean views, and forested pathways.

We booked the Golden Gate Bridge tour and paddled all the way to Kirby cove from the Sausalito…read moreboat launch. Chris took the extra time to ensure we were comfortable and familiar with the kayak and we ran some training laps. Leaving the golden gate was pretty intense but Chris did an amazing job coaching us through and rooting us on when we started to fade and slow down. Was amazing getting out on the bay and floating under the massive bridge. Learning about the history of the bay. The tides was great. We also saw porpoises, harbor seals and cormorants drying their wings. thanks!

I bought a private lesson in Sausalito in a solo kayak. Chris is a wonderful guide and coach who…read moreunderstands how to teach what he knows and obviously loves. He geared the experience to me and my level of competence and fitness yet pushed me to go beyond. I appreciated his guidance and focus on my technique to help me develop good habits. If you're thinking about learning Chris is a supportive and able coach

The person who reviewed this 11 years ago was spot on about the beauty of this trail. He biked it,…read morewhich was definitely a lot of climbing and I hiked it today. I'm surprised no one else has reviewed this beautiful trail. We chose this hike because it was so hot today inland-it turns out it was a good decision. The hike begins with climbing almost all the way to the of trail. However, there are sweeping views of the coast, Mount Tamalpais, and beyond. The most fascinating part was the abundance of sedimentary rock we were surrounded by- truly astounding. I had to look up the history of these rocks and learned this- we were looking at one of California's most famous geological features: radiolarian ribbon chert. The strata with the various colors was clearly visible & striking. Additionally we were impressed with the large concrete bunker complex (at the top of climb) Battery Townsley. It's the massive WWII gun battery perched above Fort Cronkhite and Rodeo Beach. I highly recommend this hike for those that enjoy spectacular, coastal views, history, and geology.

After you ride the Coastal View trail, you will want to sell your earthly goods and then donate the…read moreproceeds to the GGNRA and then devote yourself to mountain biking full time. Really, join me! We'll make it work! We'll live on thistles and spring water, and we'll dance with the butterflies! Oh, never mind, we need beer money...but do check out this trail...I pretty much guarantee you'll love it. Here's my loop: West Blithedale trailhead, up Old Railroad Grade to West Point Inn, past the Inn to Old Stage Road trail, down to Pantoll campground, (through the parking lots) to Coastal View trail, ride Coastal View all the way to Highway 1. Then turn left, ride carefully on Hwy 1 to the Pelican Inn, and have your friend guard the bikes while you get a pot of tea to drink out on the lawn. Then lug your tired rear up Diaz Ridge trail back to Mill Valley and don't hate on me for getting you to a place that's downhill from where you want to be. Alternate plan: Get your friend's husband, who has a truck, to pick you up. Say yes to hitchhikers 'cause that might be you one day and you think you know them maybe a little. But I guess I should review the trail itself: Coastal View is absolutely magnificent. The word 'magnificent' is not an exaggeration, which I am prone to, but not in this case. Single track (but not the scary next-to-a-cliff-you-might-die type of single track) that progresses from wooded bits near Pantoll, to an exposed path, to a Disney-couldn't-design-a-trail-that-looks-this-good segment that winds through some low trees (duck! you might get wet if it's misty), then out to views of the coast (or the fog, depending on your luck). Go with a friend so you can keep saying, "Oh my gosh! This is great! And there's no one on the trail!"* Tons of wildflowers in the spring and great photo ops if you're into that--I am always so blissed out that I forget about photos. Bonus photo op at Muir Beach overlook right off of Highway 1. *OK, you may see a few others on Coastal View trail. On my most recent ride, we saw a single runner (that's it!) from Pantoll to Hwy 1. That said, don't rush it, savor it. Look out for bunnies. PS Yes, you could hike this, too, but I never have. I'm sure it's just as nice on foot. PPS the only place you might lose your way is just past Pantoll, but watch for the signs and I think it is clear.

This trail is a hidden treasure. It boasts spectacular 360 degree views and gentle rolling hills. I…read morehonestly can't say anything about it that isn't better represented by the photos. P.S. We saw a snake on the trail and a hawk!

Such a good find if you are on this side of the Bay.. not too strenuous but trails are long enough…read moreto get a good hike in.... especially enjoyed the wild flowers and view from multiple angles.

It was absolutely Beautiful. We hiked around the lake. It was an easy hike and so fun. They have…read morelots of picnic tables and so many trees. You have to pay for parking and it's at the station a little before you actually park I gave the lake five stars but the road to get up there two stars. It's a very skinny road and only one car can pass with two way traffic. Yikes.....But we made it and it was worth the trip!

Such a cool place -- and it's one of those locations that not too many people go to unless they are…read morein the area. Somewhat of a "locals" spot for hiking, biking, and trail running. In addition, it's also a beautiful drive up! The road eventually becomes one-lane, so drive slowly when the road bends. People like to drive a little faster than they should on it, unfortunately. The parking is ample. After you pay the entrance fee, you'll see several opportunities to park on your way down the road. The main Parking lot is all the way at the end where the bathroom and shelter/picnic area is. There's also a neat creek and man-made waterfall over here as well that comes from the reservoir up top. The hike itself is really fun. We hiked up to the top where the reservoir is and really loved the view. My Apple Watch says that our walk around the perimeter of the reservoir was roughly 2 miles. I wouldn't call it a hike, per se, but it was a nice, leisurely walk in a beautiful place which is just as nice! There are tons of redwoods, oak trees, and wild flowers here, but also poison oak. The trails seem pretty well-maintained, so there isn't much need to worry about poison oak as long as you don't wander too far off the trail. Great for kids, as there isn't much incline on this trail. I would definitely come back and try more of the trails here.

Honestly, I have not visited this beach yet. I'm reviewing the hwy that are around this beach. The…read moreviews are amazingly beautiful and so very serene. If you are ever looking for somewhere to go to take your mind away.. this is THE perfect area to travel to. We happen to find it while going to the Horseback Ranch close by for my bday last July. We stopped briefly.. but the impact of the stop was everlasting.

Donny is the best. He'll set you up with exactly what you need, and before you know it you'll be a…read morebeginning surfer. The vibe here is great, the selection is awesome, and Donny is such a great guy--truly. One of the best parts of going to Stinson, second only to the waves.

This trail technically goes from Mill Valley to Kent Woodlands but this review is for the trail…read moreloop featured on All Trails which is 2.7 miles and a little over an hour. This leg of the trail runs parallel to the Southern Main Fire Road which is a good alternative if you are going to also go to Dawn Falls but wanted more trail and not a fire road. It's also much less trafficked and has more shade. This loop is better in winter and spring. The winter especially after the rains there are small waterfalls along the trail (they dry up by late March) and it's very green. Spring brings some wildflowers like Irises. The summer can get hot with dead brush so not as great but at least it's mostly shaded. Can see Bay, Richmond Bridge, and Mount Diablo in the distance.

What a gorgeous hike! The drive to get to the base of the hike is an easy one hour drive from SF…read more The first 15 minutes of the hike is mostly covered in tree canopy with a gorgeous stream. It's a little chilly but then it opened up to an uphill climb for a mile. The expansive views of the mill valley are beautiful. Very dog friendly but also lots of mountain bikers so just keep your pup close. Lovely hike and I cannot wait to do it again.