Kick starting 2019-The Dipsea, Steep Ravine and Matt Davis Trails...............

Great views from start to finish!

For the record, we didn't even make it up until the ball fell in New York last night.  We were sound asleep well before 9:00 local time.  As it turns out, we probably needed the rest based on the hike we did to kick off 2019. 

There are so many hiking options to choose from in this area, ranging from flat treks along the waterfront, to extremely difficult with steep elevation changes.  After doing a little research we decided on a moderately difficult hike of around 8 miles with approximately 1,700 feet elevation change.  It was a combination of three trails; a small portion of the Dipsea trail, the Steep Ravine Trail and the Matt Davis Trail.

Steep Ravine Trail

We put in a bunch of miles every year and we've enjoyed some hikes in some pretty spectacular places around the globe.  There may have been some as scenic as this one, but we couldn't come up with one.  It's not everyday we get to hike through a redwood forest along side a ravine with numerous small waterfalls, that would occasionally give way to meadows that allowed for panoramic views of the coast line and the Pacific Ocean.  The views were so amazing that we almost forgot the length and elevation changes.  If hiking is something you enjoy and you're in the Stinson Beach area I would highly recommend this loop trail.

Stinson Beach from the Matt Davis Trail

The trails are so well marked even we never got on the wrong one!

Ferns, forest and Beth along the Matt Davis Trail

Here's some information you might find helpful.

• We parked at the trailhead at the intersection of Shoreline Highway and Panoramic Highway.  This meant we were going uphill for the first half of the loop which we much preferred while our legs were fresh.
• We took the counterclockwise route going up the Steep Ravine Trail and down the Matt Davis Trail.  It was just a guess, but it seemed as if the elevation change was more gradual going this way.  There is a small waterfall about half way up the Steep Ravine Trail where you have to go up a ladder.  

• The trails are all well marked, making them practically "idiot proof".  There were a couple of very small muddy spots that were easy to get around.  It hadn't rained in about a week, and it did seem as if the trails could be muddy and slippery for a few days after a heavy rain.  Walking shoes/boots with good ankle support are advised.
• The top of the loop is at Pantoll Campground (Mt. Tamalpais State Park).  There are restrooms and water is available.  

 A few pictures from last nights sunset...……….