- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Matt Davis Trail
Category: Active Life Parks Parks [Edit]
32 Belvedere AveMt Tamalpais State Park
Stinson Beach, CA 94970
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
28 reviews for Matt Davis Trail
28 reviews in English
-
Review from Sarah R.
San Francisco, CA
5/30/2010
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. -
Review from Anita W.
San Francisco, CA
2/7/2012
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! -
Review from Susanna W.
Palo Alto, CA
1/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
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. -
Review from Tracey A.
San Anselmo, CA
4/2/2011
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? -
Review from H K.
San Francisco, CA
11/21/2010
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. -
Review from Alec W.
Marin County, CA
6/3/2010
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.Listed in: So You want to Hike Marin?
-
Review from Joe G.
Vallejo, CA
1/5/2009
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. -
Review from Russell H.
Pacifica, CA
3/15/2010
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!). -
Review from Kathy S.
10/25/2009 1 photo
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 http://www.bahiker.com... 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. -
Review from Leon R.
San Francisco, CA
4/26/2006
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...
http://hiking.adampaul... -
Review from Margaret R.
San Francisco, CA
6/28/2010
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. -
Review from Guru T.
San Francisco, CA
6/17/2007
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/...), 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/...) munching on berries, or a Yellow Warbler (http://www.flickr.com/...) or a Rufous Hummingbird posing for a few seconds (http://www.flickr.com/...).
There is no Golden Gate here, but what you find is equally beautiful (http://www.flickr.com/...).
One of the must-do-before-you-die trails! -
Review from Lauren S.
4/6/2007
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. -
Review from Olma M.
Burlingame, CA
11/9/2009
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. -
Review from LaSha G.
Oakland, CA
10/17/2009
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. -
Review from S R.
San Francisco, CA
5/13/2011
starts at stinson beach and winds its way up the mountain. a couple ways to come back. some people we met informed us that on some days, you can start the hike at the ranger station or safeway and catch a stagecoach or shuttle back. you might want to look into that.
i dont hike often and i underestimated this trail. the first hour or so is pretty rigorous with some switchbacks, tree roots, and uneven surfaces. you're surrounded by beautiful forest and will get a view of stinson beach and the ocean once in a while. a couple streams and wooden bridges along the way. this part is mostly in the shade. once you get passed the treeline, it becomes a more even and mellow dirt trail winding through meadows. this part is mostly in the sun. there is a lookout with great views of the coast and the top of the golden gate and downtown skyline in the distance.
one star off because this was too much of a workout for my taste. it was especially hard to enjoy the hike down because i was so focused on not twisting my ankle or falling and hurting myself, which i almost did 2-3 times despite my best efforts. i highly recommend hiking shoes. also, you can tell that there used to be a lot of wood railings that have fallen into such disrepair that they are almost completely gone in most places. -
Review from Vicky P.
San Francisco, CA
4/30/2007
Tickly caresses
of sunshine
as we roll
on sweet grassy knolls
butterflies or hummingbirds?
An echo rings
through the brilliant sky
Continuing onwards
thru turns and bridges,
Down a ladder
to the swoosh of waterfall
..to find
a sacred trillium...
(and there
amidst the shade
of redwood canopy
hides
a wild gobble turkey)
blinded by the ocean
tantalized by fragrant berries
Blessed and reminded
Are we
From Earth to Sky..
This is my cry:
I Love ya Mountain Mama
Till we play again,
So soon in time! -
Review from Mari C.
San Francisco, CA
11/12/2009
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. -
Review from michella h.
Fairfax, CA
Wow. Really what more can I say. If you going to pay the cost of living in Marin then you have got to get out here and enjoy it.
-
Review from M M.
San Francisco, CA
3/28/2008
This is one of my favorite hikes in Marin. Spectacular scenery, great to hike along a soft trail with tons of trees, across bridges, up ladders, thru ferns and along a stream. Best thing is that you hike to Stinson Beach!
I usually take the Matt Davis Trail to Steep Ravine from Pantoll Ranger Station. When I went in 07 with my cousin, we were chatting a bit, and we somehow ended up along the wrong trail that took us to a side of a mountain. Somehow we came down a hill, there were no logs stopping us from going straight and we ended up in a deserted area. We fell into a bee hive area, and my cousin ended up getting bit by numerous bees. We reported this to the Park Ranger, so I hope that this part of the trail has been fixed, so nobody runs into this unfortunate happening.
All and all, I love this trail and would frequent it more often, if I could. There's a great place to get Soft Serve near the beach, but I wouldn't suggest getting any if you plan on going the opposite way that I've suggested. Hiking up Matt Davis is quite an uphill workout and can give you a stomach ache if you are filled with Soft Serve! (Yes, I speak from experience!) If you've never been on this trail, I highly recommend it! -
Review from Diana L.
San Francisco, CA
5/29/2009
i was reared a city girl.
but I do enjoy a satisfying hike once and awhile.
Matt David was a great trail. just steep enough to work those buns when you haven't worked out for 4 weeks, with a lot of greenery and stunning views of Stinson Beach and the Bay.
thanks for our super planner's suggestion, we started the trail from the other end at Stinson Beach, which took us 3.9 miles up up and away to the "little house on the prairie" fields of Mt. Tam. we saw WILDLIFE! a family of deer, lots of snails, pretty bluebirds, and fishies!
the middle point is a perfect resting point and pee-break. find the ranger's station and you're there! picnic benches where you can snack and a well-groomed restroom.
on the way down, we took Steep Ravine - which brought us through the lush and rich lands of the redwood trees and.. a ravine! there is a cute 10 foot ladder that you can climb down, and the sound of rustling water alongside is oh-so-soothing to the mind and soul.
the entire trail is very well kept; i rarely feared for my life when needing to hop over a small stream or climb up the hill!
even this city girl would not mind going again! hurry and go before the weather turns! -
Review from Melinda B.
San Francisco, CA
1/9/2006
Gorgeous trail with a many different changes in scenery. Recommend walking up from Stinson Beach (trailhead is off Belevdere street just past the firehouse on rt 1) and walking UP to Pantoll, then down your choice of trails. All the rain recently wiped out the steps on Steep Ravine, so hike back down Old Mine-to Dipsea trail and watch the tough guys hike up past you on the Dipsea steps. Dipsea goes all the way back to Rt 1, a .2 mile walk from your car. Fantastic!
-
Review from Lisa L.
Kentfield, CA
3/29/2011
Best trail view in Marin
-
Review from Heather L.
San Francisco, CA
12/20/2007
Awesome. Check online to see if they are doing races the day you go or you could end up like I did a couple of times, waiting as people passed by even though it was 8 am on a Saturday. Beautiful and you burn a lot of calories. I would start up the hill first and come back down Steep Ravine. Beautiful scenery and very quiet otherwise.
-
Review from Lemar H.
San Francisco, CA
5/19/2009
Amazingly beautiful with many different types of geography to take in. From hiking down to the ocean to canyons to rivers to forests, this is a great way to take in the outdoors not too far from the city. And tends to be relative less traveled given limited parking in the main trail access areas. There are also a number of different branches that allow you to do different potions each time you go to keep it fresh. Unless you're just a nature hater at heart, I don't see how you could avoid enjoying this trail for a few hours provided good weather.
-
Review from Sue Ann M.
Campbell, CA
11/30/2008
GRREAT HIKE! Beautiful scenery. You have to be in some kind of shape to hike down to Stinson Beach and Back to Mt. Tam but well worth it. You can park at Mt. Tam parking lot or just up the hill along the road if there is no parking. Great Hike in the Bay area - probably my fav so far!
-
Review from XARIUSOUND r.
San Mateo, CA
7/6/2009
This trail includes a variety of green, and hillsides. WIth over half of the hike under shade cover, the foliage provides a peaceful ambience. Among the California Oaks and Douglas Firs are arrays of lush ferns and various brush throughout. With scattered bridges and miniature waterfalls, this path is a beautiful spring-summer terrain.
-
Review from arthur w.
San Francisco, CA
4/25/2009
absolute beauty this trail.....WOW.....couldn't get enough of it....
