Matt Davis Trail
Mt Tamalpais State Park
Stinson Beach, CA 94970
18 reviews
Neighborhood: Outer Sunset
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7 Reviews for Matt Davis Trail
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!
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.
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.
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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!
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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!
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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...
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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!
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