01
Best overall pick
Matt Davis – Steep Ravine Loop
Above Central Stinson Beach • Redwood Canyon And Coastal Hillside Loop • Classic Stinson Beach Experience
A must-do loop that links ocean views with a shaded redwood gorge, ladders, and waterfalls in a single half-day outing.
Start from Stinson Beach, climb the Matt Davis Trail through open slopes with wide ocean views, then drop into the ferny, waterfall-streaked Steep Ravine. The wooden ladders, footbridges, and creek crossings make it feel surprisingly wild for being so close to town. It’s a steady workout with plenty of places to pause, take photos, and enjoy the change from sunny coastal hills to cool redwood forest.
02
Historic route pick
Dipsea Trail from Stinson Beach
Eastern Edge Of Stinson Beach • Historic Ridge-And-Canyon Trail • Best For Runners And Fast Hikers
Follow a celebrated race route from the edge of town into wooded canyons and open ridges with constant changes in grade and scenery.
The Dipsea heads east from Stinson with a mix of stairs, tight switchbacks, and rolling singletrack that locals use for both training runs and brisk hikes. You can turn around at one of the canyon viewpoints or link it with Steep Ravine or Matt Davis for a longer loop. Expect plenty of elevation change, glimpses of Mount Tam, and a good leg burn on the way back down to the beach.
03
Big day adventure
Stinson Beach to Mount Tamalpais Summit
From Stinson Beach Into Mount Tamalpais High Country • Long Summit Climb From Sea Level • Best For Strong, All-Day Hikers
Start at the surf line and climb all the way to Mount Tam’s summit for a full-value day with huge views and varied terrain.
This route typically uses a combination of Dipsea, Steep Ravine, and Old Stage Road to reach the East Peak, then returns via Matt Davis, creating a strenuous but spectacular loop. You’ll move from beachside neighborhoods into deep redwood forest and finally out onto open ridgelines with panoramas of the Bay, the Farallones, and San Francisco. Plan for an early start, changing weather, and plenty of snacks and water—this is the local benchmark for a serious coastal hike.
04
Ocean-view traverse
Coastal Trail to Muir Beach
Bluffs North Of Stinson Beach • Rolling Coastal Cliffside Hike • Best For Ocean Vistas
A bluff-top traverse that strings together constant Pacific views, breezy headlands, and a village-to-village feel between Stinson and Muir Beach.
From Stinson, the Coastal Trail climbs onto the headlands and follows the contour of the cliffs, with the ocean in view for most of the way. The grades are moderate but add up, making it a good choice if you want miles without the intense climbing of the summit routes. Many hikers enjoy a snack or meal stop at Muir Beach before turning around, timing the return for late-afternoon light over the water.
05
Steep workout climb
Willow Camp and Coastal Fire Road Loop
Ridge Above Northern Stinson Beach • Steep Fire Road Climb To Panoramic Ridge • Best For Fitness Hikers And Wide-Open Views
A direct, no-nonsense climb from sea level to the ridge that rewards steady effort with broad views and a quieter feel than the marquee trails.
The Willow Camp Fire Road wastes no time gaining elevation, rising sharply from the north end of Stinson into open grasslands and coastal scrub. Linking it with the Coastal Fire Road creates a loop that feels remote even though you can still see the beach far below. It’s less busy than the better-known singletrack loops, making it a good option when parking is tight or you prefer more space on the trail.