Day hiking Mt Tam: Pantoll Ranger Station →Matt Davis → Stinson Beach → Dipsea & Steep Ravine Loop
Mt. Tamalpais is one of the best day hikes near San Francisco—and if you’re visiting the Bay Area or live nearby, this loop is an absolute must. I was up in Northern California visiting friends for a wedding and decided to make a proper adventure out of it. It had been years since I last explored Mt. Tam, and I was craving redwoods, ocean views, and a full-day hike that felt epic without being technical.
If you’ve ever researched hiking Mt. Tam, you know how overwhelming it can get fast. The entire mountain is crisscrossed with trails, zig-zagging the hillsides—especially near the top around Pantoll Ranger Station. After falling down several Reddit threads and hiking forums (seriously, shoutout to everyone who posts trail recs), one route kept coming up again and again.
When the internet agrees, you listen. This is the Mt. Tam loop I chose—and I’d highly recommend it.
Mt Tam Hike from San Francisco
Quick-Glance Itinerary: Day Hiking Mt Tam Loop
Starting Point: Pantoll Ranger Station
Ending Point: Pantoll Ranger Station
Distance: ~7–7.5 miles (varies by source)
Elevation Gain: ~1,800 ft
Time Needed: 5–6 hours (with breaks)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best For: Day hiking near San Francisco, redwoods + ocean views, Mt. Tam first-timers
Trail Route:
Pantoll Ranger Station → Matt Davis Trail → Stinson Beach → Dipsea Trail → Steep Ravine Trail → Pantoll Ranger Station
The closest All trails route i found is this one linked here
Highlights:
- Panoramic Pacific Ocean views
- Redwoods and waterfalls in Steep Ravine
- Coffee + beach break in Stinson Beach
- Quiet forest trails (much less crowded than Muir Woods)
Getting to Mt. Tamalpais from San Francisco & the Bay Area
From San Francisco or the East Bay:
- Take the Golden Gate Bridge north
- Exit toward Stinson Beach
- Follow signs for Panoramic Highway
- Wind your way uphill toward Mt. Tamalpais
- Look for Pantoll Ranger Station on the left and park there
Parking at Pantoll fills up quickly, especially on weekends. We arrived a little later and ended up street parking about five minutes below the ranger station—totally fine, just something to plan for.
I drove from Alameda in the East Bay, and it took a little over an hour, though traffic can definitely affect timing.
Matt Davis Trail to Stinson Beach (Ocean Views for Days)
Start the hike on the Matt Davis Trail, heading north from Pantoll Ranger Station. This section alone is reason enough to do this hike—rolling golden hills, wide-open coastal views, and that fresh Mt. Tam air that immediately slows your brain down.
After about 1.5 miles, the trail drops steeply toward Stinson Beach, transitioning from mountain landscape to lush forest and ending full coastal bliss.
Once you hit the beach:
- Grab a coffee or snack in town
- Take your boots off
- Stick your feet in the very cold Pacific Ocean
It’s one of the best mid-hike breaks you’ll find anywhere in Marin County.
Steep Ravine Trail & Dipsea Trail (Redwoods + Waterfalls)
From Stinson Beach, look for signs pointing toward the Dipsea Trail and Steep Ravine Trail. This is where the hike turns magical.
The Steep Ravine Trail climbs roughly 1,000 feet back up to Pantoll Ranger Station and is widely considered one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Marin County.
Webb Creek runs alongside the trail, cutting through a lush canyon filled with towering redwoods, moss-covered trees, ferns, twisting oaks and bay trees. It genuinely feels like walking through a fairy tale.
There are two waterfalls along Webb Creek, and the upper one requires climbing a short 10-foot ladder built into the rock. Waterfalls are best seen in winter, early spring, or after heavy rain.
This section is also where you’ll find:
- Quiet redwood forest
- Dense greenery and cool shade
- Occasional ocean views as you climb
(Pro tip: turn around often—views of Stinson Beach behind you are unreal.)
Why This Mt. Tam Hike Is Better Than Muir Woods
Let’s be honest:
Muir Woods: paved paths + crowds
Mt. Tam Matt Davis / Steep Ravine Loop:
- Ocean views from above and below
- Multiple ecosystems in one hike
- Quiet redwood forests
- Historic Dipsea Race trails
If you’re deciding between Muir Woods and hiking Mt. Tam, this loop offers a far more immersive and rewarding experience.
Trail Stats, Timing & Sunset Bonus
- Total Distance: ~7+ miles
- Elevation Gain: ~1,800 feet
- Start Time: ~11:00 am
- Finish: ~4:30 pm
After completing the loop, I headed back out on the Matt Davis Trail toward the Stinson Beach fork again to catch sunset views—and it was absolutely worth it. If you plan to do this, bring a headlamp for the hike back.
What to Bring for Hiking Mt. Tam
- Layers (fog and wind roll in fast)
- Headlamp (especially if staying for sunset)
- Water and snacks
- Good hiking shoes (roots, ladders, uneven trail)
- Awareness of poison oak along Steep Ravine
Because Mt. Tamalpais is so close to San Francisco, this hike can get busy during peak seasons. Arriving early helps—but even with a later start, this loop delivered one of my favorite Bay Area day hikes ever.
If you’re looking for the best Mt. Tam hike, this one checks every box: redwoods, waterfalls, ocean views, and a beach break in the middle.
Camping at Steep Ravine (Cabins & Campgrounds)
If you want to turn this Mt. Tam day hike into a full-on experience, camping at Steep Ravine is about as dreamy as it gets.
Steep Ravine Environmental Campground sits tucked inside the redwoods along Webb Creek, right off the Steep Ravine Trail. It’s one of the most unique places to camp in Marin County—and also one of the hardest to book.
There are:
- Primitive campsites
- Rustic cabins (no electricity, very cozy, very magical)
The cabins in particular are highly sought after and operate on a lottery system now due to demand. Bookings are managed through reserve.california.com, and spots tend to disappear fast. Even with planning, it can be tough to snag a reservation—but I’ve heard from multiple people that staying here is an absolutely unforgettable experience.
Imagine finishing a hike through redwoods and waterfalls, then spending the night surrounded by towering trees, creek sounds, and total quiet. It’s high on my personal NorCal bucket list.
👉 If you’re hoping to camp here:
- Plan far in advance
- Be flexible with dates
- Check reserve.california.com regularly
Even if you don’t manage to book it, hiking through Steep Ravine gives you a taste of just how special the area is.
Where to Stay in Stinson Beach
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If camping isn’t your thing—or you want a hot shower and a real bed—Stinson Beach makes a great base for exploring Mt. Tam and the Marin Coast. Spending a few nights here lets you enjoy the beach without rushing back to the city.
Sandpiper Lodging at the Beach
If you want to be right by the ocean, Sandpiper Lodging is a solid option. It’s casual, comfortable, and steps from the sand—perfect if you want early morning beach walks, sunset views, or an easy post-hike crash spot.
Surf Lodge (Stinson Beach)
For something a little more modern and design-forward, Surf Lodge is another popular choice. It has relaxed coastal vibes, clean rooms, and a great location close to both the beach and trail access.
Staying in Stinson Beach makes it easy to:
- Break this hike into a slower, more relaxed pace
- Explore other Mt. Tam trails
- Enjoy foggy mornings and golden sunsets without watching the clock
If you’re planning more adventures, be sure to check out my other California travel guides, including coastal road trips, national parks, and scenic day trips. And if you loved the dramatic landscapes here, you’ll definitely want to explore my guide to Point Reyes National Seashore in Northern California — another incredible stretch of coastline filled with windswept cliffs, wildlife, and unforgettable views.
P.S. Like the vibe of these photos?
I’ve turned some of my favorite travel shots into art prints over on my Etsy shop! Not every place I write about makes it into the shop, but if you’re into dreamy landscapes, vintage surfers, or just love a cute puffin, come take a look: Night Star Studio on Etsy
