Steep Ravine, Dipsea, and Matt Davis Loop

Located In:

Mount Tamalpais State Park.

Distance:

6.6-mile loop.

Difficulty Level:

Moderate.

Photo by Tracy Ho Leung

Know Before You Go:

Don’t pack the pup—no dogs allowed on this beautiful trail. There’s a lot of poison oak (yes, even in winter), so be aware of your surroundings. Wear layers, including a rain jacket, and shoes with traction.

Why We Love It:

With varied terrain and scenery, including dense redwood forests and spectacular ocean views, it’s a literal picture-perfect route; plus, it’s accessible to all fitness levels.

photos courtesy of Stinson Beach Bodega

Fuel Up:
Savor barbacoa (or breakfast!) tacos, sandwiches, salads, “pinsa” (an easier-to-digest Roman pizza), and buzzworthy coffee at Stinson Beach Bodega (bodegastinson.com)—a classic roadside market, gift shop, and “chef-crafted” eatery that utilizes the best produce and artisanal goods West Marin has to offer.

How to ID Poison Oak in Winter

Contrary to popular belief, poison oak is not inactive in winter; its stems still contain urushiol oil and will indeed cause a rash.

Unfortunately, without its most easily identifiable trait—the “leaves of three”—pinpointing the plant is much harder. Luckily, there are still signs that what you’re looking at may make you itch.

Seek out pale, gray-to-cinnamon-colored branches (or stems) that look like thin, bare reeds standing straight up. These tend to accumulate in dense thickets and can reach over six feet tall.

by Ryan Martinez

Photos 1,2,3,5, & 6 by Tracy Ho Leung. Photo 4 by Mercè Sancho Llano. Photo 7 by Megan Wiskus ©stylemediagroup. Stinson Beach Bodega photos courtesy of Stinson Beach Bodega.

For more information, visit
alltrails.com/trail/us/california/dipsea-steep-ravine-matt-davis-loop-trail-from-pantoll.

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