Dipsea Trail
Located In:
Distance:
Difficulty Level:
Know Before You Go:
Why We Love It:
Trail Notes:
Fuel Up:
Finish the hike in Stinson Beach and refuel at Parkside Café (parksidecafe.com)—a charming mom-and-pop establishment with a snack bar, sit-down eatery, coffee kiosk, and marketplace. Menu items include everything from fresh-caught seafood to sandwiches, salads, and house-baked pastries.
The Oldest Trail Race in America
People flock from all over the world to participate in the Dipsea Race (dipsea.org), which first started in 1905 and is the oldest trail race in the country. Boasting steep ascents, including nearly 1,000 stairs within the first mile, the competition is a true trial of stamina and speed. With awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean and old-growth forest valleys, Dipsea is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful trails in Northern California. Feeling up to the challenge? We recommend hiking it first!
Mill Valley.
9.7 miles out and back.
Difficult.
The challenging but beautiful trail is sans cell service and begins in Muir Woods National Monument; hikers must pay a fee and make reservations for parking and shuttle rides online (nps.gov/muwo/planyourvisit/reservations.htm).
Meandering through serene Northern California redwoods while witnessing ocean views and picturesque valleys with streams will have you remembering why California is indeed golden.
Respect the posted signage; practice Leave No Trace ethics; and come prepared with plenty of water, layers, and shoes with traction.
Finish the hike in Stinson Beach and refuel at Parkside Café (parksidecafe.com)—a charming mom-and-pop establishment with a snack bar, sit-down eatery, coffee kiosk, and marketplace. Menu items include everything from fresh-caught seafood to sandwiches, salads, and house-baked pastries.
The Oldest Trail Race in America
People flock from all over the world to participate in the Dipsea Race (dipsea.org), which first started in 1905 and is the oldest trail race in the country. Boasting steep ascents, including nearly 1,000 stairs within the first mile, the competition is a true trial of stamina and speed. With awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean and old-growth forest valleys, Dipsea is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful trails in Northern California. Feeling up to the challenge? We recommend hiking it first! For more information, visit alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/dipsea-trail--2
Do you have a favorite trail in the region you’d like to see featured? Tell us all about it at [email protected].
by Ryan Martinez
Top, middle right, and lower right photos by Ryan Martinez. Middle left photo by Anuschka Schneider. Bottom far left photo by Yana Dugan. Bottom middle photo by Maxine Gilbert. Race photo by Steve Disenhof, stevedisenhof.com.