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Wild Recovery San Jose, California

November 7, 2009 Mt. Tamalpais - Steep Ravine / Matt Davis Loop Mount Tamalpais State Park Marin County

The Place

Mount Tamalpais State Park rises majestically from the heart of Marin County. It captures our attention with its sweeping hillsides, cloaked with chaparrel-covered ridges, grasslands and oak woodlands. Deep canyons filled with solemn redwood groves intersect these ridges it is a popular hiking, picnicking, mountain and road cycling, horseback riding, and hang-gliding destination for residents of the San Francisco Bay Area, with over 100 miles (160 km) of trails and fire roads.

The Steep Ravine Trail has been describes as "enchanting" with small water falls and beautiful redwoods along the way. The Dipsea Race which takes place on the 7 mile Dipsea Trail from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach since 1905 is the oldest cross-country trail running event - and the second oldest foot race of any kind in the United States.

Where to Meet:

Meeting in Mount Tamalpais State Park at the Ranger Station parking lot at 801 Panoramic Highway and Pan Toll Rd.
Steep Ravine trailhead, our start is at the Southern edge of the parking lot.

Walking the Walk

We will be descending the Steep Ravine Trail which includes an unusual 10 foot ladder at .8 miles. We will hike along Web Creek. At about 1.7 miles we will bear right to the Dipsea Trail. At 2.9 miles the Dipsea Trail crosses the Panoramic Highway, we pick up the trail on the other side. At 3 miles the Dipsea Trail meets CA 1 we will tun right walk along CA 1 for less than .1 mile past the fire station where we will make a right onto Belvedere Ave and just past the Wrong Way sign we will pick up the Matt Davis Trail to start our climb back up! We remain on the Matt Davis Trail and plan to have the meeting at Table Rock.

Directions:

After crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, drive North on 101 about 5.5 miles, then take exit 445B at CA 1-Mill Valley Stinson Beach and drive on Shoreline Highway to Almonte (look for the CA 1 sign) about 1 mile. Turn left on CA 1 and drive about 2.5 miles to Panoramic Highway. Turn Right on Panoramic Highway and drive about 5.5 miles to Pan Toll Rd. Make a left into the parking lot.

Know Before You Go:

Parking Fee: $8 Car pooling is suggested as there is also a bridge toll of $6
No Dogs Allowed
Dress appropriately for November, Layers are suggested
Restrooms - available in the Parking lot and at Stinson Beach

Website for maps:    Click Here