Trail Map of Steep Ravine via Matt Davis, Mt Tamalpais

Moderate: 6.5 miles, Half day

Overview: Steep Ravine is a real jewel in Marin County's crown. Cutting deep into the landscape over millennia the water rushing through Webb Creek has created a spectacularly steep sided and lush canyon shaded by towering redwood trees and populated with a wide variety of local flora and fauna.

This trail really draws the crowds, so we heartily recommend hitting it early and hitting it first.

Rounding of this 6.5 mile hike our route guides you down the coastal section of the Matt Davis Trail promising wide sweeping ocean views and even more dense woodland switchbacks.

Elevation gain:
• 1,900ft (from 0 - 1,700ft)

Tips:
• Good shoes are recommended to handle potentially slippery surfaces on the Steep Ravine trail.
• Mt Tamalpais State Park and the neighboring Muir Moods National Monument get very busy and an early start is recommended to avoid traffic congestion and full parking lots.
• Coastal fog can reduce visibility, particularly in the morning and particularly here on the West side of the park. Steep Ravine can still be enjoyed despite fog, and the return leg down Matt Davis Trail can still reward as the clouds burn off.
• Clockwise routes of this trail are useful to burn off the total elevation gain in a shorter distance up Steep Ravine, so you can enjoy the longer return journey as a downhill route.

Alternatives:
• Start at Pan Toll ranger station and take a clockwise journey along the route, hitting Steep Ravine first to avoid the crowds later in the day.