Steep Ravine Trail, Mt Tamalpais State Park - Pantoll Ranger Station, San Francisco: Marin Headlands - Mt Tamalpais - Point Reyes, California
Steep Ravine Trail - 4.4 miles
Mt Tamalpais State Park - Pantoll Ranger Station
| Round-Trip Length: | 4.4 miles |
| Start-End Elevation: | 1,478' - 485' (1,478' max elevation) |
| Elevation Change: | -993' net elevation loss (+1,087' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Moderate |
| Dogs Allowed: | No |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Steep Ravine Trail - 4.4 Miles Round-Trip
The Steep Ravine Trail traces the redwood lined banks of Webb Creek to an overlook on Highway 1 of Rocky Point and Red Rock Beach. You may continue on Rocky Point Road to the Rocky Point Trail or down to Red Rock Beach, which is accessible from the Steep Ravine Cabins and Environmental Campground area:
The Steep Ravine Trail drops quickly to the creek and a small redwood stand (.4 miles : 1,212'). It crosses Webb Creek - the first of many times - and follows it closely beneath columns of redwood.
The trail comes to a sturdy but oft-wet 10' ladder (.85 miles : 1,049'); once down grades steepen on a rugged descent through redwoods and an oak, laurel and maple understory.
Webb Creek is fed by many tributaries, which add to its velocity as you progress. Bridge crossings between 1.15 and 1.6 miles offer good perspective on the creek corridor.
The trail briefly joins the Dipsea Trail (1.7 miles : 515') and departs soon after by following signs across a fire road (1.75 miles). The Steep Ravine Trail curls back toward Webb Creek and levels beneath the last few redwoods that gradually yield to oak, bay and buckeye.
The forest abruptly opens in a diminutive chaparral zone at the trail's terminus on Highway 1 (2.2 miles : 476'). Cross Highway 1 and follow signs for Mt Tamalpais State Park and Rocky Point Road to a magnificent overlook of Rocky Point, Red Rock Beach, and Stinson Beach.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N37 54.200 W122 36.244 — 0.0 miles : Pantoll Ranger Station - Steep Ravine Trailhead
- N37 54.118 W122 36.439 — .4 miles : Cross creek through redwood stand
- N37 53.904 W122 36.710 — .85 miles : Descend ladder
- N37 53.615 W122 37.081 — 1.5 mile mark
- N37 53.498 W122 37.251 — 1.7 miles : Dipsea Trail junction #1
- N37 53.474 W122 37.297 — 1.75 miles : Dipsea Trail junction #2 - split left
- N37 53.334 W122 37.389 — 2.0 miles : Trail levels beside Webb Creek
- N37 53.201 W122 37.563 — 2.2 miles : Steep Ravine Trail terminus on Highway 1
Worth Noting
- Portions of the Steep Ravine Trail can be steep, slick and muddy. Sturdy footwear is recommended. Watch for poison oak and ivy on lower portions of the trail.
- Those with time should consider hiking the Rocky Point Trail, or dropping down to Red Rock Beach. Though tempting, visitors are strongly discouraged from off-trail travel on the sensitive bluffs that are immediately accessible from Highway 1.
- Coast Redwoods are the tallest living organisms on earth, and can live to be 2,000 years old. Redwoods grow best in moderate temperatures and need significant moisture to thrive. The Redwoods' success along the California coast is due in part to year-round fog. Perennial fog condenses on the trees' needles, drips to the ground and provides moisture, even during the dry season.
Camping and Backpacking Information
Backcountry camping is not permitted within Mt Tamalpais State Park.
Pantoll Campground
- The Pantoll Campground is located on Panoramic Highway adjacent to the Pantoll Ranger Station. It has 16 campsites, each with a table, rock barbecue, food locker and space for a tent. Phones, faucets, firewood and flush toilets are nearby. There are no showers. Sites are first-come, first-served.
Steep Ravine Environmental Campground
- The Steep Ravine Environmental Campground is located on a coastal terrace off Highway 1, one mile south of Stinson Beach. It has nine rustic cabins and seven primitive campsites. Each cabin has a wood stove, picnic table, benches, sleeping platforms and outdoor bbq.
- The cabins do not have running water or electricity. Primitive toilets, faucets, and firewood are nearby. Primitive campsites are located a few hundred yards from the parking area. Each site has a table, fire pit, food locker and space for a tent. Primitive toilets and water faucets are nearby. There are no showers at Steep Ravine Campground.
Alice Eastwood Group Camp
- Alice Eastwood Group Camp is located off Panoramic Highway on Alice Eastwood Road. It has two campsites. Site A holds up to 50 people; Site B holds up to 25 people. Both sites have tables, flush toilets, water faucets with sinks, bbq grills and a large area for tents.
Frank Valley Group Horse Camp
- Frank Valley Group Horse Camp is located 1.5 miles West of Muir Woods National Monument on Muir Woods Road. It has 12 pipe corrals, water faucets, watering troughs, picnic tables, fire rings and a pit toilet. The minimum group size is 2 horses; the maximum size is 12 horses.
- To reserve a campground visit www.reserveamerica.com or call 800.444.7275. For specific camping and campground questions, call Pantoll Ranger Station at 415.388.2070.
Rules and Regulations
- Dogs and Bikes are not permitted on the Steep Ravine Trail.
Directions to Trailhead
Mt Tamalpais State Park is located north of San Francisco in Marin County. The Pantoll Ranger Station is located 8.5 miles from Highway 101 on Panoramic Highway. The Steep Ravine Trailhead is located steps away from the Pantoll Ranger Station (to the right).
From Highway 101, exit Stinson Beach - Highway 1 and follow the exit ramp west .6 miles to the Highway 1 - Almonte Blvd intersection. Turn left on Highway 1 toward Stinson Beach. The road winds up the mountain to the Panoramic Highway split (3.2 miles) - veer right on Panoramic Highway (anticipate this quick turnoff).
Remain on Panoramic Highway and follow signs for Mt Tamalpais State Park to the Pantoll Ranger Station (keep straight at the Muir Woods - Mill Valley fork at 4.0 miles).
The Pantoll Ranger Station is located on the left side of the road. Main lot parking carries an $8 fee. Free but limited parking is available across the street at the Matt Davis Trailhead.
Contact Information
Mt Tamalpais State Park
801 Panoramic Highway
Mill Valley, CA 94941
415.388.2070
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