Dipsea to East Peak | Sea to Sky Butt-Kicker!

All aboard! Who doesn’t want to bag Marin’s iconic Mount Tam and snap some selfies, seemingly from the top of the world?

With spectacular, panoramic views of the entire Bay Area and beyond, this is a must-do and rewarding excursion. The East Peak is a fairly easy summit to reach—especially if you drive right up to the parking lot! We, however, decided to make this hike as challenging as possible by starting down at Stinson Beach and climbing on up via the magical, hobbit-esque forest known as the Steep Ravine Trail. And to kick it up a notch, we did this walk on one of the hottest days in the year! Better to do this hike in cooler weather, due to the long and treacherously exposed final stretch of fire roads, after the West Point Inn.

View from the top

ROUTE

Dipsea > Steep Ravine > Pantoll > Matt Davis > Boot Jack > Nora Trail > West Point Inn > Old Railroad Grade Fire Trail

STATS & FACTS

Distance: 16 Miles
Hike Style: Out & Back or Loop
Elevation Climb: 3,200 ft
Hike Level: Moderate/Strenuous depending on weather
Mount Tamalpais State Park website
Muir Woods Trail map

Trail Notes

Begin at Dipsea Trail and head towards Steep Ravine
Finding parking in the sleepy town of Stinson Beach at around 8am is super easy. Drive past the soft serve ice cream place, and park shortly after the bridge. From there, it’s a short walk to the well-marked Dipsea Trail entrance. It’s usually pretty cool and foggy in the morning, so dress in layers.

Foggy Dipsea Trail

Steep Ravine Trail to Pantoll Ranger Station
The woodsy Steep Ravine is one of my favorite trails! As the name implies, this trail really is a steep ravine! Idyllic in every way, tall trees and canyon walls all adorned in lush ferns and moss, bubbling streams and cascades, stone staircases, and a 10-foot ladder to climb. It’s hard not to tune in to your inner hobbit or wood nymph during this section of the hike.

Once you reach the busy hub that is the Pantoll Ranger Station, the foggy-woodsy-dreamy part of the hike is abruptly over and it’s time to trek.

The bridge shortly before the 10-foot ladder

Which way? Pantoll Ranger Station

Pantoll Ranger Station to Matt Davis Trail
Pantoll is a great spot to take a quick break, use the bathroom, fill up your water bottle, grab a map and consult with a ranger. Then, when you are ready to continue, cross the street to access the Matt Davis Trail, by passing through the Bootjack Camp.

Matt Davis Trail > Nora Trail > West Point Inn
At this point, the trails are far more exposed and the heat can make things more oppressive than need be. But, once you get over the beating sun, the views are pretty awesome. You are literally in the clouds. The woodsy Nora Trail offers shade, but has you climbing! The West Point Inn is a very welcome resting spot for weary hikers and bicyclists alike. Take a seat, take your backpack off, cool off, and look out at the Bay, far far below. Look up the hill, and try not be deterred that the Fire Lookout at the summit, the destination of this trip, still seems like a million miles away!

Take a break and take in the views, at West Point Inn

Hummingbirds and Bay views at West Point Inn

West Point > Old RR Grade Road > East Peak
This final 2-mile stretch on Old RR Grade fire road, seemed longer than the entire hike due to the extreme heat and the 534 feet climb in full exposure. In cooler weather, this would probably not be so bad. Just keep following the signs to East Peak. Once you get to the visitor center area there are throngs of people and children everywhere racing up to the summit.

Reaching the cool steps of the Fire Lookout feels for sure like an accomplishment. All the toil of getting here kinda fades away, giving way to awe and appreciation. Here at the top of the world, where eagles are soaring far above the clouds. From East Peak, I can see my whole world and my life from a higher perspective. And, when I walk back towards home, I am quieter, relaxed, at peace. I hike, to awaken this connection.

Heading back down from the mountain, we were hot and tired, so opted to keep things easy by going back the same route we came. However, there are many alternate trails that lead back down to Matt Davis, allowing for a change of scenery. For example, you could take the steep climb down via Fern Creek. Be sure to have a map handy!

Walk with us and get a feel for the whole hike by checking out the slideshow down below. Happy Trails!

One of the many glorious views from the East Peak summit