3 |
COASTAL/MATT |
DISTANCE: 3.2 miles round-trip
HIKING TIME: 1.5 hours
SEASON: year-round
DIFFICULTY: easy
On Mt. Tamalpais (locally known as Mt. Tam), it’s all about the coastal views. Coastal and Matt Davis trails traverse the mountain, and for this route, they overlap. Matt Davis eventually descends to the ocean; Coastal Trail heads to Bolinas-Fairfax Rd.
In the first mile, marvel at the moss on the bay laurels, dense ferns, and sunlight filtering through the leaf canopy. The trail then opens to grasslands and blue sky. In spring, wildflowers burst into colorful display. Along the broad slopes of Mt. Tam, you may spot faraway deer, soaring hawks, or other hikers. From here the mountain drops more than 1,000 feet to the ocean. Your view expands as you walk, extending from the San Francisco skyline to Stinson Beach and Bolinas, then north to Point Reyes.
Your goal is 1.6 miles out, where an unmarked spur trail on your left climbs to a knoll. (If you reach the Coastal/Matt Davis trail split, you’ve passed it.) Follow this spur—in 50 feet it will deliver the best view of the day. Retrace your steps to head back home.
From U.S. 101 north, take the Mill Valley/Stinson Beach/Hwy. 1 exit and drive 1.0 mile to Shoreline Hwy. (Hwy. 1). Turn left and drive 2.5 miles. Turn right onto Panoramic Hwy. Drive 0.9 mile until an intersection. Take the straight road, continuing on Panoramic Hwy. for 4.3 miles to the Pantoll Ranger Station. Across from the dirt lot, on the southwest side of Pantoll Rd., is the trailhead for the Coastal/Matt Davis Trails.
