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Up and down or down and up, either direction you'll be mesmerized. The coastal view is stunning.


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Map Key

3.1

Miles

5.1

KM

Point to Point

775' 236 m

High

21' 6 m

Low

218' 66 m

Up

872' 266 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly There are just a couple steep sections. Plenty of places to stop and share the views. This trail can easily become part of a much longer loop hike.

Description

From way atop the hill where Highway One and the Panoramic Highway intersect, there is a parking lot just past the big sharp turn. Hop on that trail going west and you'll start your descent to the coast and Muir Beach, right across from the Pelican Inn. Dont mistakenly take the trail to the right that descends into Muir Woods, unless that is your intended destination.

As one would expect when facing west, the views will be absolutely stunning. See if you can detect the Farallon Islands, and the tankers and cargo ships. Look northward and you'll see Duxbury Reef and even Point Reyes. This is all downhill with the steepest portion being near the bottom before the Pelican Inn. Save some energy for the return trip if you go east to west!

Flora & Fauna

This is one of the largest of the chaparral areas left in Marin County. Trees are overgrowing other areas because of the lack of wildfires. The canyon to the north leads to Muir Woods, so naturally there will be redwoods, oaks, laurel and more. Pines line the ridge and there are plenty of soaring birds that you can almost touch.

Contacts

Shared By:

Phil DiGirolamo

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 3 votes

#7471

Overall
  4.7 from 3 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
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2 Star
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#605

in California

#7,471

Overall
13 Views Last Month
3,842 Since Aug 31, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
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67%
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33%
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Photos

Lower portion of Diaz Ridge Trail with Muir Beach in the background.
Apr 21, 2016 near Tamalpa…, CA
View of ocean from trail
Jun 20, 2018 near Tamalpa…, CA
This part of the Dias Ridge Trail leads to the peak, just before you start your descent.  Look for the line of dead pines and you'll be past the half way point.  All downhill from here on the west direction.
Feb 16, 2016 near Tamalpa…, CA
View from the top looking at surfers scrambling to get over this set wave at Muir Beach.
Feb 11, 2016 near Tamalpa…, CA

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