Dias Ridge Trail

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!

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.