Name: Dias Ridge Trail
Rating: 4.5

Conditions

Minor Issues 24 days ago

Mostly Dry, Some Mud History

Getting forecast...

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

— Phil DiGirolamo

GPX File — Driving Directions

Overview

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.

Dogs: Leashed

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.