Steep Ravine Climb

This is easily one of the most unique hikes you will encounter in Mount Tamalpais State Park. The ravine is located next to the Steep Ravine Cabins, which were built in the 1940s by landowner William Kent, Jr. and are now rented out on a per-night basis. The hike itself is short but technical. The hike requires scrambling and some exposure to heights, and it can be especially treacherous after a rain. But the surprises at the top are well worth the risks.

Start your hike at the dirt parking area across Highway 1 from the Steep Ravine entrance. If you have rented a cabin, you will be allowed to drive right down to the Steep Ravine parking lot; otherwise, hike a mile down a paved road. From the cabins, follow the path to the right and down to the beach. Walk to the end of the beach, and then look to your right. That stream bed is your trail. There is more then one way up, but you will mostly find yourself climbing straight up the rocks.

After a bit of rock hopping, you will see the first signs of the rusty wrecks that lay above. Highway 1 can be very dangerous for drivers, and these examples have been here for quite a while. Above the wrecks you will find a beautiful waterfall and a great spot for lunch.

Once you are ready to move on from the waterfall, you can choose between three directions. You can climb up above the waterfall and continue rock hopping, though this section can be very overgrown and may be impassible at certain times of the year. Going left will leads onto a very steep, very exposed hillside. Going right is the best option, and this path leads to a cliffside. It is also exposed, but you will have more to hold onto. Follow the cliff until you get to the pipe. Climb up the rock, under the pipe, and then to the right. Following the small path will bring you back to the paved road and your car.

Note: Wear long pants, as there can be a lot of poison oak in the area.