Matt Davis Trail

Matt Davis Trail in Mount Tamalpais State Park is a long, sustained hike built as a named route (mapped as a dirt path). It’s used for out-and-back or for building longer loops by pairing it with other Mount Tamalpais trails.

For planning scale, the commonly referenced hike lengths range from about 6.6 miles (loop) up to about 13.6 miles for a round trip, depending on how you stitch it into a loop and which connections you include.

Expect major climbing and switchback work on the way up from the Pantoll side toward Stinson Beach. The trail is described as moderately to strenuous, with a time commitment around 3.5–4.5 hours for typical through-versions.

A widely used strategy is to start near Stinson Beach and head uphill first on Matt Davis Trail. Many hikers then rely on loop partners (often involving Steep Ravine and/or Dipsea) for the return loop shape.

The trail corridor runs through shaded groves on the way toward the Stinson Beach end, with sections that open up to exposed hillsides and changing terrain as elevation shifts. Loose, rooty, stair-stepped sections are a common theme on Tamalpais trail climbs and descents.

Facilities and logistics line up with Pantoll: restrooms and drinking water are available at Pantoll Campground around the midpoint on common loop/out-and-back constructions. Parking access is typically the practical constraint—Pantoll parking requires a fee and fills quickly on weekends.

More information: Matt Davis Trail – from Stinson Beach Trailhead - Marinside Out, Matt Davis Trail - Mt. Tamalpias State Park, Matt Davis Trail | Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy