Matt Davis Trail

The Matt Davis Trail is one of Mount Tamalpais's classic routes, traversing the mountain's southern flanks from the coast to the summit zone on a spectacular point-to-point journey. Beginning near Stinson Beach, the trail ascends through dense Douglas fir and redwood forest before breaking into expansive coastal scrub and chaparral, offering dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Bolinas Lagoon below. The trail connects seamlessly with the Muir Woods area, making it a favorite route for those seeking to combine old-growth redwood scenery with summit panoramas in a single outing. Named for Matthew Davis, a longtime Marin outdoorsman, this path has been a beloved hiking corridor since the early twentieth century. Wildflowers bloom prolifically in spring, and the descent through cool, shaded canyons provides welcome relief on warm afternoons. The point-to-point nature requires a car shuttle or a return on alternative trails such as the Steep Ravine. Moderate in overall gradient, the route has some steeper pitches that reward hikers with progressively grander coastal scenery at each turn.