The Best Hike in San Francisco

It's been almost five years since I moved to California.  I knew it was a beautiful state but at first I didn't know where anything was, especially all the beautiful sights everyone was talking about.  I didn't know where to go to find all the amazing waterfalls, and trails and mountains...

Now I do, but it took a while for me to dig it up.  So today I want to share one of the coolest hikes in the city of San Francisco.

If you live in San Francisco or ever go to visit, this is the hike you should consider.  The Dipsea Steep Ravine Trail we took is in the Mt. Tamalpais State Park and it will take you through some amazing, jungle-like redwood groves, fern covered trails and beautiful waterfalls.  Going through it is like going through amazonian jungle with micro climate, but with cooler weather.

It's quite a workout, too.  You can start it at either in the forest and end at Stinson Beach (there is also an option to keep going and make a loop) or vice versa.  

George and I chose to begin our hike at the top of the mountain in the forest, right at the Ranger Station, and headed down the steep hike towards the ocean.  If you think that hiking downhill is all easy-breezy think again.  At the bottom of the canyon the trail will take you up and down, and climbing out of it may leave you sore the day after.

Once we reached the bottom of the canyon, the temperature dropped significantly.  It actually got cold there, but still enjoyable.  While the trail is well maintained, you may feel like you're trekking through some crazy green and wild jungle with huge redwoods and other vine-like trees and growths.

One thing I really enjoyed about it was the fact that the trail runs alongside of the brisk stream, and I got to enjoy some of its awesome waterfalls.  The trail can also turn into a little obstacle course, where you'll have to cross a bridge, duck under a low fallen tree or climb down a wooden ladder.  

The final stretch took us out of the forest and into hilly plains where we decided to try a little jog into the sunset.  It felt good, especially with the ocean breeze hitting our faces.  You can see the ocean from there and the sight is spectacular!

The trail will end right by the main road, and crossing it will take you right to the Pacific Ocean Stinson Beach.  Some people chose to begin their hike at the beach and hike their way up the canyon. That is way more strenuous, so I guess you can say we took the easier option; though it didn't feel easy at all!

xoxo