A beloved though demanding hike, the 7-mile Dipsea Trail climbs over the coastal range and down to Stinson Beach, cutting through a corner of Muir Woods. This classic trail starts at Old Mill Park with a climb up 676 steps in three separate flights, and includes a few more ups and downs before reaching the ocean.
The few slaloms between staircases aren't well signed, but locals can point the way.
West Marin Stagecoach route 61 buses run from Stinson Beach back to Mill Valley at least a few times every day, making it a doable one-way day-hike. You can refill water bottles and grab a snack at Muir Woods Trading Company cafe, about a 2-mile hike from Mill Valley, or start or end the trail there instead.
