Steep Ravine and Bootjack Trails Loop

This hike is best done in the winter and spring in order for the creeks and waterfalls to be flowing.

Park at the Bootjack Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park. Cross the road to reach the Bootjack trail. Continue on this until you reach the Alpine trail. Go right towards the Pantoll Ranger Station. Once you arrive here, take the Steep Ravine Trail. This drops you down into a spectacular canyon filled with giant redwoods, ferns, and a lively stream full of waterfalls. At the first trail junction, about 1.5 miles along, turn left on the Dipsea trail, which climbs out of the redwood canyon. 

Hikers are first faced with a harsh climb up hundreds of stairs. But the reward at points on this trail are views of the ocean and San Francisco Bay Area. Continue along the Dipsea trail until you get to the trail junction with the Ben Johnston trail. This trail will bring you down into the redwood-filled canyon of Muir Woods. At the bottom of the trail, you will cross a bridge over a beautiful creek to meet up with the Bootjack trail once again. On this, you will witness more redwoods and many waterfalls. Follow the Bootjack trail until you reach the road and the parking lot.