The 7.1 mile long Dipsea Trail begins on a lush and shadowy lane in Mill Valley. From Old Mill Park boardwalks lead up into the winding neighborhood. It’s an unusual start for a trail, but after a mile, a sign warns of mountain lions and the houses are soon left behind. The whole hike is peaceful with no tough stretches good sneakers can't handle. In Muir Woods you can take a detour through the redwood groves, then continue past mossy trees that curve in odd ways until you get to Deer Park fire road where you can enjoy nice vistas of the coast. On Cardiac Hill the cool wind will mess your hair, and you might shiver in the shade, but the sun soon returns as Stinson Beach comes into view. Along the way there are stunning natural sights, like massive roots and mossy dinosaur shapes, and streams running under small bridges- all this so close to the city! While in the last stretch of hills, I felt like I was in Mongolia, and expected to see grazing yaks looking up as we approached. Soon we hiked down to the cottages and restaurants on the main road in Stinson Beach.
The Dipsea can be taken on impulse by fit hikers. Just bring sunscreen and water and dress for an easy hike up and down to the beach. We left in late afternoon and finished in less than three hours. Allow for more time to linger and head off the beaten path.
Since we parked in Mill Valley we worried about getting back, for the weekend bus does not make runs after 6PM. But getting back was easy. I just stuck out my thumb as a young woman opened her car door and she offered to drive us back along Panoramic Highway. She took every curve fast and, when we were out of breath, dropped us off at the Mill Valley Depot at 8pm. From Mill Valley it takes about 15 minutes to cross the Golden Gate Bridge and get to San Francisco.