Steep Ravine
Campground
Mt. Tamalpais SP
801 Panoramic Hwy.
Mill Valley, CA, 94941.
Phone: (415) 388-2070
Tucked away at the bottom of Mt. Tamalpais, the rustic cabins that most people spend the night in are perched on the edge of the rocky bluffs. Scoring reservations for the cabins often commands a six-month wait. Luckily, reserving campsites down here is easier, at least on weekdays.
It makes a great starting point to follow the Steep Ravine Trail into Mt. Tam State Park to explore its web of trails, lush with ferns and redwoods. From the top of Mt. Tam (2,571 feet above sea level) you can see 25 miles out into the Pacific, all the way to the Farallon Islands. Or you might spot Mt. Diablo in the East Bay.
On a REALLY good day, you'll see the Sierra peeking up from the horizon, 150 miles to the east.
Getting there
From 101, take Hwy. 1 north for 13 miles. Keep your eyes peeled on the left side of the road for a small driveway that descends down the mountain with a tiny sign for "Steep Ravine Rocky Point." It's 1 mile south of Stinson Beach.
If you've never been to Steep Ravine before, you'll probably miss it. But if you double back, eventually you'll find get there. And it will be worth it.
Steep Ravine