Conquering Mt Tam – Beautiful Day in Marin

Started at Stinson Beach with normal overcast gloom.  Headed up the Dipsea Trail before heading up the Matt Davis Trail.  Initial climb gets your legs activated.  Don’t forget to look back at Stinson Beach as you head up in the first mile.  The ladder on the trail is a great visual and cool activity.  Went from Matt Davis to Steep Ravine Trail…steep is an understatement.  It’s about 3,000 feet and 7 1/2 miles to the East Peak so you know when you hit 5 1/2 miles and still have 1,500 feet, you know it will be tough…and it was.  But well worth it…windy at the top but the views were amazing.  Clear skies… wonderful views of downtown SF, Sutro Tower, Bay Bridge, Richmond Bridge, and Marin County.  Trail down was longer than anticipated but still wonderful.  Good shade all around.  The trees are amazing as are the numerous little wooden bridges across the stream.  Ending up at Stinson Beach on a wonderful, sunny day was icing on the cake!