Stairs on the Dipsea Trail – Cardiac Hill loop from Stinson Beach

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Stairs on the Dipsea Trail – Cardiac Hill loop from Stinson Beach

Moderate

4.9

(1517)

9,267

hikers

Stairs on the Dipsea Trail – Cardiac Hill loop from Stinson Beach

03:13

9.95km

430m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 6, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Stinson Beach (GGNRA)

Mount Tamalpais State Park

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

409 m

Dipsea Trail from Stinson to Steep Ravine Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

First run in 1905, the Dipsea is the oldest trail race in America. It is run every year on the second Sunday in June. The scenic 7.4 mile course from …

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2.41 km

Stairs on the Dipsea Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Coming down a steep slope of steps, the Steep Ravine trail here merges into the legendary Dipsea trail, site of the annual race uphill from Mill Valley, and down toward Stinson.

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4.89 km

Cardiac Hill

Highlight • Viewpoint

Excellent overview to all sides, north, west, and south along the Pacific coastline of the Marin peninsula.

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4.90 km

Cardiac Hill (Dipsea Trail, Mount Tamalpais State Park)

Highlight • Summit

While the hill earned its name on the steep and unrelenting ascent, the section of Dipsea Trail that winds around the hill is actually more gradual than some of the other trails leading here.

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7.83 km

Lookout to the Bay

Highlight • Viewpoint

From this spot on the Panoramic Highway near a parking pullout and access to the Dispea Trail via a fire road, you get fantastic, sweeping views of the Bay and …

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8.56 km

View of Stinson Beach from the Dipsea Trail

Highlight • Viewpoint

When finally emerging from the forested trails the view opens up to the Pacific Ocean, with a couple of opportunities to see the crescent shaped Stinson Beach below.

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9.37 km

Dipsea Trail: Panoramic Highway Trailhead

Highlight • Trail

There is a dirt parking lot here on the side of the Panoramic Highway. You can venture the 0.3 miles down to Stinson Beach, or begin a scenic climb up …

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