Dipsea Trail: Famous Trail Race Route Through Redwoods and Coast. Photo Credit; Stinson Beach from Dipsea Trail in Mount Tamalpais State Park.jpg
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Published February 25, 2026
Dipsea Trail: Famous Trail Race Route Through Redwoods and Coast
From downtown Mill Valley to Stinson Beach in Marin County, the Dipsea Trail (7 to 7.5 miles) is the legendary route of America's oldest trail race (since 1905). This challenging path climbs steep stairs, winds through redwoods, and descends to the ocean, blending history with stunning scenery.
A Rugged Fusion of Stairways, Redwoods, and Coastal Bluffs
The trail bridges urban Mill Valley stairs (670+ steps), Mount Tamalpais redwood groves (Dynamite/Cardiac sections), and open moors toward Stinson. It supports diverse flora/fauna, including ferns, wildflowers, and birds in mixed evergreen and coastal scrub habitats.
Adventure With a Conservation Conscience
Follow from Old Mill Park up stairs, through Muir Woods area, over ridges, and to Stinson Beach parking lot. Hard with 2,300 ft gain/loss; sections named for difficulty.
Access is intentional: street parking in Mill Valley, sunrise to sunset, pack out waste, stay on trail. Multi-use in places; respect race heritage and private land crossings.
Dipsea Trail delivers Marin famous trail race route hiking in epic variety. For runners and hikers embracing stairs and redwood drama, the grueling path repays endurance ; a storied Marin classic.