For the past few years, my family and our friends have gone a hike/run in Muir Beach. This year, we decided to change it a little and run to Stinson Beach instead. While it was sad to break from tradition, I think this was the best run yet. We went about seven miles total, starting at the bottom of the hill and running up to Pantoll, then taking the Matt Davis trail (my new favorite trail ever) all the way back down to the beach, where we had hot food waiting for us in the two VW buses.
The Matt Davis trail is a must see for everyone. My dad and I pre-ran it before the New Year's hike before we decided to switch from Muir Beach to Stinson Beach, and it was the trail that sealed the deal. It's a very steep trail which twists up along single track dirt swtich-backs separated by steep stone stairs. The trees all drip with moss, the lighting is the deep gloomy green you only ever seen in the heart of the forest, and the rocks speak of ancient wisdom. It is a trail which, my dad and I agreed, brings on images of Lord of the Rings, with the stairs reminiscent of the twisting stairway to the spider's lair and the forests beautiful and old like those from the movie.
this is why I love the Matt Davis trail - it's ultra steep, but ultra beautiful
refreshments on the trail
post-run beach walk
