If both lots are full, the best option is to start from the bottom of the hill at Stinson Beach. Overflow parking (also $8) is available at the Bootjack parking lot a quarter-mile up the road, but that also fills up quickly. Even though there’s an $8 parking fee, the little Pantoll lot can fill up by 8 am on weekends. The biggest problem with this loop is that it’s become nearly impossible to find parking during the day. The Steep Ravine Trail includes a 14-rung wooden ladder that can be difficult to climb if the rungs are wet. After a rainfall, there are some mini-waterfalls and the trail becomes even more popular. Nonetheless, the Steep Ravine Trail is still extremely popular on a nice weekend you might pass a group every two or three minutes.

Although Steep Ravine’s redwoods are smaller and fewer in number than Muir Woods, the canyon is more enjoyable since it’s a lot less touristy. The loop descends from coastal bluffs with spectacular ocean views, through surprisingly lush mixed-species woodland, into a narrow canyon filled with lush old-growth redwood forest. This fun and exceptionally scenic loop is one canyon over from Muir Woods, in neighboring Mt.

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