The Ben Johnson and Dipsea Loop
The loop in figures
| Route | Distance | Elevation gain | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Johnson, return via Dipsea (summer) | 4 mi | 925 ft | 3 hours |
| Ben Johnson, return via Dipsea (winter) | 5 mi | 925 ft | 3–3.5 hours |
| Canopy View to Redwood to Sun to Dipsea | 5 mi | 780 ft | 3 hours |
The third row is a related route that ends on the Dipsea: Canopy View to Redwood to Sun to Dipsea, 5 miles with 780 feet of gain. The full trail list sets every NPS route in one table.
Why there is a summer and a winter version
Coho salmon and steelhead trout spawn in Redwood Creek after the first heavy winter rains, roughly December to February, and Redwood Creek holds one of the few wild coho runs near a US city. While the fish are in the creek, the footbridge that carries the Dipsea Trail over it is removed or closed, and the loop takes a longer way round: a mile more and up to half an hour more. The salmon page explains the run and where to watch it from the Main Trail.
Terrain and shoes
Once the loop leaves the paved valley floor, the trail is dirt, narrow and steep in places, with roots across the path, and it continues into Mount Tamalpais State Park. Shoes with grip help on the climbs and the descents; boots are not required. Poison oak and stinging nettle grow beside the trails, and ticks are found on the longer routes, so long trousers and a check afterwards are sensible. The hiking boots page covers what works on each trail.
The Dipsea Race
The Dipsea Trail shares its name with the Dipsea Race, a trail race from Mill Valley over the ridge to Stinson Beach, run each June. The race route crosses the Muir Woods canyon. For hikers, the full Dipsea to Stinson Beach and back is one of the longest routes on the NPS list: 10 miles with 2,480 feet of gain, 6 to 7 hours.
Time, reservations and closing
The loop takes about 3 hours of walking, before any stop. The guided tours give about 60 to 90 minutes in the forest, which fits the flat Main Trail and no more. A hiker doing this loop comes on a car or shuttle reservation, or on foot, by bicycle to the edge of the forest, or by ride-share with the return arranged in advance. The reservations page sets out who needs one. The monument opens at 8 am and closes at sunset, and there is no cell signal, so the route needs to be downloaded before leaving home.
Before setting off
The canyon is cool and shaded all year, and summer fog is common on the coast, so a layer helps on the way up and at the top of the climb. Eating is limited to the entrance plaza and the café patio, so a snack carried on the loop waits until the return. Walkers stay on the trails and take nothing from the forest. Pets are not allowed, apart from working service animals.
In autumn and winter sunset comes early. Starting the loop in the morning leaves margin for the longer winter route and for the walk back along the valley floor.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Dipsea loop in Muir Woods?
The Ben Johnson loop with a Dipsea return is 4 miles in summer and 5 in winter, with 925 feet of gain, about 3 to 3.5 hours.
Is the Dipsea Trail hard?
It climbs 925 feet on dirt with roots and steep sections, far more than the flat Main Trail loop. Shoes with grip help; boots are not required.
Can the Dipsea loop be done on a tour?
No. The tours give about 60 to 90 minutes in the forest; the loop takes about 3 hours. The hike-by-time page matches tour time to a loop.
When is the Dipsea Race?
Each June. It runs from Mill Valley over the ridge to Stinson Beach and crosses the Muir Woods canyon.