Features:
The Stinson Beach area is 20 miles north of San Francisco and is a nice diversion off Rt.1. There are some attractive running options here. See also our post for the Bolinas area, just a few miles north.
Stinson Beach. Beautiful 2.7 mile beach with mountains in the background and views to the Pacific. The sand tends to be soft rather than firm.
Road Running: For a hilly run, the roads above Stinson Beachhave nice homes and views down to the water. Do a loop incorporating Belvedere Ave. and the Willow Camp Fire Road. 3.6 miles, 604 foot climb. There are some quieter, hilly roads on Mount Tam that are suitable for running. Unfortunately, we can’t recommend the Shoreline Highway (Route 1) or the Panoramic Highway, as they have no shoulder and can be busy.
Trail Running: Stinson Beach. The Matt Davis Trail headed east toward Table Rock is steep, narrow and wooded, but runnable. It leads to the 5-mile Coastal Trail, which is a favorite: open, gorgeous views, less steep, decent footing, but narrow, The Willow Creek Fire Road up Mount Tam is a killer climb — seriously steep — but the footing is easy and the views fantastic.
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