Dias Ridge Trailhead

Dias Ridge Trail Profile

Quick Facts

Amenities

1 listed

Trailhead

From here you can take a 3.1 mile out and back up the Dias Ridge Fire Road or if you can connect to the Miwok Trail, Coyote Ridge Trail and return on the Coastal Fire Road for a 4.1 mile trip. There are some brief, steep inclines climbing the ridge, but it is mostly easy going. You'll be walking on dirt fire roads and trails which are fairly exposed for the majority of the loop, so bring a hat and sun protection.

Dias Ridge Trail Overview
Distance: 3.1 mi (5 km)
Elevation Gain: 780 ft
Time: 1.5 hour
Slope: Avg 7% Max 25%
Side Slope: Avg 10% Max 33%
Width: Avg 41" Min 30"
Trail Surface: Native Soil

Safety
- Stay on the established trail. Keep an eye out for poison oak.
- Dress in layers and be prepared for varying weather conditions. Sunny days along the coast can turn windy, foggy, and cold very fast.

Parking
There is trailhead parking at Muir Beach including ADA accessible spots.

Bathrooms
Accessible restrooms can be found at Muir Beach.

Water
Drinking water is not available along the trail. Avoid becoming dehydrated or experiencing heat exhaustion. Drink plenty and drink often; pace yourself; rest in the shade; and eat salty snacks.

Dog and Trail Etiquette
The Dias Ridge Trail is closed to dogs. Please remain on the established trail. Off-trail travel harms plants and causes erosion. Keep your food within arm's reach at all times and do not feed the wildlife. Carry out all trash and food waste (fruit peels, shells, etc.).

Golden Gate Dairy: A Remnant of the Dairy Farming Days

In the 1880s, this area was California's largest producer of fresh milk and butter. Much of their success was the result of a happy coincidence: the arrival of experienced Portuguese dairy farmers. Originally from the Azores, an archipelago of eight rural islands west of Iberian Portugal, these men emigrated to California aboard whaling ships.

After a long time at sea, arriving in California and the allure of the Gold Rush prompted many Azoreans to "jump ship" in search of a better life. Those who didn't find their fortune in gold were able to use their native dairy experience to get jobs in Marin's newly established dairy ranches.

Dairy farming was no joke. It took hard work from everyone who lived on the farms (women, men and children) to keep an operation running. Until electricity came in the 1930s, the cows were milked by hand twice a day, at 4 a.m. and 4 p.m. Depending on the number of cows, each milking time could take up to three hours. In between milking sessions, there was no shortage of chores, including sanitizing and preparing milk for transport, cleaning barns and equipment, mending fences, fieldwork, gardening, canning and tending livestock.