Double Dipsea 2013

3/27/13  Another trip to the Bay Area gave me a chance to run the famous Dipsea trail again. This time I was able to run the full Double Dipsea, from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach and back. 14 miles and 4,200' of gain.
IMG_1591 Back on the Dipsea and the famous stairs.
Back on the Dipsea and the famous stairs.
IMG_1590 This flight of stairs was closed last time I was here. Great to see it open again, it's a great section.
This flight of stairs was closed last time I was here. Great to see it open again, it's a great section.
IMG_1663 A new walkway where the trail had been closed and washed out last time I was here.
A new walkway where the trail had been closed and washed out last time I was here.
IMG_1605 Jump forward to Mile 5 where my pictures from the last trip ended. This is the first time I've run the trail beyond this point other than during the actual...
Jump forward to Mile 5 where my pictures from the last trip ended. This is the first time I've run the trail beyond this point other than during the actual…
IMG_1607 Switchbacks descending down into the section known as The Swoop. It's thick fog like usual.
Switchbacks descending down into the section known as The Swoop. It's thick fog like usual.
IMG_1608 Into the redwood forest. Single track doesn't get much better than this.
Into the redwood forest. Single track doesn't get much better than this.
IMG_1609 Back and forth between the redwoods and the rain forest. Amazing terrain and foliage.
Back and forth between the redwoods and the rain forest. Amazing terrain and foliage.
IMG_1658 Probably my favorite section of the entire trail.
Probably my favorite section of the entire trail.
IMG_1659 Beautiful, spongy, single track.
Beautiful, spongy, single track.
IMG_1612 This picture definitely doesn't convey just how steep these steps are. They wind down through the amazingly green foliage in a 1,200' mile.
This picture definitely doesn't convey just how steep these steps are. They wind down through the amazingly green foliage in a 1,200' mile.
IMG_1615 More steep, winding steps.
More steep, winding steps.
IMG_1619 Down to the bottom of the canyon, crossing Web Creek.
Down to the bottom of the canyon, crossing Web Creek.
IMG_1621 Down to The Moors heading out to Stinson Beach.
Down to The Moors heading out to Stinson Beach.
IMG_1623 More brutal steps.
More brutal steps.
IMG_1626 Mile 7. Now less than a 1/2 mile through the small town of Stinson Beach and to the shoreline.
Mile 7. Now less than a 1/2 mile through the small town of Stinson Beach and to the shoreline.
IMG_1628 First glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. It would have been visible much earlier had it not been so foggy.
First glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. It would have been visible much earlier had it not been so foggy.
IMG_1644 A good look at Stinson Beach. Almost there, still dropping elevation fast.
A good look at Stinson Beach. Almost there, still dropping elevation fast.
IMG_1646 A panoramic view from the ridge.
A panoramic view from the ridge.
IMG_1641 Made it to the beach! Looking South along Stinson Beach.
Made it to the beach! Looking South along Stinson Beach.
IMG_1631 The Pacific Ocean. There are only a few people on this whole stretch of beach.
The Pacific Ocean. There are only a few people on this whole stretch of beach.