Red Rock Beach Cold Spring, Stinson Beach, CA

## Overview Red Rock Beach Cold Spring is widely regarded as one of the most convenient and accessible natural springs in the San Francisco Bay Area. Located along Shoreline Highway (Route 1) on the slopes of Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County, this roadside spring emerges from the base of a sheer cliff face and flows through a set of pipes — including a central copper pipe that typically delivers the highest flow rate. The spring has historically been a popular water collection spot for Bay Area residents. It has been lab tested for water quality; results from a 2013 analysis were published by Longevity Power (longevitypower.com). Visitors have long reported the water to be clean-tasting and refreshing, and the spring has been used as a drinking water source by locals for years. That said, water quality can vary over time, and independent testing is always a good idea before consuming any natural spring water. The spring is maintained by a local steward who works to keep the pipe infrastructure in good condition. **Please do not touch or adjust the pipes** — preserving their integrity ensures continued access for everyone. A community group, the Bay Area Spring Water Meetup, has historically supported ongoing lab testing and promoted responsible spring water etiquette at this site. ## Directions 1. From US-101, take the **Stinson Beach / Route 1 (Shoreline Highway)** exit. 2. Head north on **Route 1 (Shoreline Hwy)** toward Stinson Beach. The winding drive through the hills takes approximately 30 minutes. 3. As you approach Stinson Beach, watch for a **large pullout area** on both sides of the road — there is parking to your left and right. 4. The spring is visible on the **right side of the road**, flowing from the base of a sheer cliff. You can park directly next to the pipes. **GPS Coordinates:** 37.889179, -122.629852 ## What to Expect Red Rock Beach Cold Spring is one of the easiest natural springs to access in the region — no hiking required. A large roadside pullout lets you park your vehicle just steps from the spring pipes. The central copper pipe generally has the strongest flow, though it has occasionally been subject to vandalism. The spring maintains a notably high flow rate and continues to run well even through the dry autumn months, making it a reliable year-round water source. Most of the time the area is quiet and uncrowded, but expect more visitors on warm weekends, especially during summer. The setting is dramatic: the spring emerges from the base of a steep coastal cliff along one of California's most scenic highways, with the Pacific Ocean and Red Rock Beach nearby. It's a natural stop if you're already driving the Shoreline Highway to Stinson Beach, Muir Beach, or exploring Mt. Tamalpais State Park. The spring is open and accessible at all hours.