To experience one of California’s most unforgettable must-sees, visit this remarkable grove, a hop-skip north of San Francisco. Tucked into an ocean-facing fold of Mount Tamalpais, the signature peak just north of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County, Muir Woods National Monument (map) protects the last stand of uncut old-growth coast redwoods in the Bay Area, where loggers had all but denuded the region by the late 1800s.
Muir Woods National Monument History
Originally established as a national monument in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt, it was named in honor of the revered naturalist John Muir, who declared the site was “the best tree-lover’s monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world.” Then known as Redwood Canyon, the area’s trees narrowly escaped destruction, first from logging (the canyon was not easily accessible as many of the surrounding groves), then from a proposed dam that would have wiped them out. Before the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 1770s, the area was inhabited by the Coast Miwok people.
Things to Do at Muir Woods National Monument
Even on busy days in summer, there is a remarkable hush here, especially if you arrive in early morning. Follow raised boardwalks, built to protect the redwoods’ sensitive root structure, to see the arrow-straight redwoods, some over a century old, soaring 250 feet/76 meters overhead. For an unforgettable experience, check the park’s activities calendar to go on a guided walk at dusk. Within the park there are six miles of accessible boardwalk and paved trails; you can opt for a half-hour loop, an hour loop, or a 1.5-hour loop. If you’re up for a more substantial hike, you can take advantage of longer trails that extend into Mt. Tamalpais State Park. These are not paved and can be deeply rutted, so they are not accessible to strollers or wheelchairs.
Camping is not permitted in Muir Woods National Monument, but the adjacent Golden Gate National Recreation Area has four reservable campgrounds, and the Presidio has one group campground.
Keep in mind that the road to the park is twisty and narrow, and parking lots often fill up early in summer and on weekends. (Miss a spot in the lots and it can be a long, long walk to your car.) Your best bet is to take the public Muir Woods shuttle (March through October) from nearby Sausalito, or book a tour with a local shuttle service or tour operator.
Accessibility at Muir Woods National Monument
The boardwalk trails at the monument are fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers; the asphalt portions are as well for the most part, but buckling and cracking due to weather and root systems can make the paved paths precarious in some places. Assisted listening devices, trail maps in braille, and audio-described brochures and waysides are available. Please refer to the park’s website for a full account of accessible features.
Parking Reservations and Tickets for Muir Woods National Monument
Parking reservations are required ahead of your visit. Be sure to have a printout or downloaded copy of your parking voucher before arriving. The monument also requires a ticket for entry. Both are available at GoMuirWoods.com. Online purchase of entry tickets is not required, but consider doing so to avoid waiting in line.
Know Before You Go
There is no cell phone service at Muir Woods National Monument, and non-service animals are not permitted. To experience the area with your pet, visit the nearby Coastal Trail at Muir Beach or select trails in the Marin Headlands, where they are welcome.
To get an idea of what kind of weather and crowd conditions to expect, check out one of the nearby 24-hour webcams.
Things to Do Near Muir Woods National Monument
In addition to the countless attractions in San Francisco, you’ll find there’s plenty to explore if you stay on this side of the Golden Gate Bridge. Just a few miles away you’ll find the charming town of Mill Valley, with its alluring boutiques and sophisticated dining scene (if you happen to be visiting in October, catch a movie screening at the renowned Mill Valley Film Festival). Picturesque Sausalito beckons as well, and the nearby family-friendly Bay Area Discovery Museum is a must-visit for its interactive science-oriented exhibits.
