Is Muir Woods worth it?

There is a reason Muir Woods is one of the most popular day trips from San Francisco – this small national monument packs a powerful punch. From experiencing breathtaking coastal and forest views to wandering through the famous redwood forest, Muir Woods is easily one of our favorite places in the Bay Area.



People Also Ask

Muir Woods National Monument is in Marin County, California, just a few miles north of San Francisco. The 558-acre monument preserves one of the last remaining ancient redwood forests in the Bay Area. Some of the redwoods are nearly 1,000 years old and reach heights of more than 250 feet.

MORE DETAILS

It is One of Few Redwood Forests You Can Explore in the San Francisco Area. Due to deforestation and a specific ecosystem in which this giant species can thrive, Muir Woods is home to some of the only redwood groves in the world.

MORE DETAILS

From late October to early May expect rain. Summer months (June-August) can be warmer but it is generally cool and dry. Expect heavy fog in the morning, burning off in the afternoon. Some say fall (August-October) is the best weather of the year.

MORE DETAILS

This short and easy level walk is affordable to any hiker level and starts at the Muir Woods National Monument's main entrance. From the very beginning, you will find a comfortable wooden boardwalk for most of the trip. Immediately after starting, you'll be overwhelmed with colossal redwoods.

MORE DETAILS

Things To Know Before Heading To Muir Woods National Monument
  1. Reservations Are Required. ...
  2. Plan Your Transportation. ...
  3. Dress Appropriately. ...
  4. Prepare for Limited Connectivity. ...
  5. Bring Essentials. ...
  6. Stay on Designated Trails. ...
  7. Take Your Time. ...
  8. Photography Tips.


MORE DETAILS

Trail Surface: Firm Muir Woods' main trail begins at the visitor center and follows Redwood Creek on both sides of the stream. Large redwood trees line this trail from the very beginning. Though a level, easy stroll, the walk can be shortened by crossing at the second or third bridge to return.

MORE DETAILS

Taylor State Park in Marin County. It's a lush gorge filled with hundreds of acres of redwood trees and easy-to-moderate hikes. If you're looking for a quick day trip to see the redwoods near San Francisco, but don't want to deal with the crowds of Muir Woods, this is an ideal spot.

MORE DETAILS

Muir Woods is only 16 miles from the center of San Francisco proper. It's much closer than the well known Redwood National Forest, but you should still budget at least half a day to enjoy the smaller forest. The Muir Woods shuttle takes approximately 30 minutes from the drop-off locations to get to the park entrance.

MORE DETAILS

The main attraction of Muir Woods are the coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) trees. They are known for their height, and are related to the giant sequoia of the Sierra Nevada.

MORE DETAILS

The large trees in Muir Woods are the coastal redwoods, the tallest of all living things, and some scattered Douglas firs. The tallest coastal redwood at Muir Woods is about 258 feet, approximately the height of a six-foot person stacked head to toe 45 times.

MORE DETAILS

To park at Muir Woods, reservations are always required and must be made at GoMuirWoods.com ahead of your visit. There is NO cell phone service or WiFi at or around Muir Woods National Monument so download your parking reservation in advance.

MORE DETAILS

Here is information about lodging in Golden Gate National Parks. The closest lodging is available in Mill Valley, CA - the town Muir Woods is located in - or Muir Beach, CA.

MORE DETAILS

You can easily get to Muir Woods without a car. The distance from San Francisco to Muir Woods is 16.4 miles, so it can take a while to get there if you don't know what the most efficient transport options are. Let's take a look! First, we'll look at some routes that we suggest you avoid.

MORE DETAILS

Muir Woods In the Bay Area, Muir Woods National Monument is widely considered the best place to see Redwoods near San Francisco. Muir Woods is the closest Redwoods to San Francisco, just a 35-minute drive from the city. Muir Woods is an easy day trip for most cities in the Bay Area – especially when there's no traffic!

MORE DETAILS

Parking at Muir Woods is controlled by a reservation system. There are less than 300 spots in the lot, and when you make a reservation you'll pick a day and time for your vehicle to arrive. You cannot drive to the park and get a reservation on site — they can only be purchased online in advance.

MORE DETAILS