Canopy, Panoramic, Redwood Trail, Sun, Dipsea Trail Loop

While there are other, less crowded redwood groves in the Bay Area, Muir Woods National Monument is easily one of the best. It is a beautifully maintained site, with wooden footpaths meandering between towering redwoods that are between 600 – 800 years old. It’s home to some true giants, with its tallest trees reaching over 250 ft in height.

Muir Woods contains 6 miles of trails (see trail map), and there are multiple options for those looking for a good hike. There are several loops along the canyon walls that you can choose from, as well as hikes that extend into surrounding Mount Tamalpais State Park. A popular choice is the 4.5 mile Muir Woods Tourist Club Loop, which starts at the entrance to the national monument: Canopy Trail > Panoramic Trail > Redwood Trail > Sun Trail > Dipsea Trail > parking area. Pick up a trail map at the entrance and explore.

Regardless of what you choose to do, this place will leave you with that humbling, awe-inspiring feeling that you typically only find in nature’s most remote corners.

Check the Muir Woods website for latest fees and tips for planning your visit. Parking now requires a permit, which you can reserve at gomuirwoods.com. The Visitor Center features nice restrooms, a café, and a gift shop.

Inside Tip: This is an extremely popular destination (we’re talking tour buses), so plan on getting there right when the park opens (8:00am), and before the Visitor Center opens (9:00am). Bring cash and simply place the park fees in the self-service entrance…and enjoy a much less crowded experience.