Explore Muir Woods National Monument
San Francisco › Muir Woods National Monument Parking
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Activities:
Chillin, Photography, Hiking
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Skill Level:
Beginner
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Season:
Year Round
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Trail Type:
Loop
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RT Distance:
4.5 Miles
Experience the humbling beauty of these magnificent redwoods. Muir Woods is a perfect trip for families and out-of-town guests with multiple loops and hiking options for groups of all fitness levels.
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 it’s 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. 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.
Park fees are $7/adult and children 15 and younger are free (note fees are subject to change). Parking can be difficult if you arrive much later than 9:00am. 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.
Pack List
- Camera
- Dress in layers, it’s shady and damp
- Sturdier hiking shoes if you venture on some of the longer trails
- Money for entrance fee
I have hiked around Muir Woods National Monument several times. It is a place I would suggest a visit to, and a place I will go to again!
9 months ago
Muir Woods is absolutely beautiful. The park isn't that big and can easily be explored in a few hours. If you are visiting during high tourist season be prepared for a lot of crowds and full parking.
9 months ago
John Muir said it right and the most beautiful small universe can be found in the redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument. The towering trees will leave you in dumbfounded awe (trees are so cool, please learn about the red woods). Spend time, and I mean real time, here and encounter the beauty.
11 months ago
Such a calming treasure along the Pacific Coast. The short drive from the city is one of the things that makes this place the perfect weekend getaway.
about 1 year ago
An amazing experience
about 1 year ago
this place is so beautiful and filled with life, it's not much of a hike, more of a walk but it's still very very nice
about 1 year ago
Spectacularly beautiful, however EPICALLY crowded. These trees demand a sort of decorum, but anytime there's a crowd there will be noise and people being disrespectful of the trees. But it's still worth seeing.
about 1 year agothe hike was definitely worth it! really beautiful! go in the morning to avoid extreme traffic. this is a tourist hotspot. when my boyfriend and I were done with the hike around 11 there were tons of people looking for parking.
over 1 year ago
Muir Woods National Monument is my favorite place for a serene and scenic hike. It's on my top of go-to places, especially when recommending it others. As many reviews have mentioned, parking is one of the most concurrent issues, so plan ahead and arrive early.
over 1 year ago
Arriving before 8:30 am on a weekday ensures that you have the monument basically to yourself. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience of appreciating these trees the way you were intended to. Absolutely gorgeous and absolutely worth it, even if you're there with other tourists.
over 1 year ago
I love coming here and imagining that I'm a part of the Star Wars universe (fact: they filmed scenes from Endor here). An easily accessible escape from the city, it's also free (with guests) if you have a US National Parks annual pass.
over 1 year ago
A visit to Muir Woods is like stepping back in time...literally. Standing under these ancient trees is an experience that I will never forget. Make sure to arrive early or parking can be quite a task. Bring enough snacks and water in case you want to do one of the extended hikes, which is worth it. We also ate at the little cafe for lunch and I loved it's commitment to organic food, and reducing the impact on the environment.
over 1 year ago
Very beautiful hike. Easily accessible trails with lots of additional longer trails off the side.
over 1 year ago
Beautiful hike, great for pictures. Depending on which trail you go on, be prepared for a long hike, so wear good clothes and make sure you bring food and water.
about 2 years ago
Went just as suggested early. We arrived around 8:15 am, didn't have to pay fees because the park wasn't officially open and they just let us go in. Very quiet and little traffic on the trails. By the time we were done LOADS of people. Will go again and get there early again.
about 2 years ago
Pretty amazing spot to hike. Make sure you get there early if you're headed there on the weekend.
over 2 years ago
Great Day Trip from the City
over 2 years ago
It's one of those magical places where a higher power feels present.
over 2 years ago
Great suggestion! Thank you
over 3 years ago
Always a great place to go. Sometimes it can be quite busy though.
over 3 years ago
Muir Woods is amazing, especially early in the morning without the crowds.
over 3 years ago
