Muir Woods National Monument, California

Looking for the best hiking in Muir Woods National Monument? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Muir Woods National Monument. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Muir Woods National Monument

  • Inverness, California

    Point Reyes Secret Beach, Amphitheater and Cathedral

    6.09 mi / 167 ft gain
    Point Reyes Secret Beach, Amphitheater and Cathedral is located in Point Reyes National Seashore near Limantour Beach. This is an out-and-back coastal hike along the beach, which will shrink as the tide comes up. It is best to arrive at the Crater and Amphitheater when the tide is going out close...
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  • Inverness, California

    Limantour Beach

    4.8
    5.33 mi / 66 ft gain
    The entire drive to Pt. Reyes is picturesque, but once you make it to Limantour, you and your dog can both get out and enjoy it! This area, between Drake's Bay and an estuary, allows you to spend time relaxing or head out for a run (keep the dog on leash). If you're lucky you might either get a c...
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  • Pacifica, California

    Mori Point Loop

    4.8
    2.54 mi / 276 ft gain
    Start at the parking lots close to the pier, where bathrooms are also available. Walk along the pier to watch the sunset as it begins. Next, walk along Sharp Park Beach to discover the plethora of wild flowers and friendly locals always ready to guide you on your walk. Take the stairs up to the...
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  • San Bruno, California

    Sweeney Ridge via Sneath Lane

    4.5
    3.88 mi / 646 ft gain
    Starting from the parking lot on Sneath Lane Trail, you’ll head through the gate and continue on the path up Sweeney Ridge. This is a 5.7 mile out-and-back trek. There is a 600 ft. elevation gain, which comes mainly in the first 1.5 miles of the trail. Your legs and lungs may hurt a bit, but if t...
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  • Oakland, California

    Sibley Volcanic Trail Labyrinths

    3.5
    2 mi / 144 ft gain
    From Skyline Blvd, pull into the staging area for Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, you'll see the sign. Parking here is usually easy to find. You'll find an unstaffed visitor center with a restroom, park maps and informational displays featuring the history and geology of the park. Sibley is a...
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  • Vallejo, California

    Camp at Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve

    1 mi / 20 ft gain
    This old Naval Base is now home to, well, almost nothing. As a weekend volunteer trip, myself and about 50 others got a little dirty creating 3 new campsites for you and your friends!During the day, the island has hikers exploring everywhere, but the preserve closes upon sunset and it's just you ...
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  • Oakland, California

    East & West Ridge Loop

    4.5
    3.47 mi / 833 ft gain
    Tucked away in the hills of Oakland, you will find one of the homes of California's Coastal Redwoods. Created by a unique geographical circumstance, this forest breathes winds funneled through the Golden Gate across the bay, which created environment opportune for Redwood growth. These Redwoods a...
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  • Inverness, California

    Estero Trail to Drake's Estero

    5.0
    7.94 mi / 696 ft gain
    June sunshine blazes on your shoulders during this scenic stroll through the Point Reyes Seashore. The trail is alive and awash with colorful wildflowers around every corner. Beginning at the trailhead, just off Home Ranch Road, with a convenient parking lot and bathroom, you'll wade through a h...
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  • Petaluma, California

    Hike Helen Putnam Regional Park

    4.0
    6 mi / 550 ft gain
    A 216-acre park, Helen Putnam offers 9 trails that are relatively short but can be combined however you wish. Go 2 miles or 10 miles. Loop in and out, up or around. I take a different route every time I hike here.For a good 6-mile hike, begin at the southwest corner, where the parking lot and res...
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  • Pacifica, California

    Montara Mountain Trail

    5.0
    6.77 mi / 1900 ft gain
    Montara Mountain Trail is a loop trail that takes you through a forest out to ocean views at the top of Montara Mountain. This hike located near Pacifica, California. and can be accessed from Highway 1 as well. If you're looking to do a similar loop hike from the coast, consider Montara Mountain ...
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  • Oakland, California

    Dunn Loop

    5.0
    3.08 mi / 758 ft gain
    The Redwood Regional Dunn Loop is just outside of Oakland, and can be reached from anywhere in the Bay Area for a fun day or half-day trip. The trail is open year-round. In the spring, wildflowers are abundant. The trail has a great mix of sun and shade. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leash. 
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  • Chimney Rock Trail Head, California

    Chimney Rock

    4.5
    1.82 mi / 151 ft gain
    Chimney Rock is a 1.8-mile out-and-back, single-track trail. The trailhead gets crowded (even on weekdays) with amateur and professional photographers, as well as nature lovers clutching field guides. Hikers seeking a quiet nature experience may wish to look elsewhere. The display is impressive, ...
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Gray Whale Cove Loop

    5.0
    1.22 mi / 518 ft gain
    Starting at the parking lot adjacent to Gray Whale Cove State Beach, proceed to the start sign indicating "Grey Whale Cove Trail". GWCT is a fun brisk hike with slight elevation gain that should be easy enough to take a small group or even children to. Take note of the tight spaces you may encou...
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Gray Whale Cove Trail

    4.5
    2.23 mi / 367 ft gain
    Gray whale cove trail is a splendid, short, and easy hike for the entire family with beautiful ocean views. The starting point is conveniently located near a parking lot that accesses Montara State Beach. From the south end of the parking lot, follow the trail up through the coastal scrub. Within...
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Montara Mountain North & Middle Peaks Loop

    4.3
    7.22 mi / 1929 ft gain
    NOTE: as of 2019, North Peak has been fenced off around the installation of a radio tower and weather station. Additionally, the summit has been found to be a habitat for the endangered San Bruno elfin butterfly. The Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a popular seaside trail that’s just 20 minutes s...
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    McNee Ranch to Planet of the Apes

    4.88 mi / 1427 ft gain
    McNee Ranch to Planet of the Apes is a 4.8 mile trail located near Montara State Beach that offers ocean views when it is not too cloudy.  You can get amazing views when you hike up above the clouds.  This hike follows one of the main trails up the mountain, but there are many smaller trails to e...
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