Background

Muir Woods National Monument: A Redwood Cathedral

4.8 (18308)

Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of ancient redwood forests at Muir Woods National Monument, a living testament to nature's grandeur and conservation.

Muir Woods National Monument, a sanctuary of ancient coast redwoods, is located just north of San Francisco in Marin County, California. Established in 1908, it protects one of the last remaining old-growth redwood forests in the Bay Area, offering visitors a chance to walk among giants that have stood for centuries.

A brief summary to Muir Woods National Monument

  • Monday 8 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-6 pm
  • Friday 8 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Reservations for parking or the shuttle are required and can be made online at GoMuirWoods.com. Book well in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.
  • Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the tranquility of the woods.
  • Wear layers, as the temperature inside the woods can be significantly cooler than surrounding areas.
  • Download the NPS app for a digital guide to enhance your experience.
  • There is no cell service or WiFi in Muir Woods, so download any necessary information before you arrive.
widget icon

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Attraction

Old Mill Park

Discover Tranquility at Old Mill Park
Attraction

Mount Tamalpais State Park

Discover the Natural Beauty of Mount Tamalpais State Park
Attraction

Mt Tamalpais

Majestic Mt. Tamalpais: California's Scenic Peak

Getting There

  • Driving

    To reach Muir Woods from Mill Valley, start near the Mill Valley Public Library. Follow signs for Highway 1/Stinson Beach and then for Muir Woods. Turn right onto Panoramic Highway, then left onto Muir Woods Road to the park entrance. Reservations are required for all vehicles and must be made in advance at GoMuirWoods.com. Parking costs $9 per vehicle. Be aware that the road to Muir Woods is narrow and winding. Allow extra travel time and watch out for carsickness.

  • Public Transport

    To get to Muir Woods using public transportation from Mill Valley, the Muir Woods Shuttle is a convenient option. On weekends and holidays, take Route 66 from Pohono Street Park & Ride in Mill Valley. Shuttle tickets are $3.50 per adult (16+) and must be reserved in advance at GoMuirWoods.com. The Marin Transit Route 61 and 61F stop at Panoramic Hwy & Edgewood Av, about 1.5 miles from Muir Woods. From there, experienced hikers can take the Panoramic Trail to the Canopy View Trail to Muir Woods.

  • Taxi

    Taxis offer a direct route from Mill Valley to Muir Woods. A taxi ride takes about 10 minutes and costs approximately $17-$21. Due to the limited cell service at Muir Woods, arrange for your taxi to return for pickup.

Discover more about Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods National Monument, a majestic preserve of old-growth coast redwoods, invites visitors to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of nature's giants. Located just 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County, California, the monument protects 554 acres, with 240 acres of old-growth redwood forest. Some of these trees are nearly 1,000 years old and reach heights of over 250 feet. Established on January 9, 1908, by President Theodore Roosevelt, Muir Woods was named in honor of naturalist John Muir, a staunch advocate for conservation. The monument's creation was spurred by William Kent's donation of the land to the federal government, safeguarding it from logging. Walking through Muir Woods is like stepping into a cathedral of nature. The towering redwoods create a hushed atmosphere, filtering sunlight and providing a habitat for diverse plant and animal life. Redwood Creek flows through the park, supporting coho salmon and steelhead trout. Visitors can explore the monument on accessible boardwalks and paved trails, with options for half-hour, one-hour, and 1.5-hour loops. Longer trails extend into the surrounding Mount Tamalpais State Park for those seeking a more challenging hike. Muir Woods offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the importance of preserving these ancient forests for future generations.

Explore the best of what Muir Woods National Monument has to offer

Mobile App

Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.



More about Berkeley

File:UC-Berkeley-campus-overview-from-hills.h.jpg - Wikipedia

Discover Berkeley, California: A vibrant blend of academic excellence, culinary delights, and cultural richness nestled on the San Francisco Bay's eastern shore.

Tell me more about Berkeley
Attraction

Discover the breathtaking views and diverse trails of Mt. Tamalpais, a must-visit peak in California for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Mt Tamalpais
Attraction

Explore Old Mill Park in Mill Valley, CA, a serene escape featuring lush greenery and scenic paths perfect for relaxation and outdoor adventures.

Old Mill Park

Want to improve this location?

Activate this location now and let Evendo enhance its appearance, information, and visibility for millions of travellers.

Activate your presence How it works

Select Currency