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Muir Woods National Monument: A Cathedral of Redwoods

Discover the awe-inspiring beauty and tranquility of ancient redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument, a short drive from San Francisco.

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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 a vital old-growth forest, offering visitors a chance to walk among towering trees 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 in advance at GoMuirWoods.com. Book well ahead of your visit, especially on weekends and holidays, as slots fill up quickly.
  • There is no cell service in Muir Woods. Download your parking or shuttle reservation and any maps you may need before arriving.
  • Consider taking the Muir Woods Shuttle from Sausalito or Larkspur to avoid parking hassles.
  • Arrive early in the morning to experience the tranquility of the woods before the crowds.
  • Wear layers, as the temperature inside the woods can be significantly cooler than in the surrounding areas.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Muir Woods using public transportation, take a bus or ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito, Mill Valley, or Marin City. From these locations, you can connect to the Marin Transit Muir Woods Shuttle, which provides direct service to the park. The shuttle operates seasonally, with weekend and holiday service, and weekday service from Sausalito and Marin City during the summer. A round-trip shuttle ticket costs $3.75 for adults (16 and older). Reservations for the shuttle are required and can be made at GoMuirWoods.com. Alternatively, you can take Marin Transit Route 61 or 61F to Panoramic Hwy & Edgewood Av, and hike 1.5 miles down the Panoramic Trail to the Canopy View Trail, to Muir Woods. Factor in a round-trip hike of 3 miles with 800' of elevation change. Note: Entrance fee to Muir Woods is $15 for adults (16 and older). This is in addition to shuttle fees and must also be purchased in advance.

  • Driving

    When driving to Muir Woods, reservations are required. From Highway 101, exit at Mill Valley/Highway 1 and follow the signs to Muir Woods. Parking reservations cost $9.50 for a standard vehicle. Note: There is no cell service at Muir Woods, so download your reservation before you arrive. Be prepared for narrow, winding roads as you approach the monument. The entrance fee to Muir Woods is $15 for adults (16 and older), which can be purchased in advance along with your parking reservation.

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Discover more about Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods National Monument, a mere 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, offers a serene escape into a world of towering ancient coast redwoods. This 554-acre monument, nestled on Mount Tamalpais, preserves one of the last uncut old-growth redwood forests in the Bay Area. Some redwoods reach heights of over 250 feet and are up to 800 years old, with the oldest being around 1,200 years old. The monument's history is rooted in conservation. In 1905, William Kent purchased the land to protect the redwoods from being logged. He then donated a portion of the land to the federal government. In 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt declared it a national monument and named it after naturalist John Muir. Visitors can explore the woods via accessible boardwalks and paved trails, suitable for all skill levels. These trails wind through the forest floor, crossing Redwood Creek, which is home to coho salmon and steelhead trout. The monument also hosts over 380 species of plants and animals. The interplay of sunlight filtering through the canopy and the quiet hush of the woods creates a cathedral-like atmosphere, inspiring reverence and reflection. Muir Woods offers a chance to connect with nature and appreciate the importance of conservation. The Visitor Center provides exhibits and information, while a café and gift shop are located near the entrance.

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