Muir Woods National Monument: A Redwood Cathedral
Discover the awe-inspiring beauty and tranquility of ancient redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument, a natural treasure near San Francisco.
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 marvel at trees that can live for 400 to 800 years and soar up to 250 feet.
A brief summary to Muir Woods National Monument
- Mill Valley, California, 94941, US
- +1415-561-2850
- Visit website
- 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.
- There is no cell phone service in Muir Woods, so download your parking reservation or shuttle ticket in advance.
- Wear layers, as the temperature inside the woods can be significantly cooler than in the surrounding areas.
- Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the tranquility of the forest.
- Stay on marked trails to protect the delicate redwood ecosystem.
Getting There
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Driving
From Highway 101, take the Mill Valley/Highway 1/Stinson Beach exit. Follow the signs to Highway 1 and then to Muir Woods. Note that reservations are required for all vehicles, and parking is limited. Standard parking is $9.50, medium is $30, and large is $45. It is highly recommended to reserve parking in advance at GoMuirWoods.com, as there is no cell service at the monument.
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Public Transport
The Muir Woods Shuttle provides seasonal service from various locations in Marin County. Check the schedule at GoMuirWoods.com for current routes and times, as the shuttle operates on weekends and holidays, with select summer weekdays. Round-trip fare is $3.75 for adults; children 15 and under ride free. Shuttle reservations are required. Alternatively, Marin Transit Route 61 stops near the Mountain Home Inn, about 1.5 miles from Muir Woods, requiring a hike with significant elevation change.
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Ride-Share/Taxi
You can take a ride-share or taxi to Muir Woods without a reservation, but note that there is no cell service at Muir Woods to call for a return ride. Muir Woods has a pay phone behind the Visitor Center with a list of cab companies. A taxi from San Francisco will cost approximately $60-$80. Negotiating a flat rate with the driver may be cheaper.
Discover more about Muir Woods National Monument
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