Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods
Ancient coastal redwoods just 30 minutes' drive from San Francisco, reaching 600 to 1,200 years old and over 70 meters tall. Parking or shuttle reservations are required in advance.
Muir Woods is named after naturalist John Muir and was established as a national monument in 1908. It protects old-growth coastal redwoods along both banks of Redwood Creek, the tallest reaching about 79 meters and the oldest more than 1,000 years old. The main loop trail is flat, about 1 to 3 km, with boardwalks and interpretive signs, and takes you to Cathedral Grove and Bohemian Grove. For more, you can hike up into Mount Tamalpais via connecting trails. Cell reception inside the park is poor, so keep your voice down. Entry costs about US$15. Parking spots and shuttle seats must be reserved online in advance, as tickets are not sold on site. From downtown it's about a 40-minute drive, and it's often paired with Sausalito for a half-day outing.
Opening hours
Daily from 08:00 until sunset
Nearby sights
- Mount Tamalpais
- Sausalito
- Battery Spencer (Marin Headlands)
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Lands End & Sutro Baths
- Baker Beach
- Presidio & Crissy Field
- Angel Island