This is the best tree-lover's monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world, declared conservationist John Muir when describing the majestic coast redwoods of Muir Woods.
Until the 1800s, many northern California coastal valleys were covered with coast redwood trees similar to those now found in Muir Woods National Monument. The forest along Redwood Creek in today's Muir Woods was spared from logging because it was hard to get to.
By 1905 it was one of the last uncut stands of old-growth Redwood.
Today, Muir Woods Canyon is a place to walk and enjoy the forest. The primary trails along the canyon floor are level and paved. Bridges along Redwood Creek create leisurely 1/2 hour, 1 hour, or 1 1/2 hour loops. All of these walks take you on a journey beneath 1000 year old old-growth coast redwood trees.
The Basics
Location:
Near Point Reyes, a few miles north of San Francisco.
Hours:
The park is open from 8 am to sunset, including holidays.
Approximate closing times for the year:
Last Sunday of January - 6 pm
Second Sunday of March - 8 pm
Third Sunday of Sept - 7 pm
Second Sunday of Oct - 6 pm
First Sunday of Nov - 5 pm
Season:
Open year-round, from 8 am to sunset.
Address:
Muir Woods National Monument
Mill Valley, CA 94941-2696
:
415-388-2595
Headquarters:
415-388-2596
Some More Things to Know
Visitation is highest in summer months; park staff recommends visiting on weekdays before 10 am or after 4 pm to avoid the crowds. The redwood forest is usually cool. Jackets, layered clothing, and walking shoes are advised. Picnicking is not allowed in Muir Woods, but there are picnic facilities nearby at Muir Beach and Muir Beach Overlook.
Directions
Muir Woods is located 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Take Highway 101 to the Highway 1/ Muir Woods Exit. Follow the signs to Muir Woods. Roads to the park are steep and winding. Vehicles over 35' long are prohibited. Parking space is very limited and fills quickly on most days. There are no RV parking facilities.
Climate
The park is cool, shaded and moist year round. Daytime temperatures at Muir Woods average between 40 and 70° Farenheit.
$3.00 Adult (16 years of age and older) Children Free
Things To Do
Muir Woods contains 6 miles of trails. There is a 1/2 hour loop, a 1 hour loop, and a 1 1/2 hour loop as well as longer hikes on trails that extend into surrounding parks. All of these walks afford views of thousands of old-growth coast redwoods, the tallest living things in the world. Picnicking, pets, bicycles, smoking, and camping are not permitted within the park.
Places To Go
Muir Woods is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). GGNRA offers a diverse range of natural and cultural sites to explore, extending across San Mateo, San Francisco, and Marin counties. Here are the other sites within the park.
