Muir Woods Giant Redwoods

Muir Woods National Monument is covered in dense forests of coastal redwoods some almost 1000 years old towering to over 250’ in height.

"Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" John Muir

Muir Woods National Monument is covered in dense forests of coastal redwoods. These incredible evergreens are a close relative of the Giant Sequoia and are noteworthy for their fragrant red bark and towering heights. Muir Woods is part of the National Park Service. 

Located in Marin County, California, just 12 miles north of San Francisco ver the Golden Gate Bridge. The 558-acre monument preserves one of the last remaining ancient redwood forests in the Bay Area. Some of the redwoods are nearly 1,000 years old and reach heights of more than 250 feet. Roads to the park are steep and winding. 

Named for conservationist John Muir, it was the 10th national monument to be designated under the Antiquities Act of 1906, the first to be in proximity to a major city, and the first to consist of formerly privately-owned lands.

Today, Muir Woods National Monument is home to more than 380 different plants and animals, including 27 species of mammals, 50 species of birds, 12 species of reptiles, and 5 species of amphibians.

Redwood Creek, the principal stream in the monument, runs clean and clear beneath the towering trees. Its waters are home to Coho salmon and steelhead trout—keystone species in many Pacific ecosystems.

Muir Woods National Monument is managed by the National Park Service as a distinct park unit within Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

 

Our Private Jeep Tours starting in San Francisco provide the perfect guided tour on the way to and from the Park. Hotel pick up and park admission included. 

You have two fun Jeep Tour tour options: 

3+ Hours Morning or Afternoon - Includes Sausalito and Golden Gate Bridge 

Ultimate City Tour plus Giant Redwoods, bayside town of Sausalito and Golden Gate Bridge Tour with your own guide in an open air Jeep. 6 Guest per Jeep - perfect for up to 4 Adults plus 2 children 7 + Hours



ABOUT MUIR WOODS

Muir Woods National Monument 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 Mount Tamalpais State Park. The weather is mild throughout the year, but summer is the busiest time to visit Muir Woods.

The incredible diversity of flora and fauna at Muir Woods is great surprise to visitors. The tallest tree in Muir Woods is 258 feet tall, and the average age of the trees is 600-800 years. The redwoods themselves dominate the scene, but the humble Steller's jay, ladybugs, ancient horsetail ferns, and the banana slug hold their own beneath the canopy. Plants adapt to low light levels on the forest floor, while whole plant and animal communities bustle in the canopy above your head.

 



“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity” John Muir



Plan Your Visit

If you are not traveling to the park with a tour company, the National Park Service has launched a parking and shuttle reservation system. To reserve parking or shuttle seats visit GoMuirWoods.com or call 1-800-410-2419. Advance reservations are required. There are no drive up reservations available. 

 

IMPORTANT: There is NO cell phone service or WiFi at or around Muir Woods National Monument. Download your parking reservation or shuttle ticket in advance.

 

Entrance Fees and Passes

  • $15.00 - Adult
  • Free - Children (15 years of age and under)

 

Accessibility

Designated accessible parking, shuttle buses, trails, signs, and more are available.

 

Weather

The coast redwood forest is cool most times of the year with temperatures ranging from 40-70 degrees F (4-21 degrees C). Expect rain from late October to early May, and slightly warmer and dryer weather from June to August. Many say September and October are ideal months to visit. But, don't let the weather stop you from having fun. If you're dressed for the elements and wearing sturdy shoes, you will enjoy your visit.



Covid Health and Safety changes to the park visitor experience  

Park hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and parking reservations are still required via GoMuirWoods.com ahead of your visit.

Please ensure you have a printout or downloaded copy of your parking voucher before arriving. Staff from Ace Parking, which manages the Muir Woods parking reservation system, will be practicing safe distancing. Please do your part to minimize close contact and conversation.

Muir Woods has an entry fee. Please buy your entry ticket online via the GoMuirWoods.com website to avoid waiting in line and to minimize the amount of transactions for staff on site.

Park is currently limiting visitor capacity to keep Muir Woods a safe place for all. Face coverings are highly recommended and they are asking visitors to practice social distancing. Hand washing is available in the plaza restrooms and the giftshop restrooms.

The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy bookstore is open.  Muir Woods Trading Company is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Observe safety requirements for the giftshop and café.The café is open with outdoor patio seating only. Face coverings are required to enter the concessionaire facilities. Park Rangers are available.

 

Map of Muir Woods

View a map of Muir Woods at nps.gov/muwo/planyourvisit/maps.htm Thanks to the NPS for Muir Woods Information

 

READ MORE ABOUT VISITING MUIR WOODS:

 

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks” John Muir

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