Muir Woods National Monument is a 554-acre forest located in western Marin County, about 12 miles north of San Francisco. Named after naturalist John Muir, it is home to 240 acres of old-growth coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens), some over 1,000 years old and 250 feet tall.
The land was purchased in 1905 by Congressman and conservationist William Kent and his wife Elizabeth Thacher Kent to protect the redwood grove from logging. In 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed the area a national monument, setting it aside for preservation and public enjoyment. Today, Muir Woods is one of the most popular attractions in the Bay Area, drawing over a million visitors per year.
Getting to Muir Woods from San Francisco
Self-Drive
Many visitors choose to drive their own car to Muir Woods from San Francisco. This option gives you the most flexibility to visit at your own pace. The drive takes 30-90 minutes each way depending on traffic through the winding roads over Mount Tamalpais.
To drive there, cross the Golden Gate Bridge heading north on Highway 101, take Exit 445B onto Highway 1 North (Shoreline Highway), then take the Stinson Beach/Highway 1 exit and follow the road for about 11 miles. Turn left onto Muir Woods Road and follow signs into the park. Note that parking inside the park is limited, so arriving early in the day is best for finding a space. Parking along the road outside the park is not allowed.
Muir Woods Shuttle from Sausalito
For visitors without a car, the easiest public transit option is to take a ferry from San Francisco across the bay to Sausalito, then board the Muir Woods Shuttle. The shuttle runs daily from Sausalito’s ferry terminal to Muir Woods Visitor Center every 30 minutes. The trip takes about 40 minutes each way.
When returning to Sausalito, most shuttles connect with ferries back to San Francisco. However, check the shuttle schedule in advance in case there are gaps between shuttles and ferries. The last shuttle from Muir Woods departs at 7:10pm.
Reservations are strongly recommended for the shuttle in peak spring/summer months due to high demand. The reservation system opens 2-3 months in advance. Walk-up tickets may be available but will sell out, especially mid-day on weekends.
Direct Bus from San Francisco
The Marin Airporter Muir Woods Shuttle is an alternative bus service that offers direct connections a few times daily between San Francisco and Muir Woods. This bus departs downtown San Francisco hotels or Fisherman’s Wharf and takes roughly 45 minutes to reach the Muir Woods Visitor Center.
No transfers are required like the Sausalito shuttle option. However, the Muir Woods Shuttle does not run as frequently as the Sausalito shuttles. You must plan your day around the limited bus departure and arrival times.
As with the Sausalito shuttles, advance reservations are highly recommended due to high demand for the Marin Airporter shuttle. Tickets often sell out weeks ahead.
What to See and Do At Muir Woods?
Walking Trails
Over 6 miles of woodland hiking trails weave through Muir Woods, ranging from flat paved paths to steeper steps alongside rocky creeks. Two trails not to miss are the Main Trail Loop (1.7 mile loop) which takes you by some of the tallest trees and the 1.5 mile uphill Bohemian Grove Trail leading out of the valley towards the ocean overlook.
Many of Muir Woods’ signature supersized coast redwoods are marked with names like the Pinchot Tree and the Cathedral Tree. On self-guided walks, give yourself at least 1-2 hours to admire these giants, read interpretive displays and listen for songbirds like warblers and sparrows who make the forest their home.
Ranger-Led Tours
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, park rangers offer free 30-minute tours from the Visitor Center four times per day. Themes highlight redwood ecology, forest life, stories of John Muir or California’s native Coast Miwok inhabitants who once dwelled in similar quiet redwood groves.
Longer custom tours just for families are also available with advance reservation and self-guiding activity sheet options for kids. Check details of ranger tour schedules on the park’s website or pick up a flyer at the Visitor Center. Arrive at least 30 minutes early on busy days to secure spots, which are first-come, first-served.
Visitor Center
Be sure to leave time to watch the park film at the Visitor Center Theater and explore the museum-quality dioramas of redwood forest life. Displays spotlight Muir Woods’ plants and animals alongside facts on how fog and fire impact the landscape. The bookstore brims with field guides and books on California’s natural wonders while the cafe offers light snacks and refreshment.
Rangers are stationed here to provide maps, trail safety tips and guidance on where to find towering trees bearing names like Mother of the Forest and Fern Creek Giant. The Visitor Center and park grounds are wheelchair accessible with elevators available to bypass stairs.
Muir Woods Tour Extensions
While a visit to just Muir Woods fills about half a day, many visitors combine the trip with snacks or wine tasting across Mount Tamalpais for a whole day outing. Popular tour extensions include scenic drives along the Pacific Coast, nearby beach towns like Stinson Beach or hikes on Mt. Tam’s windswept slopes.
Tour Stinson Beach Town and Beach
Located 3 miles from Muir Woods down Highway 1, easy additions are spending time at laidback Stinson Beach Village for lunch and beach walks. Choose from BBQ at Parkside Cafe or the famous Breakers Cafe’s popsicles by the frothy shoreline. Dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean or take a peaceful nature walk at Easkoot Creek’s campground just north of town.
Hike Mt. Tamalpais Trails
For exceptional mountain-to-ocean views, branch out onto the steep hiking trails along ridges and peaks surrounding Muir Woods off Panoramic Highway. Nearby trailheads less than a 15-20 minute drive from Muir Woods include Pantoll Station, Rock Spring Parking Area and Mountain Home Inn with scenic paths like the Steep Ravine Trail and Matt Davis Trail offering physical challenges and big vistas across Marin County.
Wine Tour and Tasting in Marin County
The Marin County wine country around Muir Woods produces excellent cool-climate Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays along with artisan cheeses. Many acclaimed wineries like Domaine Carneros and Dutton Estate border Muir Woods and make for ideal post-hike tastings. Some vineyards offer tours highlighting sustainable growing practices and ocean-influenced terroir that make this wine country distinct. For the safest option, consider booking a guided wine tour with companies like Wine Country Transportation or Woody’s Tours where you can relax while they handle designated driving duties.
Planning Ahead for Your Muir Woods Trip
A little planning ahead makes for the best day enjoying Muir Woods without hassles:
- Arrive Early: By 9-10am to secure parking and avoid crowds at their peak during lunch hour.
- Reserve Shuttle Tickets: Up to months ahead online for Sausalito or Marin Airporter shuttles to guarantee a seat during peak season.
- Prepare Gear: Bring sturdy shoes for uneven terrain, layers for cool weather even during summer, snacks/water to stay energized on trails.
- Pick Up Maps: Of recommended hiking route options matched with your timing and fitness level for the day.
- Confirm Tour Extensions: Like lunch reservations at nearby Stinson Beach or wine tasting appointments if adding on side activities.
- Check Accessibility: For needs like paved paths for strollers/wheelchairs which are available on select trails.
- Share Photos Using #MuirWoods: Captureyour own memorable images of awe-inspiring redwoods!
No matter how you get there or what you hope to see, a few hours wandering old growth forests in Muir Woods stands unforgettable any time of year. Gazing up at a living natural wonder like a 300 foot tall redwood that sprouted 900 years ago is for many Bay Area travelers their favorite glimpse into California’s heritage.
Additional Tips For Visiting Muir Woods
- Dress for the Climate: The forest floor of Muir Woods is typically 15-20 degrees cooler than nearby areas due to the dense shade. Even summer days can feel brisk, while off-season months can be downright chilly. Layer clothing and bring extra jackets or blankets if picnicking.
- Pack Food and Water: There are no dining facilities within Muir Woods itself besides a small cafe at the Visitor Center. Bringing your own snacks, sandwiches and water allows you to refuel while hiking for hours. Be sure to pack out any trash you carry in.
- Put Devices on Silent: Noise pollution has impacts on wildlife and the serene experience in nature visitors hope to have. Set phones to silent, avoid loud music from portable speakers and keep conversations to a respectful volume.
- Take Bug Spray: The damp redwood understory provides habitat for mosquitos which are most prevalent May-October. Apply insect repellent if susceptible to bites.
- Leash Dogs: Dogs are allowed on trails in Muir Woods but must remain leashed at all times. Be sure to clean up after pets as well.
- Stay on Designated Trails: Help conserve fragile redwood ecology by sticking to marked paths which protect vegetation and prevent erosion in the watershed.
- Visit Mid-Week If Possible: Lighter visitation on Monday-Friday helps you beat crowds and parking challenges. Weekends attract maximum visitors, especially in peak season from May-September.
FAQs
It takes between 30-90 minutes each way depending on traffic. The drive crosses the Golden Gate Bridge and travels along the Pacific Coast on Highway
Yes, there is parking for about 400 vehicles inside Muir Woods. However, the lot fills up early, especially on weekends. Arrive before 9am for the best chance at a space. Otherwise, be prepared to park along Muir Woods Road.
Yes, you should make shuttle reservations at least 2-3 months in advance for peak spring and summer travel. Tickets often sell out weeks ahead online. The reservation system opens seasonally.
Muir Woods is beautiful to visit year-round but the most moderate weather lasts from September-November when chances of rain or fog are lower. Peak tourism runs May-September.
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours in Muir Woods but you can extend time further for picnics or longer hikes. Allow 30-40 minutes each way for shuttle transit plus any connections.
There is a small cafe and outdoors grills but no full-scale restaurant. Pack your own snacks and lunch to better fuel hikes through the forest.
Yes, many of the trails are paved and accessible including the Main Trail Loop. Check with rangers for current conditions or accessibility needs.
Conclution
If you’re looking for a nature fix that’ll make you feel like a tiny ant in a giant’s world, head to Muir Woods and it’s mind-blowingly huge redwoods. Just a hop, skip and a jump from San Francisco, this park is where over a million people a year come to gawk at trees that are older than their great-great-great-grandparents. Yeah, we’re talking 1,000+ years old! And you can thank John Muir for saving these beauties from becoming someone’s dining room table over a century ago.
Now, this place can get packed tighter than a can of sardines, especially on summer weekends. But don’t sweat it! Just plan ahead, get there early, book your shuttle tickets before everyone else does and make sure you’ve got the right gear for when the forest decides to change it’s mood. Oh and don’t be afraid to chat up the park rangers – they’ve got all the insider tips. And if you really want to take your adventure to the next level, tack on a trip to the nearby wine country or the Pacific Coast. Trust me, your Instagram feed will thank you.
