“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 over 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.
Want to go walk among the Redwoods? 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 can be purchased as add-on items.
You have two fun Jeep Tour tour options:
3 Hours: Morning or Afternoon – Includes Sausalito and Golden Gate Bridge
Full Day: Ultimate City Tour plus Giant Redwoods, the 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 a 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.
- Muir Woods National Monument Information: nps.gov/muwo
- View a map of Muir Woods nps.gov/muwo/planyourvisit/maps.htm.
“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.
REMEMBER: 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.
Learn More: 5 Ways to Get to Muir Woods from San Francisco. Warning: Not All Easy or Recommended!
Entrance Fees and Passes
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- $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.
Additional Information to make your visit enjoyable
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.
Muir Woods has a 15.00 park entry fee. Please buy your entry ticket online via the GoMuirWoods.com website to avoid waiting in line
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 gift shop and café. The café is open with outdoor patio seating only.
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:
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What you need to Know before you visit Muir Woods
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15 Fun Facts and a bit of history about Muir Woods National Monument
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5 Ways to Get to Muir Woods from San Francisco. Warning: Not All Easy or Recommended!
