What you need to know before visiting Muir Woods
There’s something beautiful about walking in the woods, breathing fresh air, and reconnecting with nature. If you’re craving a break from the busy streets of San Francisco, look no more: A Muir Woods tour will take your breath away!
What is Muir Woods
Only 30 minutes away from the city, Muir Woods National Monument is home to nearly two-thousand-year-old indigenous Coastal Redwoods, also considered the tallest trees on the planet as they grow as tall as 250 feet.
Mother Nature is still in charge here, and besides the redwood trees, you will also admire ferns, fungi, squirrels, chipmunks, deer, and woodpeckers.
How to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco
Muir Woods National Park is located only 30 minutes away from the city. Can you think of any better way to reach the Park than hitting the road with San Francisco Jeep Tours?
If you’re driving from San Francisco, take the Golden Gate Bridge via Highway 101 and take the Highway 1 exit. Keep driving on the winding road of towards Mt. Tamalpais for about 12 miles before you reach the entrance of the National Park. Advanced parking reservations are required.
Start planning your visit: 5 Ways to Travel from San Francisco! Choose from Car, Ferry, Bike, Shuttle Bus or a Private Small Group Tour. Not all easy or recommended.
When and how to visit
The National Park is open 365 days a year, so you should definitely include it on your San Francisco itinerary. Operating hours vary by season, but the Park is generally open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.
Also, an advance parking reservation is required unless you travel with an approved Tour Company to the park. The Park has launched an online reservation system, and you can book your parking tickets here.
Muir Wood Hiking Trails
Bridge 2 Loop: This walk is a half-mile long and will take about 30 minutes. After you cross Bridge 2, head to the left-hand side of the trail. This will take you back to Bridge 1 and put you on the main trail where you started.
Bridge 3 Loop: Take the main trail heading to Bridge 3, then cross the bridge and go left. The next bridge you’ll come to is Bridge 1. Keep walking until you reach the main trail. This loop is about 1-mile roundtrip and takes about an
Bridge 4 Loop: walk the main trail till the end and reach Bridge 4. Cross the bridge and go left as if you’re heading back to the entrance. Then walk all the way to Bridge 1 until you reach the main trail. This loop is about 2 miles and takes about one and a half hours.
View a map of Muir Woods at nps.gov/muwo/planyourvisit/maps.htm
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.
Jeep Tours From San Francisco to Muir Woods are the best way to go
For the most memorable experience, keep the adventure flowing and try our half day Giant Redwoods Private Jeep tour with a stop in the Bayside Town of Sausalito, or a glorious full-day combination San Francisco City tour and Muir Woods Tour on board our convertible jeep!
