What you need to know before visiting Muir Woods

There’s something kind of magical about walking in the woods—breathing that cool, fresh air and letting your brain unclench for a minute. If you’re craving a break from the busy streets of San Francisco, Muir Woods National Monument is one of the easiest (and most jaw-dropping) nature getaways you can do in half a day.

What is Muir Woods?

Muir Woods National Monument is just north of San Francisco (think: “quick hop over the Golden Gate Bridge”). It protects a rare old-growth coastal redwood forest—trees that can reach around 250 feet tall, and some that are close to 2,000 years old.

And it’s not just the trees. You’ll also see ferns, fungi, birds, and sometimes deer—plus that classic redwood “quiet” that makes everyone start whispering like they just walked into a cathedral.

Getting There from San Francisco

Option 1: Drive Yourself (Doable… but plan ahead)

Muir Woods is close—about 17 miles from San Francisco—but the drive can take longer than you expect depending on traffic and timing. The basic route is:

• Cross the Golden Gate Bridge via US-101 North
• Take the exit toward CA-1 / Stinson Beach
• Follow the winding roads toward Mount Tamalpais until you reach Muir Woods

Important: If you drive, you’ll need an advance parking reservation (and you should download it before you go because there’s no reliable cell service at Muir Woods).

Option 2: Shuttle (Great when it’s running, but still requires planning)

The Muir Woods Shuttle can be a smart option if you don’t want to drive into the canyon. You’ll still need a shuttle reservation, and pickup locations/timing can vary seasonally—so check details before you commit.

Option 3: Go with a Tour (Easiest “set it and forget it” option)

If you want the trip to feel simple—no parking stress, no juggling reservations, no “are we going the right way?” moments—book a tour with transportation included.

Start here: San Francisco Jeep Tours: Muir Woods + Sausalito

Start planning your visit: 5 Ways to Travel from San Francisco to Muir Woods (not all are easy or recommended)

Reservations, Hours & Entrance Fees

When is Muir Woods open?

Muir Woods is generally open every day of the year. Opening time is typically 8:00 a.m., and closing time varies by season (often around sunset), so it’s smart to double-check current hours before you go.

Do you need reservations?

Yes—plan on needing a reservation. Most visitors need either a parking reservation or a shuttle reservation when visiting Muir Woods. You can book through the official reservation site here: gomuirwoods.com.

Good news: If you visit with an approved tour company, that often changes what you personally need to reserve (and removes a lot of the logistics headaches).

Entrance fees

• $15.00 – Adult (16 years and older)
• Free – Children (15 and under)

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

Accessibility

Muir Woods has designated accessible parking, shuttle buses, and boardwalk-style trails in the main grove area, plus accessible signs and visitor amenities.

Best Muir Woods Hiking Trails (Easy Loops)

If you’re visiting for the first time, these classic loops are a great way to experience the redwoods without overthinking it.

Bridge 2 Loop (Easy + quick)

Distance: ~0.5 miles • Time: ~30 minutes
Cross Bridge 2, head left, and loop back toward Bridge 1 and the main trail.

Bridge 3 Loop (Great “first visit” loop)

Distance: ~1 mile round trip • Time: ~60 minutes
Follow the main trail to Bridge 3, cross, turn left, and connect back toward Bridge 1.

Bridge 4 Loop (Longer, still approachable)

Distance: ~2 miles • Time: ~1.5 hours
Walk the main trail to Bridge 4, cross, turn left, and return toward Bridge 1.

View the official trail maps here: nps.gov/muwo/planyourvisit/maps.htm

Weather + What to Wear & Bring

The redwood forest stays cool and shaded most of the year. Expect temperatures roughly in the 40–70°F range (4–21°C). Rain is most common from late fall through spring, while summer is usually drier (but still cool inside the grove).

• Wear: Layers + comfortable walking shoes
• Bring: Water, a light jacket, and a camera
• Don’t rely on service: Save your reservation screenshot before you arrive

Common Mistakes to Avoid (Save Yourself the Headache)

• Showing up without a reservation: Parking and shuttle spots can sell out—especially on weekends and holidays.
• Arriving midday on a weekend: That’s peak crowd time. If you can, go early.
• Assuming it’ll be warm: Even on sunny SF days, the grove can feel chilly and damp.
• Forgetting to download tickets: No cell service = no easy way to pull up your reservation at the gate.
• Skipping nearby highlights: If you’re already across the bridge, pair it with Sausalito (and Golden Gate Bridge Marin Headlands viewpoints) to make the trip feel complete.

PRO TIP: Private Jeep Tours to Muir Woods are the easiest way to go

For the most memorable experience, keep the adventure flowing with a private, open-air Jeep tour. We’ll handle the timing and logistics, and you’ll get a more complete half-day experience—often including Golden Gate Bridge photo stops and Sausalito.

• Half-Day Giant Redwoods + Sausalito + Golden Gate Bridge
• Full-Day Combo: San Francisco City Tour + Muir Woods + Sausalito

Read More about Visiting Muir Woods

• 15 Fun Facts + a bit of history about Muir Woods National Monument
• Muir Woods: General Info and Overview
• 5 Ways to Travel from San Francisco to Muir Woods (not all are easy or recommended)