Great news for nature lovers and San Francisco explorers — Muir Woods National Monument is officially reopening for normal operations on Thursday, October 23!
After a temporary closure during the lapse in federal appropriations, the park will welcome visitors once again, thanks to generous donations that have allowed the National Park Service (NPS) to reopen Muir Woods for a limited period through Saturday, October 31. Even better — no entrance fees will be collected during this time. That means now is the perfect opportunity to experience the magic of the redwoods with San Francisco Jeep Tours.
Our Private Muir Woods Jeep Tours are among our most popular adventures — and for good reason! These open-air, small-group tours combine breathtaking scenery with the freedom of a fully guided, customizable itinerary.
Your journey begins in San Francisco, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge before winding through the coastal hills of Marin County to reach the towering redwoods of Muir Woods. Once there, you’ll have plenty of time to wander among ancient trees that have stood for hundreds of years, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of this national treasure.
Every Jeep tour includes scenic photo stops and local insights from your expert guide. Highlights often include:
Golden Gate Bridge crossings and photo opportunities
A visit to Sausalito, the charming waterfront town known for its art galleries and cafés
Stops at Muir Beach Overlook or Golden Gate Viewpoints in the Marin Headlands
Comfortable, open-air Jeeps perfect for sightseeing and photography
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Bay Area local, this tour offers a fun, flexible way to reconnect with nature and explore beyond the city.
The Muir Woods Visitor Center and Muir Woods Trading Company (gift shop and café) will be open during the reopening period. Park rangers will also be on site, offering programs and insights about the park’s history, wildlife, and conservation efforts.
With no park entry fee required through October 31, now is a rare chance to experience the serenity of Muir Woods at its best — and save a little while you’re at it!
Availability is limited, and Jeep tours fill up quickly — especially when Muir Woods reopens. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore San Francisco, cross the Golden Gate Bridge, and stand among the world-famous coastal redwoods.
Reserve your Private Muir Woods Jeep Tour today
Muir Woods National Monument temporarily reopened on Thursday after several companies associated with the park made a donation to the National Park Service during the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Huber, whose tour company offers private Jeep tours to places like Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Golden Gate Park, said the park’s reopening has been in the works for the last two weeks.
While his company isn’t currently donating money to the Muir Woods reopening, Huber says he was part of a group of business owners that volunteered to provide funds toward the estimated $4,700 per day required to keep Muir Woods open.
During Muir Woods’ closure, Huber said his company redirected their Jeeps to Mill Valley and Mt. Tamalpais, while other companies with buses went to
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Sonoma County, but “that’s a two-and-a-half-hour addition.”
Huber said his company just sent its first tour back out into the park at 1 p.m. on Thursday.
“People come from all over the world to go to it, so we’re excited they can go again,” he said.
— Sarah Wright, KQED News | Oct 23, 2025 (Updated 3:29 pm PT)
Parkgoers hoping to walk beneath the towering Bay Area redwood trees are in luck: Muir Woods National Monument reopened Thursday, thanks to a coalition of concessionaires who run businesses inside the park.
Brian Huber, the owner of San Francisco Jeep Tours, said he received an email from the National Park Service on Wednesday night saying Muir Woods would be reopening Thursday morning, funded by private groups. A Park Service website confirms the national monument is now open despite the ongoing government shutdown.
The email did not identify the donors, Huber said. Many private enterprises operate in the park as authorized concessionaires, including ACE Parking Management, ExplorUS (which operates the Muir Woods Trading Co.’s café and gift shop), and more than 30 other smaller entities.
Huber said a coalition of tour operators, including himself, got together in the beginning of the shutdown to offer up funds to keep the monument open.
“I’d be happy to write a check,” Huber said. “It’s a nice part of our business.”
But the first attempt didn’t get traction, and the monument stayed closed — disappointing some international visitors. A second attempt (which his business wasn’t part of) worked, and his first Jeep tour in several weeks went back out today.
“We’re thrilled to reopen and welcome visitors back to Muir Woods,” said Michael Bealer, general manager of Muir Woods Trading Co. In addition to the café and gift shop, the Muir Woods Visitor Center is open and rangers are on-site — at least until Oct. 31.
— Kylie Mohr, SFGATE | Oct 23, 2025
Yes. Muir Woods National Monument has reopened to visitors with normal operating hours, subject to current National Park Service guidelines. It’s always a good idea to check the official NPS website for the latest updates before you travel.
Yes. The National Park Service requires advance reservations for parking or the Muir Woods Shuttle. If you visit as part of a San Francisco Jeep Tours Muir Woods tour, the necessary entry arrangements are handled for you.
Two private Jeep tours visit Muir Woods:
Both tours include round-trip transportation from San Francisco and time to walk among the towering redwoods.
Most San Francisco Jeep Tours itineraries allow about 60–90 minutes inside Muir Woods. That’s plenty of time to explore one or two of the main redwood loops, take photos, and soak in the peaceful forest atmosphere.
Private Muir Woods Jeep tours typically depart from Fisherman’s Wharf or a pre-arranged pick-up location in central San Francisco. Exact meeting details are provided in your booking confirmation.
