One cold February morning, I woke up to miserable San Francisco rain and sighed. California was under partial lockdown, and the weather was not cooperating (What can I say? SF peeps do not do any temperature variations whatsoever!). I frantically started looking at the weather-forecast for the next few days and saw that the weekend promised nice (read: 50-60F) weather, and immediately started looking for outdoor day trip ideas to make the most of it. Enter Muir Woods!
Muir Woods National Monument is one of the many natural treasures around Northern California and is located 12 miles north of San Francisco. It consists of 240 acres of coast redwoods and is one of the few places in the SF Bay area where these trees still remain and thrive.
By the way, if you are planning your trip to San Francisco, be sure to check out this ultimate guide on exploring the city, including what to do, what to avoid, and where to eat! I have lived in San Francisco for over 4 years, and definitely have a recommendation or two.
Muir Woods is named after famed naturalist John Muir whose activism made the preservation of Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park possible. Back in 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt created Muir Woods National Monument by using the Antiquities Act. If you are taking a road trip across the West Coast and don’t have time to hit Sequoia National Park, or simply exploring your SF backyards, take half a day to visit Muir Woods. I promise you it will not disappoint!
Traveling around California? Check out my itinerary ideas here!
What you need to know
Muir Woods day trip: Things to do
1. Hike the Redwood Creek trail
The Main Trail or Redwood Creek Trail of Muir Woods is the most popular here. As soon as you enter the archway proclaiming the name of this park, you will see the boardwalk that covers half of this trail. This is where you can start your exploration of this insanely beautiful place!
This 1.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail features the Redwood Creek on one side and a boardwalk (for the most part) in parallel. Four wooden bridges span across the creek presenting opportunities for lovely photos with a backdrop of the giant redwoods and Douglas fir trees.
Muir Woods National Monument was created on land donated by William Kent to protect redwoods from being cut down.
Soon, you will arrive upon the Cathedral Grove, a place that requires you to enter quietly. This grove is home to the oldest and the most spectacular redwoods in Muir Woods. In fact, most trees here are between 600-800 years old! Ponder upon the majesty of these ancient giants and pay your respect in quietude.
The Muir Woods Main Trail is wheelchair accessible (thanks to a boardwalk) up to the 2nd bridge over the redwood creek. Ongoing plans include extending this boardwalk.
2. Hike the Canyon View trail
If you are looking for a bit of a challenge and to get away from the crowds, opt for hiking the Canyon View trail. This 3.4 mile loop trail starts towards the beginning of the Redwood Creek trail and rejoins the trail towards the end.
On the way, you will find numerous bridges and lovely streams gurgling as you make your way along. There is a fairly well established trail with stairs and some stones, but expect wetness – so wear sturdy waterproof shoes.
For an extra challenge (not for me though :P), hike to Muir Beach (6 mile) or Stinson Beach (10 miles) for a day long adventure
3. Have a picnic
There may not be many spots available for a picnic in the Main Trail. However, once you venture out of that trail, there are some seriously beautiful spots to sit down and have a picnic. On the Canyon View trail, we saw a bench looking out to a redwood grove. Could you find a more perfect spot to grab a bite?
There are also some areas within these trails containing small clearings. I sat on a fallen tree next to a gurgling stream to eat a sandwich and listen to the forest sounds around me. Some passers-by even commented on how beautiful the spot was! That’s the great thing about Muir Woods – beauty lives everywhere you look!
Note: Take care not to venture off the trails. As much as the beauty of the woods beyond might beckon you, walking off established paths could mean disturbing the forest floor or stepping on seeds or saplings.
5. Hug a redwood tree
California coast’s redwood trees can grow up to 367 feet with a width of 22 feet in its lifetime. They also live for over 2000 years. At Muir Woods, you will be graced with countless redwood trees well within your touch. Take a moment to look up, guess how old they are and hug a tree!
The redwood trees flourished during the Jurassic period, which means dinosaurs roamed around these trees millions of years ago! Crazy, right?
Close to San Francisco is the interesting Lassen Volcanic National Park. If you are traveling during summer, make the drive to this national park to see some incredible geological features. Check out this guide to learn more.
5. Experience forest bathing
The Japanese art of forest bathing means disconnecting from tech and reconnecting with the nature surrounding you. And Muir Woods is the perfect place to experience that! Thanks to the limited to no cell service, you can truly disengage from your tech pieces (except of course to take pictures ;)).
Here, you will experience time stopping still. Sounds will dampen and a poignant silence will surround you as soon as you step off the Redwood creek trail. Savor it.
6. Buy a souvenir
The gift shop is located close to the ticket office once you enter through the archway. It contains the cutest little trinkets, including wood carved animals and mushrooms! Pick up a magnet, wooden pen or a mug to remind you of this beautiful place. Keep in mind though that it closes early.
There is also a cafe next door serving hot sandwiches and soups – perfect for a bite after exploring the woods.
8. Visit Muir Beach and Overlook
Muir Beach is located about 3 miles away from the Muir Woods Visitor Center. As you exit the Muir Woods area, head west towards the Pacific Coast. You can expect Muir Beach to be uncrowded as the weather is chilly most time of the year.
Muir Beach Overlook is half a mile away. It offers panoramic views of the Point Reyes Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean. Walk down the beautiful staircase to the end for a picture with the azure waters of the Pacific and the greenest vegetation you can see!
A nice surprise were the historic base-end stations in the area. These observation posts (nicknamed gopher holes!) used to be a part of the SF coastal defence system back in the 1900s. These elevated vantage points were used by soldiers to view ships approaching the mainland, especially during war times.
An interesting story is captured in one of the information boards here. During the summer of 1944, a commanding officer placed an order for winter parkas and fur lined boots for the soldiers. A few days later, he received a call from the supply sergeant inquiring why the officer had placed an order for Artic-type clothing in California. The sergeant had recently sent summer shorts and shirts to an air force base located a few miles away! The commanding officer replied, “You’d have to be from the Bay area to understand!” Yup, weather changes every other mile here 😀
Can you use your America the Beautiful pass at Muir Woods?
Yes! Since the Muir Woods National Monument is a federal site, you can use your America the Beautiful pass to gain entry. Note that the price of the annual America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Annual Pass is $80. This is super useful for someone planning to travel to multiple (3 or more) National Parks in less than 12 months.
Planning your trip to Muir Woods
- Book a parking ticket at least one week in advance if you are driving to the park. This is important since these tickets sell out fast! The ticket can be booked based on your desired time slot. Download it to your phone in advance. I recommend arriving early to get the most of the park and without much crowds. Also, you will need visitor ticket(s) unless you own a National Park pass.
- Don’t leave any traces and walk on solid surfaces, don’t venture off trails. Dispose of waste properly and appropriately. The park also encourages zero waste practices by sorting waste to respective bins to minimize environmental impact.
- Download offline maps beforehand, there is no signal around (Map online)
- Take snacks and plenty of water.
- Carry a refillable water bottle. I saw some drinking taps on the established Redwood Creek trail.
- Pack your America the Beautiful Pass.
- The only restroom is at the main parking lot. Plan in advance.
- Pets are not allowed in any trails unless they are service animals.
While in California, take advantage of the awe-inspiring nature and national parks by taking a road trip through the state. In particular, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite should be on your list for their unparalleled beauty. Read this guide on how to travel to these two locations.
How is the Muir Woods weather?
Muir Woods weather is cool most times of the year with temperatures of about 40 – 70 F. Late October through May can be rainy, with June through September bringing the temperatures higher. However, in the peak summer months, as is typical for San Francisco, it is foggy.
What to wear to Muir Woods
- Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes if you plan to hike around. Expect wet ground – it is Northern California after all – you’ve been warned!
- Take a rainproof jacket and layer up. Same point as above; the weather can be cold and damp at times.
- If it will rain heavily that day, carry an umbrella for extra protection.
- Layered clothing will be your friend. While it generally is not hot, temperatures can change. And if you’re going to hike there, you may want to shed a layer in between.
- Wearing hiking pants that are resistant to water and won’t make you completely wet if you get some rain.
- Wear moisture wicking socks that will keep warm in case of rains.
How long do you need at Muir Woods?
You will need between half a day to a full day in Muir Woods to see its highlights. If you would like to do a short hike in the area, half a day is sufficient. However, there are a few longer hikes from Muir Woods to the nearby Mt. Tamalpais State Park that will require a full day.
I explored the Muir Woods National Park, did a short hike, had a picnic, went souvenir shopping, and ended up at the Muir Beach and Overlook in around 5-6 hours.
Where to stay near Muir Woods
While Muir Woods is best explored in a day trip, you might want to check out Mount Tamalpais State Park next door. Keep in mind though that there are no campsites in Muir Woods National Monument.
You can camp overnight at Point Reyes Seashore Campground or Kirby Cove Campground. There are plenty of hotels around as well. Mountain Home Inn and Mill Valley Inn are options to stay close by.
Muir Woods Open hours
Muir Woods National Monument Park is open 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. daily.
The Visitor Center is open from 8:00 am to 30 minutes before the park closes.
Muir Woods Entrance Fees
Entrance fee is $15 per adult, unless you have the America the Beautiful Annual pass ($80) or Muir Woods Annual Pass ($45). Children under 15 years of age can enter for free.
Note: Parking reservations and fees are extra. You can purchase the entrance fee with a parking permit in advance of your visit (highly recommended!).
If you like to explore national parks, definitely take the time to visit Yosemite National Park. Here is a guide on what to see and explore there. I wrote this guide after visiting Yosemite on one of the coolest (and kind of scariest!) weekends there.
Muir Woods National Monument FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is Muir Woods wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Muir Woods Main Trail is wheelchair accessible due to the presence of a boardwalk. Currently, the boardwalk has been built up to the 2nd bridge over the redwood creek. Future plans include extending it further.
Where to park when visiting Muir Woods?
There are 2 parking lots at Muir Woods National Monument. The main parking area is located next to the Visitor Center, and the address is Ben Johnson Trail, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA. Additionally, there is an overflow parking lot close to the main parking area. In Google Maps, it is marked as “Muir Woods Overflow Parking Lot” with the address Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA.
At Muir Woods, parking reservations are required. So, make sure to secure a permit at the same time as booking your park entrance reservation.
Can you take Uber to Muir Woods?
Yes, you can take Uber from your place to Muir Woods. However, since there is low to no cellular reception in Muir Woods, you may be unable to book an Uber back from Muir Woods. So, plan accordingly. If you want to take an Uber back, and know the time you will leave, schedule a ride ahead of time. The same goes for taking a taxi as well.
How to get to Muir Woods without a car?
You can get to Muir Woods without a car too! The Muir Woods Shuttle offer rides to and from Muir Woods from 2 locations: Sausalito and Larkspur Landing. While the Sausalito stop is serviced everyday, Larkspur Landing is services on weekends only. Visitors using this shuttle service do not require a Muir Woods parking reservation. The cost of a round-trip shuttle ride is $3.50.
Larkspur Landing address (weekends only): 101 E Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Larkspur, CA 94939
Sausalito address: Bay & Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965
What is the California county that's home to Muir Woods?
Muir Woods National Monument is located in the gorgeous Marin County just a few miles north of San Francisco city.
What is the distance from San Jose to Muir Woods?
The distance from San Jose to Muir Woods is 68 miles via I-280, or 64 miles via I-101. The driving distance without traffic is about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
What is the distance between San Francisco and Muir Woods?
The distance from the heart of San Francisco to Muir Woods is 16 miles. The driving distance without traffic is about 35 minutes.
How far is Napa from Muir Woods?
The city of Napa is about 46 miles from Muir Woods. The driving distance without traffic is about 1 hour.
Muir Woods engagement photos: Is that possible?
Yes, you can have the dreamy engagement photos you want in the mesmerizing location of Muir Woods. However, your photographer may need to get a permit if props or sets are going to be used. Read about all the requirements here.
Is it possible to have a Muir Woods wedding?
If you dream wedding location is in the middle of the redwoods, you’re in luck. You can have a wedding at Muir Woods! For that, you will need to get a Special Park Use Permit, and plan well ahead as the bookings are sold out several months in advance!
Can I bring food to Muir Woods?
Yes, you can bring food to Muir Woods, however, there are no picnic tables inside the park. If you bring a snack, make sure to not leave any traces in the wilderness, and clean up after yourselves. Also, note that food and drinks are available in the cafe next to the Visitor Center.
Is Muir Woods dog friendly?
Dogs and other pets are not allowed in Muir Woods. Because there are carnivores like coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, and herds of very protective black-tailed deer in our park, a visitor or a pet can get in harms way if a pet encounters park wildlife. Hence, NPS recommends visiting the Coastal Trail at Muir Beach or Marin Headlands with your pet instead. Service dogs are, however, allowed.
If you have additional time to spare after, head on to Sausalito or Point Reyes National Seashore for a perfect day exploring NorCal outdoors!
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