Muir Woods National Monument – What to Know Before You Go & Walk Among the Redwoods

I have always loved trees, and witnessing the majestic Redwoods and Sequoias was one of the main reasons we traveled to California. At the top of our list were two iconic destinations: Muir Woods National Monument and Yosemite National Park, both offering a chance to stand beneath some of the world's tallest and oldest trees. Walking among these towering giants was an experience unlike any other, filling us with a deep appreciation for nature’s grandeur and resilience.

While visiting Muir Woods National Monument, we learned that it protects 554 acres of pristine forest, with 240 acres of old-growth coast redwood trees. These towering redwoods, mostly aged between 600 and 800 years, create a breathtaking, cathedral-like atmosphere. Though redwoods can grow up to 380 feet tall, the tallest tree in Muir Woods reaches 258 feet, still an astonishing sight. One of the most fascinating exhibits in the park is a cross-section of a redwood tree, displaying rings that date all the way back to 900 AD, serving as a tangible timeline of history. Highlights of the park include the Cathedral Grove, where the towering canopy and hushed atmosphere inspire reverence, and the legendary 800-year-old tree known as "Old Grandma", a symbol of endurance and strength.

Just a short drive from San Francisco, Muir Woods National Monument is a must-visit for nature lovers seeking a tranquil escape from urban life. The park’s well-maintained trails wind through the serene forest, where the cool, misty air and filtered sunlight create an almost magical setting. Whether you're a casual visitor, a photography enthusiast, or an avid hiker, there’s something deeply inspiring about walking among these ancient giants, some of which have stood for over 1,000 years. Beyond its natural beauty, Muir Woods also serves as a vital symbol of conservation efforts, protecting these extraordinary trees for future generations. If you ever have the chance to visit, take your time, walk slowly, and simply absorb the awe-inspiring presence of the redwoods—it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

• How do I get there if I have no car: Go to the National Park Service page for a good description of what to do.
• Take a look at this list of Tour Companies that offer tours to the park. You could also take a look at the list of tours that Viator offers, note that they offer other nearby destinations as well.
• When is the park open: Muir Woods is open every day of the year, including all holidays. The park is open 8:00 a.m. to sunset.
• Is Muir Woods accessible to those with limited mobility: Muir Woods has 1.5 miles of paved or boardwalked trail which is mostly flat. Go to the National Park Service Page for more details.
• Does the Park allow Dogs: No, to protect the wildlife, the other visitors, and your pet.
• Are Reservations required for the Park: Yes, the National Park Service has a parking and shuttle reservation system at Muir Woods National Monument. Go to the National Park Service Page for more details.
• The National Park Service Page for Muir Woods has a lot of good information, and we would suggest that you go there if you have more questions.
• Is there a shuttle to Muir Woods from San Francisco? Yes, an affordable shuttle from San Francisco to Muir Woods with hassle- free access to the redwoods. Departs and returns to Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. The shuttle will stay in Muir Woods for up to 90 minutes.
• Is there cell phone service available in Muir Woods? No, there is no cell phone reception in the Park due to the fact that you are in the Redwood Canyon which is approximately 400 to 600 feet below the surrounding area.
• Have any movies used Muir Woods as a set? Yes, scenes from "Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi," where it served as the forest moon of Endor, and "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" were filmed in this unique setting.
• Can I visit Muir Beach or Muir Beach Overlook from Muir Woods? Yes, Muir Beach is located 3 miles west of Muir Woods National Monument. Stinson and Red Rock Beaches are just north of Muir Beach.
• Can I bring food or have a picnic? Yes, you can bring food, but no eating is allowed on the trails. There are picnic areas outside the park.

Muir Woods National Monument located just north of San Francisco, California, has a rich history rooted in conservation and the efforts to protect old-growth coastal redwoods. Established on January 9, 1908, by President Theodore Roosevelt, the park was named after John Muir, the famous Scottish-American naturalist, writer, and advocate for wilderness preservation. Muir’s environmental philosophy, particularly his belief in preserving wild spaces for future generations, greatly influenced early conservation movements in the United States and was instrumental in the creation of national parks.

The land that would become Muir Woods was originally purchased by a prominent California congressman and businessman, William Kent, and his wife, Elizabeth Thacher Kent, in 1905. Recognizing the importance of conserving the ancient redwoods, Kent bought the land to save it from logging, a common practice in the area during that era. However, when a local water company threatened the land, Kent offered it to the federal government, which eventually led to President Roosevelt declaring the area a national monument under the Antiquities Act, making it one of the first federally protected natural sites in the country.

Muir Woods’ establishment marked a significant moment in the American conservation movement, helping to inspire future generations to prioritize the protection of natural landscapes. The towering redwoods of Muir Woods are among the last remaining old-growth forests in the Bay Area, with some trees exceeding 1,000 years of age and reaching heights of over 250 feet. Today, Muir Woods is managed by the National Park Service and is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, attracting nearly a million visitors annually who come to witness the beauty of these ancient giants and to experience a piece of preserved natural history.

Click here to go to our Muir Woods Video on this page.

Muir Woods is an easy 16.8 mile drive from San Francisco so you do need a car to get there or you could take a day tour from the city. There are a number of Bus Tour Companies that will transport you to & from the park. Click here to see a Google Search Results page for "Muir Woods Tours"".

If you do drive on your own you can stop at Fort Baker and catch views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the other side of the bay and you can visit the Bonita Point Lighthouse and stop in Sausalito for breakfast or lunch.

We were staying in Santa Rosa exploring Wine Country in that area, so our drive was south on U.S. 101 for 52 miles to CA-1 south in the Tamalpais-Homestead Valley. We went very early to avoid rush hour traffic and this tactic was successful.

Parking reservations (you must specify a date & time) are required to park at Muir Woods (note that there are only 232 parking spaces). When reserving your spot you select the date and it then will show you available arrival times. Due to the reservation system finding a parking spot is pretty much guaranteed when you get to the park. Regular cars are $9 as of this writing (2022) and electric vehicles are $12 and they offer EV charging connections. Longer vehicles are allowed but must be shorter than 35’ total length ($30-$45).

The park entrance fee is separate from the parking fee, and obviously they are trying to avoid conflicts in the parking lot by requiring reservations to park. It is a National Park so the national park passes are honored. As we’ve mentioned before, if you plan to visit more than one or two National Parks it’s worth it to get a National Park Pass. We have enjoyed using the Senior Lifetime Pass for many years now. We are frequently delighted when we realize that we don’t have to pay the entrance fee. Currently, a day pass is $15 and kids under 15 get in for free. You can also get an annual pass just for Muir Woods.

We made our reservations for early in the morning to avoid afternoon crowds and traffic and this worked out well for us.

There is a gift shop at the park which has some snacks and t-shirts and other touristy items which can get pretty crowded during the day. In addition, Muir Woods Cafe, serves a variety of food; sandwiches, soups, beverages including coffee, and baked goods, etc.

If you want to avoid crowds you might want to get your food before entering the park. Consider finding something in Manzanita, CA which is the U.S. 101 exit for the park.

Here is a Google Map link for "restaurants near Muir Woods National Monument".

Muir Woods Park is at the bottom of a canyon once known as "Redwood Canyon"; a long twisty road with numerous switchbacks as it descends to the parking lot area. The switchbacks provided us with excellent views of the canyon, although, we have to confess that Terry’s attention had to be on the road more than the scenery! I was the lucky one getting to enjoy the views on the way in.

There are a small number of trails in the park, the trail that we walked is named the "Redwood Creek Trail". See the National Park Service website for information on the other trails. The popular trails are an easy walk and can get crowded so if you like to avoid crowds you may want to venture off onto one of the lesser utilized trails.

Click the above video poster image to view our "Visit Muir Woods video". View the Giant Coastal Redwoods at Muir Woods; Just 17 miles from San Francisco, Muir Woods in California, is a sanctuary of giant redwoods. Muir Woods National Monument, preserving 554 acres of forest, including 240 acres of ancient coast redwoods. Our video provides tips and information to make your visit to Muir Woods a successful one; from getting there to ticket reservations and info about the park to a tour of some of these amazing trees.

Click the above video poster image to view our video of "The drive on highway 1 between Muir Beach and Stinson Beach"." Curvey and not for the timid, the views along this highway are consistently beautiful and there are a number of places where you can stop and capture the moment. This area is generally not known to tourists, so most of the people you will bump into there will be locals.

• Just Traveling Thru Travel Planning Tips
• Muir Woods & Sausalito Tour on the "Get Your Guide" Website
• Google Search Results list for "accommodations near Muir Woods"
• Google Search Results list for "Manzanita Restaurants"
• Google Search Results list for "Muir Beach Restaurants"
• Google Search Results list for "Manzanita Accommodations"
• Google Search Results list for "Muir Beach Accommodations"
• Google Search Results list for "Stinson Beach Accommodations"
• Google Search Results list for "Stinson Beach Area places to eat"
• Muir Beach Wikipedia Article
• Stinson Beach Wikipedia Article
• Youtube Search Results for "Muir Woods"
• San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito & Alcatraz Guided Tour from "Get Your Guide"
• Amazon Search Results for "Muir Woods"
• Visit our Youtube Channel
• Our Image Gallery for Muir Woods
• Google Reviews for Muir Woods National Monument

• Wikipedia Article for Muir Woods
• Google Image Gallery for Muir Woods