Your Guide to Visiting Muir Woods
When you're looking to escape the city, or take a fun day-trip when visiting the Bay Area, you can't go wrong with Muir Woods National Monument, located in Marin County. Only 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, these towering trees will truly take your breath away.
Filled with 1,000-year-old redwood trees that reach up to 260 feet high, Muir Woods is named after celebrated conservationist John Muir and was designated a national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt back in 1908.
Ready to do a little forest bathing? Here's everything you need to know about a trip to Muir Woods.
Plan Your Transportation Ahead of Time
To get to Muir Woods, you need to plan your transportation ahead of time. This may be a bit of a speed bump for those of you who like to fly by the seat of your pants, but we promise you it will be worth it.
There are two ways to access the park: by shuttle, or by vehicle. Both require reservations. If you are driving your own car, you need to book a parking spot online. The booking will allow you to arrive within a 30-minute window, and you can stay until the park closes. Parking reservations cost $8 per vehicle.
Shuttles leave from the Pohono Park and Ride, from Sausalito, and from the Marin City Hub. Shuttle tickets to Muir Woods are only valid for a specific bus or time-frame, so if you miss it, you are out of luck. Be sure to arrive on time! Shuttle tickets cost $3 round-trip for those 16 and up, and are free for those under 15.
Once you arrive, the entry fee is $15 for adults over 16 years old. Kids 15 years old and younger are free.
Pick Your Exploration Route
Muir Woods has six miles of trails: a half-hour loop, an hour loop, and a one-and-a-half hour loop. Many of the trails are boardwalks or paved, so are perfect for any level of hiker. Walk underneath the redwoods while their tall canopies filter diffuse sunlight to the ground below. It's a magical landscape and one that you'll want to experience slowly. The national monument has interpretive signs around so you can learn about the forest you're exploring.
If you're looking for something a bit more intense, some of the trails in Muir Woods connection to longer routes in Mount Tamalpais State Park.
Eat at the Muir Woods Trading Company
When you're done exploring for the day, don't miss the chance for a tasty meal at the Muir Woods Trading Company cafe. The cafe is managed by an in-park concessionaire and serves up hot and cold sandwiches, soup, baked goods, snacks, and refreshing beverages.
Muir Woods Trading Company also runs a retail shop, in case you want to pick up a memento to remember your trip to Muir Woods.
Ready for another adventure in Marin County? Check out 10 Incredible Hikes in Marin County, 9 Gorgeous Beach Adventures in Marin County, and 7 Dog-Friendly Hikes in Marin County.
Cover photo by Tyler Drake
