Why Muir Woods Needs to Be Added to Your San Francisco Bucket List

Muir Woods lies north of San Francisco in Marin County. It is not accessible by public transit. To get there, you must either rent a car or book a private tour. Only 17 miles from downtown San Francisco, drive time to Muir Woods can depend on traffic, weather, and season. Give yourself plenty of time. 

If you are driving, be advised that once you are off the main highway, the roads into the park are narrow, winding, and not well-lit after sundown. 

Yes. In order to enhance the visitor experience and ensure the protection of park resources, the National Park Service has instituted a parking and shuttle reservation system at Muir Woods National Monument. Reservations are required for all vehicles and shuttle riders. We advise visitors to plan carefully and plan early. For more information about the reservation system, visit GoMuirWoods.com.

MAKE A RESERVATION

Certainly !Hiking trails at Muir Woods vary in the level of difficulty and distance. Regardless, you are sure to see gorgeous vistas and be among century-old trees. Here are a few trails:

• The Main Trail (2 miles) - The most popular trail follows a stream along a canyon lined with redwoods.
• The Sun Trail (4.7 miles) - Offering a little more variety than the Main Trail, the Sun Trail leads to the Tourist Club, a chalet-style building that doubles as a beer garden and has superb views of the redwood-covered valley below.
• The Ben Johnson Trail (5.2 miles) - A loop perfect for an all-day hike.

Named after John Muir, the famous naturalist who founded the Sierra Club, Muir Woods National Monument is "the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world" (according to Muir himself). Originally purchased by William and Elizabeth Kent to preserve its natural beauty, the forest was protected in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt. 

Today, Muir Woods National Monument is home to several tree species, more than 50 species of birds, and a critical spawning and rearing habitat for several threatened species, including coho or silver salmon.

If a tree falls in the woods, you'll certainly hear it. But cell phones? Not so much. Service at Muir Woods is incredibly limited; not just within the protected grounds, but along much of the winding roads that precede it, as well. Trying to make a reservation while you're already on the road is not recommended. And if you were hoping to go live on your hike...well, sometimes it's better to just enjoy the moment.

Muir Woods is your best, most convenient option for seeing towering California redwoods in their natural, undisturbed splendor. Small groves of redwoods can be found within San Francisco city limits in the Presidio and at the base of the iconic Transamerica Pyramid near Jackson Square. 

You can also find redwoods in nearby Oakland at Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. If you're looking to go much further afield, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve north of the city in Sonoma County offers breathtaking nature experiences for seasoned hikers.

• How do I get to Muir Woods? Muir Woods can only be reached by car or by touring vehicles. There is no public transit, and the roads are best left to experienced drivers.
• Do I need to make a reservation for Muir Woods? Yes, but it's very easy—and you're protecting the trees for future visitors by doing so.
• Are there tour companies that can take me to Muir Woods? Yes, and many of them depart from downtown San Francisco, making it an easy round-trip excursion.
• Can I hike at Muir Woods? Yes. There are many trails to choose from, depending on your ability and itinerary.
• Will I have cell phone service at Muir Woods? Probably not. That's why it's important to make your reservation well ahead of time.
• Why is Muir Woods important? As one of the earliest federally protected lands, Muir Woods set a precedent for future national parks.
• Where else can I see redwood trees in the Bay Area? Small groves can be found in San Francisco city limits, but true nature enthusiasts will want to head further north to the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve.