Whenever we have visitors to the San Francisco Bay area, one destination that always comes up on the wish list is a visit to Muir Woods. It is not usually one of the top five requests, but it is definitely something that is requested. Because there are so many other amazing and popular attractions for first-time visitors to San Francisco, Muir Woods often gets saved “for the next visit.”  This doesn’t mean it isn’t spectacular.  Because, quite frankly, it IS.  When playing tour-guide, I plan a day based on the most amount of attractions that can be visited within a certain time frame and radius. 

Muir Woods is a protected area located in Marin County, just north of San Francisco. It is famous for its towering redwood trees, which can reach up to 379 feet (115 meters) in height and are over one thousand years old. Muir Woods has a rich cultural history. The land was originally inhabited by the Coast Miwok people, who used redwood trees for building materials and ceremonies. Later on, the area became a lumbering site until John Muir, a famous naturalist and conservationist, convinced President Roosevelt to protect it as a national monument in 1908.

Muir Woods is home to many different species of plants and animals, including several endangered ones. The park's ecosystem is dominated by coastal redwood trees, known for their reddish-brown bark and needle-like leaves. These trees are able to grow so tall due to their shallow root system that spreads out in a web-like pattern, providing stability against strong winds.

In addition to the redwood trees, visitors can also see a variety of other plants such as ferns, mosses, and wildflowers. The park is also home to several animal species, including deer, raccoons, and bobcats. Birdwatchers can spot over fifty different species of birds in the park, including owls, woodpeckers, and warblers.

2-Mile Loop Hike

One of the most popular activities in Muir Woods is hiking. There are several trails that range from easy to moderate difficulty, allowing visitors to explore the park at their own pace. The most well-known trail is the 2-mile loop through the heart of the redwood grove, which takes visitors past some of the tallest and oldest trees in the park.  There are shorter walks that are wheelchair accessible as well as much longer hikes (11 miles) that can take athletic visitors to Stinson Beach and back. 

Visitors can also participate in guided walks and talks led by park rangers, or attend educational programs to learn more about the history and ecology of the area. There are also picnic areas and a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and snacks.

Due to its proximity to San Francisco, Muir Woods is a popular day trip destination for both locals and tourists. However, in order to preserve the natural environment of the park, there are limited parking spaces available, and reservations are required for all vehicles entering the park. The current cost for parking is $30 to $45.  Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and carpool or take public transportation if possible.   The National Park Service website has detailed information on where you may park your car for free and pay for an inexpensive shuttle to the park.  

Disconnect

There is no cell phone service in the park, which is a wonderful way to unplug and remove yourself from the electronic world.  Instead of staring at your phone, you can enjoy the beautiful landscape around you.   The downside to this is that you will not be able to call for an Uber or Lyft, nor will you be reachable if you are on-call at work or for family/friend situations.  So, plan accordingly.

The park is open 365 days of the year, and the hours of operation are 8am until sunset. The cost of getting into Muir Woods is currently $15 per adult and free for children.  However, if you drive directly to the park and you have a car full of adults, it can get quite pricey.

Similar Woods to Explore

For closer and cheaper alternatives, you can always consider visiting redwoods anywhere in the bay area. There are plenty of redwood forests that are completely free of charge all along the coast. You may not see trees quite as big and old as Muir Woods, but you also do not have to deal with crowds or the cost of entry.  I suggest looking into hikes anywhere in Marin, Mendocino, San Mateo County, and even the Oakland Hills.

Local Fauna

Visiting the redwoods is a good idea on a hot day, as the canopy of trees will cool the trails below. I do suggest caution if visiting the area on a misty or rainy day, as it brings out tons of banana slugs.  Ick!  Wherever there are redwoods and creeks, there are also the huge yellow slugs. If you are not terrified of these things, then don’t let me stop you. But for me....they are HUGE and SLIMY. 

Muir Woods and many other parks have rules against pets on the trails.  Whether you visit majestic Muir Woods or any of the other beautiful redwood parks in the San Francisco Bay Area, be sure to check with the National Park Service to find out if pets are allowed.  

So, keep exploring! Remember to pack some snacks and water before heading out on your adventure, and don't forget to take plenty of pictures to capture the memories.

Our KidFriendlyVenues app will have all the information you need about locations, amenities and route planning. And more blogs on venues to recommend for the busy moms and time management are on this website.

Laura D