Muir Woods National Monument protects one of the last old-growth coast redwood forests near San Francisco. Some of its trees are more than 1,000 years old and over 250 feet tall. It is about 16 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, and it is one of the most popular day trips from the city. The one thing you must know: you need a reservation to park or ride the shuttle.
In this guide
This guide is part of our outdoor activities in San Francisco hub. For more trips out of the city, see our neighborhoods and day trips.
Reservations and fees
All private vehicles and shuttle riders need a reservation, made in advance at GoMuirWoods.com. There is no parking without one, and roadside parking is ticketed and towed. Weekend slots sell out, so book a few days ahead.
On top of the reservation, the entrance fee is $15 per person for ages 16 and older. Children under 16 are free, and national park passes such as America the Beautiful cover entry.
Getting there from San Francisco
- Driving: about 45 minutes to an hour from downtown via the Golden Gate Bridge and Highway 1. The last stretch is narrow and winding.
- Shuttle: a seasonal Muir Woods shuttle runs on weekends and holidays from Marin, with reservations required. Check the schedule before you plan around it.
- Tours: many half-day tours from San Francisco include Muir Woods and Sausalito, which saves the parking hassle.
- Rideshare: you can get dropped off, but cell service is poor, so arrange a ride back in advance.
Best trails
The flat Main Trail follows Redwood Creek on boardwalks and paved paths. Walk to Bridge 2 and back for a short loop of about half a mile, or to Bridge 4 for a loop of about two miles through Cathedral Grove, where visitors are asked to stay quiet.
For a longer walk, the Ocean View, Hillside and Ben Johnson trails climb out of the valley and loop back. Serious hikers can continue up Mount Tamalpais.
When to go
Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon for the quietest trails. The forest stays cool and often damp year round, so bring a layer. Winter brings rain and the creek fills up; from about November to February you may see salmon spawning in Redwood Creek.
Combine it with
Most visitors pair Muir Woods with lunch in Sausalito, a waterfront town just across the bridge, or with Muir Beach and the Marin Headlands. On a clear day, the drive up to Mount Tamalpais gives a view over the whole Bay Area.
Official resources: Muir Woods National Monument (NPS), GoMuirWoods reservations.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a reservation for Muir Woods?
Yes. Parking and shuttle seats require a reservation made in advance.
How much does Muir Woods cost?
The entrance fee is $15 per person for ages 16 and older, plus the parking or shuttle reservation.
How long do you need at Muir Woods?
One to two hours is enough for the Main Trail. Allow a half day including travel from San Francisco.
Can you take public transit to Muir Woods?
Only on the seasonal shuttle or a tour. There is no regular bus service to the park.
Photo credits
Featured image: Sarbjit Bahga / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Best trails: Niranjan Arminius / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.