Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods National Monument
4.5
National ParksNature & Wildlife AreasForests
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Muir Woods has a rich and varied history, from its use by the Coast Miwok people, to its early days of tourism and the Mount Tamalpais Mill Valley Scenic Railway, to an era of conservation, to modern preservation. In each era, the forest has been affected by the actions of humans, for better or for worse. Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, this coastal redwood preserve features majestic redwoods and scenic hiking trails that draw more than 1.5 million visitors each year.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely beautiful!
    Muir Woods was an amazing experience! My husband and I made reservations online and we’re not part of a group. Was an enjoyable experience viewing all the trees. Amazing that this is just outside San Francisco. The beauty, quiet, and serene environment is something to not miss.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 October 2023
  • Steven L
    Odessa, Delaware
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Impressive Trees
    We didn't think much of the park when we arrived, but once we started walking the paths, we were really impressed. Lots of trails to explore, but even if you're only there for a morning, still a lot to see even if you stick to main paths. We took the elevated route on the way out and the lower route on the way back. Nice variety and truly impressive.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 2 November 2023
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Cesar must be in hiding.
    We went to Muir Woods while visiting family for Thanksgiving. Our family had seen the more recent "Planet of the Apes" films and our goal and objective was to photograph the park's extensive collection of chimps, apes and orangutans. However, we could not locate any and did not even see "Cesar" or James Franco. Nonetheless, the park has extensive trails and the Redwoods are magnificent. Just wish our children got to meet Cesar.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 22 November 2023
  • Kor M
    Brisbane, Australia
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well worth your time
    Great way to see redwoods close to San Francisco. The site has multiple trails so you can spend as much or as little time as you like, just a taste or half a day. Make sure you buy your parking permit online before you arrive (we bought ours on our way there).
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 11 December 2023
  • Shafaet A
    Singapore, Singapore
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Incredible trees
    Incredible trees. I was always fascinated by these giant trees, and it was a great experience to see them in this park. The atmosphere and air feel so tranquil here. If you are visiting golden gate bridge, add this in your plan. Don't forget to book your parking ticket online. There is no mobile internet in the parking area and I had to drive down to the beach to book it. Apparently the time slot doesn't matter much, I booked a late time slot but was able to park in the afternoon.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled on business
    Written 26 December 2023
  • kava-kauboi
    Boca Raton, Florida
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Monumental Ancient Trees are Amazing
    This place is incredible. To walk among ancient trees is an unforgettable experience. The beauty here cannot be conveyed with words easily. You have to see it to understand it. The drive here on highway 1 is really special also. Make reservations ahead of time this place is always full. You’ll see why when you get here. I drove here from Palo Alto and it was totally worth it.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 17 March 2024
  • luv4phood
    Marietta, Georgia
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Famous California Redwoods
    This is a beautiful location to visit as a day trip from San Francisco. However, if you have the time to take a longer ride, you will not be disappointed by a trip to Humboldt Redwoods State Park. If you only have a short time, then Muir Woods is a great way to take a peak at the famous redwoods of California. Be warned! Visitors are required to have a parking reservation. Cost is $9.50 in addition to the park admission fee. But, there is a better way for the adventurous. Instead of turning into Muir Woods Road, continue on Panoramic Highway for approximately 1.5 miles just past the California Alpine Club parking area to a public parking area. The parking is free and admission to the park is free. This is a 5 mile round trip hike down with about a 1000 foot elevation gain to get out. We hiked the Canopy View Trail to the main boardwalks in Muir Woods and hiked out via Lost Trail. Overall, an enjoyable hike but there were definitely more people in the boardwalk area.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 March 2024
  • DREW R
    Glasgow, United Kingdom
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth visiting
    Worth visiting. Probably would be best to do it under own steam than an organised tour. Easy to forget time and keep wandering off on any of the trails. Gift shop and cafe could have done with additional staff and disappointing that cafe was out of pastries by 1pm and no plan to replenish stock.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 28 March 2024
  • Sammy M
    Nairobi, Kenya
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Standing among the giants
    A true testament to nature's grandeur, Muir Woods offers a humbling and awe-inspiring experience amongst giants of the forest. As you walk into the iconic cathedral-like grove, you're immediately enveloped by towering old-growth redwood trees that have stood for centuries. Muir Woods highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these ancient redwoods and their ecosystems. Be prepared for chilly temperatures due to lack of direct sunlight, and try to visit early before crowds arrive.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 31 March 2024
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great time and some advice on transportation on how to leave Muir woods
    Advice on how to get out of Muir Woods and back to San Francisco city. You can get some cell reception by the road, so I was able to call a Lyft. There are taxis around the car park waiting for customers, but they charge a lot. Lastly, you can speak to the staff at the visitor centre and they will help you with ordering an uber or taxi out. Sharing this so it may help others as I was a little stressed on how we would get out of Muir woods once we got there.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 11 April 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles7,076 reviews
Excellent
5,435
Very good
1,316
Average
209
Poor
53
Terrible
63

rmartinmitch
Boston, MA
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
Yes, Muir Woods is beautiful, but it is also too crowded, Even though the park has made an effort to cut down on visitors, there are just too many people walking around to enjoy the beauty of this place.

One note for visitors: the park now includes a reservation for entrance. If you arrive at the park without that reservation, you may not gain entrance.

Park includes a gift shop and a small area for snacks and drinks.
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mitchellpitk0ff
Merrick, NY
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
If one has the time to visit Muir Woods National Monument I would definitely recommend it.One look at these Behemoth trees will be be a highlight of your visit to the Bay Area. Purchase your parking permit in advance or Don't go. that's a MUST. A short walk to the Rangers station to purchase your ticket and your on the path. The path is easy to navigate and has turnarounds if you don't want to walk the whole path. Purchase a miniature tree in the gift shop and grow your own at home...... one foot a year.
Written 28 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Amy
Dublin, Ireland
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2019
No words would do justice to this beautiful and serene woods, so close to SFO. A quiet place to get away from daily hustle. The huge trees are a nature's treat to calm one's soul.

Plan to visit early in the morning to avoid huge crowds and would be more great if one can visit on a weekday. If you are driving by your car, make sure you purchase ticket online. Early morning is also good to get some great shots of and in the woods with amazing backgrounds
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Great_Beer_Now
Houston, TX
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021
California is a state of natural wonder. I love the Golden state for many reasons, but its natural beauty has to rank at the top of my list. One of the state’s top attractions is, of course, its giant trees and a quick way to visit and see some of these big trees is Muir Woods National Monument, located just north of San Francisco.

Muir Woods is just under one square mile in size, and it contains groves of coastal redwoods, many of which rise over 200 feet in height. The monument has several trails for walking, observing, and picture taking. You can select a trail that suits your desired level of physical activity, and you can choose to stay on the paved trail, if you like, or venture onto one of the dirt paths for greater seclusion and more intimate viewing.

Like other National Monuments, Muir Woods has a visitor’s center, gift shop, and several excellent places for photo ops. There is a snack bar, too, and lots of beverages to make sure you stay hydrated. There is no internet service, so you have no excuse for allowing yourself to get distracted by your phone- place it out of sight and focus on the natural beauty that surrounds you. However, if you decide to purchase admission online and you don’t have a printout, be sure to have screen shots handy to show your proof of purchase.

Muir Woods can get crowded and that is because it is so close to a large population center which also happens to be tourist- oriented. When I was here most recently, we had to park our car several parking lots away and walk to the center. Oh, and be sure to prepare yourself for the drive here and back. The roads are rather steep at several points and can prove difficult for those with acrophobia.

I love the natural beauty at Muir Woods and I like that, even though it was crowded when I visited, I was able to escape the crowds without much effort. The further away you get from the visitor’s center, the thinner the crowds and this is what I recommend doing if your goal is to get in touch with the natural world around you with as few distractions as possible.

California is easily among my top five states for natural wonders and National Monuments like Muir Woods are part of the reason. These massive trees are a sight to behold and Muir Woods is a place you don’t want to miss on your next trip to the Bay area.
Written 6 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

wendy L
Evanston, IL
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2021
This was one of my family's most memorable nature outings. We followed the advice on the Muir Woods National Monument website, and booked our parking (mandatory in advance) and our entrance fees several days ahead to ensure that we could get an early start at 9 - 9:30. The only downside of the morning drive from SF was fog combined with curvy, steep mountain driving near the Woods. Once there we parked easily, were able to use a porta potty in the parking lot, and walked to the entrance, where there was a full rest room, a ranger doing a talk, and an easy check-in with no line. We got our trail map and headed to the main walkway, which is basically flat and well managed, with width enough for wheelchairs and handrails for those that need them. More challenging trails are available for those who want them. Because we were early there were few other visitors, and we walked for close to an hour, and saw the most magnificent ancient forest, through tree filtered light which created a rather mystic environment. After walking we went to the visitor center (more rest rooms) which had a coffee/snack bar and a gift shop, as well as tables and benches. This was a very easy and enjoyable outing for all of us, and as long as you remember to book ahead, there should be no surprises.
Written 9 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

divekaren
San Francisco, CA
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2020
Go for the peace and tranquility! A short drive from San Francisco, though the drive is a bit nerve-wracking with cliffs, hairpin turns, and narrow lanes. Be sure to reserve your parking spot in advance which guarantees a spot at within a 30-minute window. There are 2 lots, the smaller lot fills up quickly, but don't worry the second lot is not that much further and the walk to the visitor center lets you start your experience right away. You can also prepay for your admission when you book parking and just show your receipt at the window saving time and keeping the experience safe. There is hand sanitizer at the visitor center and everyone is asked to wear a mask and maintain a safe distance. Be sure to bring a water bottle, there are refill stations available, even on the trail. The paved path makes it accessible to all, for those who want a bit more adventure, you can wander off the path into one of the open trails for more hiking. Most of the trails are a one way loop to limit traffic. Bring a snack or picnic, though cafe and gift shop is open. There are 2 electric car charging stations available near the visitor center.
Written 9 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Paul Irlandakoa
Tafalla, Spain
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
Muir Woods is simply beautiful. It is wonderful that these redwood groves are being so respectfully preserved. I was also impressed that the principal paths are wheelchair-accessible, whilst there are a variety of trails for the more mobile to explore. This is an unforgettable experience of nature which I would unhesitatingly recommend to everyone. There is a bookshop at the entrance and another souvenir shop just inside the park. Apparently 30% of the profits go back into Muir Woods so I bought a couple of T-shirts and a book. Respect to all those who created and maintain this wonderful place.
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Traveleator
Singapore, Singapore
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2019
Muirwoods is best accessed by car - but make sure you reserve your car parking slot ahead of time else you will be left stranded during peak season. The trees here are some of the tallest in the world and if you aren't going to any of the other places such as Avenue of Giants or Mariposa Grove (Yosemite) or Sequoia NP then you must surely try to add Muirwoods in your SF itinerary.

Even if you are going to the above mentioned areas and do find yourself driving to Sausalito then you can extend your trip to include Muirwoods.

The park is well paved and makes for a wonderful stroll - you will probably come back with a strained neck by having to look up at the beautiful trees. They're unimaginably tall! Reminds one of Jack and the Beanstalk story.
Written 21 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ItchyFeet
Camarillo, CA
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2021 • Couples
We got our required parking reservation for 9am in the last week in March on a Wednesday thinking there would be less people and we were only car #15 to enter the park. Pleasantly surprised how quite and peaceful until around noon when kids started showing up. It’s a very quiet peaceful place to walk among the redwoods and see the spring flowers and fresh spring growth.

There is the parking reservation fee and an entrance fee of $15 unless you have one of the various passes. Once thru the entrance arch you are on the “main trail” that goes back a mile on an easy boardwalk and then you can go across the stream up a hill to the “hillside trail” that is a true trail. If you want to stay on flat easy boardwalk then you can turn around at either bridge 2 , 3, or 4 depending on how long you want to walk. Check out the maps online for details. The boardwalk is very easy and anyone can use with walker/cane or mobility issues. There are also many benches to sit along the trail.

Springtime is definitely the best time to go before summer crowds and lots of people. The weather was perfect - sunny with temperatures in low 60s. We had a great time and spent 4 hours walking really slow and talking lots of photos. Many people just walked quickly thru the trails but I would highly suggest to take the time a see and experience the area with the forest, plants and birds. Definitely go 1st thing in the morning for the most relaxed time!

There are also side trails like the “canopy view trail” that is nice too and less crowded ; you can see on the map it goes above main trail and the hillside trail but brings you back to the visitor center.

The visitors center was open and the small restaurant was open with limited service now. Many places to sit on benches and places with tables. Really just a great experience that I would highly suggest to plan a 1/2 day to enjoy and take it all the views and smells of the redwood forest.
Written 28 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Family
We visited the Muir Woods Park on Sunday afternoon. Even though we reserved the parking ahead of time, when we arrived there it was full. We had to drive around from one lot to another to find a free space. Keep in mind that on weekends it can be crowded.
Since there were four of us, the best deal was to buy an Annual pass for $45, which covers a member plus three more guests (we saved $15 on one ticket and can visit again for FREE during next 12 months).
The park itself was clean with nice trails. It’s a nice place to see. We will definitely come back to explore more!
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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