I travelled all the way from the Caribbean to enjoy these woods. THIS was the reason I made my trip to California; to see the Redwood forests! It was blissful being among the trees and seeing a new woodland type and forest floor foliage, watching the slow flowing water, hearing the birds. It's always such a joy to be out in nature. It's good that these woods are accessible by trails that are enclosed with handrails. I understand about wanting to keep people and their shoes or bacteria and mites off the trails but it also made it feel a little sterile. I would have loved to meander truly into the woods and not be shuffled along a well-worn highly trafficked path. But yes, I do understand why it has to be done, especially with millions of people visiting here annually. The trees seemed smaller than the photos I've seen. Some were burnt, hollow. I loved seeing the families of trees in groups growing together. I loved the crispy cool of the air when we visited. It certainly helped with our walk. We only had 1 hour here on our all-day tour so we had to hurry to get up to bridge 4 and back while stopping for a few photos. I do recommend spending at least 3 hours here. You can then do the walk leisurely, stop and sit. Maybe do a trail. And then spend some time with a coffee just sitting out in nature. I'd have loved this opportunity. It was very unclear about admission fees. Most people in groups just seemed to walk right in without having a ticket. But we went to the cashier and paid $15 each. I think folks just coming for a short time with a tour bus should have maybe a 1-hour ticket or give a donation and not be expected to pay the same as those who come to hike and spend the day.

We have visited many times and always love the experience. The online reservations for parking were new for us and checking a day before we found no morning time slots, but plenty of afternoon openings. When we arrived to work there was a line of cars waiting and a little confusion because the main lot was filled with ADA vehicles and busses; cars were directed to make u turns and go back down to an overflow lot. After we were parked I’m the lot there is a short walk to the gate where admission is collected. We have an America the Beautiful annual pass which allows members and a total of four to enter free of charge so we and our 2 friends were admitted. The weather was absolutely perfect for a day of exploring all areas and we walked a few of the trails - starting on the lower boardwalk then eventually moving up to a higher trail. Everything about this park and the peaceful yet powerful feeling it exudes is breathtaking and amazing at every turn. There are information signs and lots of historical information throughout the woods along the trails. There is a gift shop and restrooms near the entrance. Well worth a visit!

Let me first start this review off with the fact that Muir Woods was absolutely amazing and I would’ve given it 10 stars. Gorgeous scenery, we walked for hours. It’s something everyone should go to see at-least once in their life. Now on to why I gave 4 stars. Upon arriving at the window to check in before entering the park I asked “CHARIS” light brown hair with glasses…do you give military discounts? And she responded yes can I see your ID. So I gave her my Dept of Defense Army ID which is what I had on me and she looked at it and said extremely obnoxious and loud “NO YOUR A CIVILIAN” sorry that will be full price. Didn’t give me a chance to respond, her attitude was completely disgusting from the moment we got to the window. No hello, how are you? Nothing. First of all I’m not a civilian, I’m retired now currently working as a civilian and my military ID says it. We winded up paying full price as I didn’t want to waste anymore time with her and her attitude. Never in my entire life have I been treated like that. Made me and my husband feel very unwelcome and uncomfortable and honestly embarrassed the way she spoke to me. Every other cashier we saw was welcoming and smiling and very accommodating. This is how you treat military personnel? The park itself was wonderful. I would have paid $100 pp. Just don’t expect much if you have to encounter her there at the ticket booth.

Be sure to book your parking reservation in advance, save the screen shot or the text with the code in such a way so as to have access to it once you arrive at the Woods as there is no cell coverage there. Parking reservations are required and sell out during busy periods. Once there, enjoy the trees. The admission to the park is by fee or, as was the case for me, I have the lifetime senior pass. Allow a couple of hours to just walk the boardwalk and paved portions, bump your hike up just a bit and walk the length of the Redwood Creek Trail and then make a left, slight climb mostly by stairs, and take the Hillside Trail back. There are excellent trails for the more motivated and energetic hiker. Stop. Look around. Listen. Soak it all in. You can make your trip a short one but enjoy! (Don't pass up the opportunity to visit Muir Beach (no fee) since you are there. A meal at The Pelican is nice, too.)

The place was refreshing, makes us close to nature… it makes us appreciate the importance of taking care of our environment. To get to Muir woods via public transport get the 130 bus to Sausalito and then take a shuttle near the telephone museum, then if you want you can come back via ferry. It will only cost you half the price of private tours…

Walking through Redwoods is like being in an enchanted forest. You will feel so small and humbled. The main trial is very easy and flat. It is probably wheelchair accessible. There are many benches. The road leading to Muir Woods is scary and dangerous. It has many turns and twists, and there is no fence there. Important! Keep in mind that parking is not sold at the entrance. It should be purchased online in advance (there is practically no phone service in Muir Woods, and parking could be sold for a day). Entrance fee (per person) is additional to the parking fee. Allow at least two hours.

It's a beautiful place. Reservation must be made before you go, because you are not allowed to enter without reservation. The park is well conditioned, the main roads are wooden or well rammed and wide. The back roads are narrower but they're fine. The place is beautiful, full of redwoods, ferns, clover upholstery and a stream. There's shade almost all over the main area and sometimes it's cold... in August. There is a small café for sandwiches, soups and coffee, toilets and a souvenir shop. It's not to go once, it's to go many.

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.

We first visited Muir Woods 10years ago as part of a full day tour upto Sonoma. Recently found ourselves back in the SF area for 2 days and decided to return to spend more time here and pick up a trail or two. It’s a quiet and peaceful place to switch off (there’s no phone signal anywhere) we walked a mishmash of trails to create a 2.5 hour loop. Weather was unseasonably hot for October so 2.5hrs was enough! If it was a little cooler we’d have chosen a longer trail. If travelling independently by car, remember to prebook your parking online. It costs around $9 to book an arrival time slot. We spotted lots of people who had forgotten to do this and were turned away. Don’t make this mistake!

Muir Woods National Monument / Park is an excellent place to visit if you are in the area or in San Francisco. Its a short drive away from San Francisco and a scenic one to add. The Park itself is not very large and although its fantastic, the red woods are not the biggest out there.. (not as big as some further north) but if its your first experience with red woods its well worth the visit. Just a serene place to spend some time. One issue may be and its is.. is parking. The site specifically says to book parking ahead as there isn't much space, but if you are going late in the day, you may get lucky and find a spot when someone is leaving. Just a perfect way to spend few hours hiking in nature.