Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods protects a grove of old-growth coast redwoods along Redwood Creek, 11 miles (18 km) north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Level boardwalk loops make it one of the easiest old-growth forest walks anywhere, and trails climb out of the canyon onto the slopes of Mount Tamalpais for a full day’s hike.

Fast facts

• Established: 1908, on land donated by William and Elizabeth Kent and named for John Muir
• Size: about 554 acres (224 ha)
• Trees: coast redwoods, many 500 to 800 years old and the tallest over 250 feet (76 m)
• Trails: about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of level paved and boardwalk trail on the canyon floor
• Gateways: Mill Valley and San Francisco
• Managed by: the National Park Service, as part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area

The landscape

Redwood Creek runs through a narrow canyon on the flank of Mount Tamalpais, where summer fog keeps the redwoods damp. The grove is one of the last stands of old-growth redwood near San Francisco, with bay laurel, tanoak, bigleaf maple and ferns beneath the giants. In winter, coho salmon and steelhead return up the creek to spawn.

Best time to go

The forest is cool year-round, around 40-70°F (4-21°C). Weekday mornings and winter are quietest. From late October to early May expect rain; summer brings morning fog. Early fall is often the warmest time.

Getting there and around

From San Francisco, take US 101 north to the Stinson Beach/Highway 1 exit and follow signs up a narrow, winding road. Vehicles longer than 35 feet (10.7 m) are not allowed. Parking is small, and every vehicle needs a parking reservation; a shuttle, also by reservation, runs on busy days.

Things to do

The Main Trail follows Redwood Creek on boardwalk and pavement, with loops of about half a mile, 1 mile and 2 miles (0.8, 1.6 and 3.2 km) that turn back across the creek at numbered bridges. Cathedral Grove, a quiet stretch where visitors are asked to keep their voices down, and Bohemian Grove are highlights.

For a longer day, trails climb out of the canyon into Mount Tamalpais State Park next door: the Ben Johnson and Hillside trails make a loop above the grove, the Bootjack Trail climbs toward the mountain’s upper slopes, and the Dipsea Trail passes through on its way from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach.

Staying safe

The main risks are on the road: the approach is narrow and winding, with cyclists and tight parking. On the trails, stay on the boardwalk to protect roots and watch for falling branches in wind. Trails into the state park are steep, with poison oak and uneven footing. Cell service is limited in the canyon.

Know before you go

An entrance fee applies (America the Beautiful pass accepted), and parking or shuttle reservations are required for every visit. Pets, picnicking, bicycles on trails and drones are not allowed in the monument. This page is a general overview, not a live conditions report, so confirm reservations and conditions with the National Park Service before you go.

Coordinates

37.8955, -122.5812

Magnetic declination

12.9° E (2026)

Set this declination on your compass, then align it to the map's north lines; it is the angle between true north and magnetic north, refreshed each year.

How declination works, and how to navigate with a map and compass

Best seasons

Year-round (weekday mornings quietest)

Difficulty

Easy (moderate to strenuous on trails into Mount Tamalpais State Park)

Access / trailheads

US 101 to the Stinson Beach/Highway 1 exit, then a narrow road; no vehicles over 35 feet (10.7 m). Reserved parking or shuttle.

Water

Drinking water at the entrance area.

Cell / satellite coverage

Limited to none in the canyon.

Nearest ranger / SAR / emergency

Emergencies: 911. Muir Woods: 415-561-2850.

Permits & regulations

Entrance fee (America the Beautiful pass accepted). Parking or shuttle reservation required for every visit. No pets, picnicking or drones.

Leave No Trace

Stay on the boardwalk and trails, keep noise down in Cathedral Grove, and carry out everything you bring.