Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument
4.5
National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests
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08:00 - 17:00
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
08:00 - 17:00
Sunday
08:00 - 17:00
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.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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4.5
6,975 reviews
Excellent
5,361
Very good
1,301
Average
203
Poor
49
Terrible
61
Martha H
27 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Gorgeous! Easy walking trails. There was a longer three mile trail that we skipped due to the amount of mud. There was even a wedding while we were there. I hope to come back in the future. Highly recommend
Written 22 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Amy H
7 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Reservations are required so be sure to make them before traveling the windy road to the bottom of the mountain. There is no cell service at the bottom.
Written 8 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gail S
Clarks Summit, PA98 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Great spot for a hike and to see some redwoods. Plenty of trails and the gift shop is so nice with many little things. Highly recommend.
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Emptynester
Niles, IL10 contributions
Feb 2023
Very peaceful and refreshing to walk through this woods of some of the tallest trees on the planet. Definitely need a reservation for parking, and know where you are going as there is no cell service around the park. Once in the park the path to bridge three and the loop around for that (1 mile total) was easily accomplished by someone using a cane. To Bridge 4 (the rest of the group) reported stairs and steep incline for more physically fit individuals. We made the mistake of going on a school holiday and there were lots of families with little children that clearly did not want to be there so the experience was not as quiet as we were hoping but we still enjoyed the day.
Written 1 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steph
Calhoun, GA252 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
This is a must do if you are in the area. This place is great for couples, families, kids… anyone. It is even accessible for wheelchairs. The view on the drive there alone is awesome. Cell service is limited.
There are two bathrooms that are nice with multiple stalls. One is at the entrance and one inside the park by the gift shop/cafe.
You MUST make a parking reservation ahead of time!!! Once you book parking, buy your tickets online as well. The park entrance is $15 per adult, kids are free. Parking is $30 for large vehicles (we had a camper van). The parking reservation is only for 1 hour and 45 minutes. You can easily do the trail in this amount of time. There are many other hiking trails besides the main loop trail, but I am not sure how that would work with limited parking time.
The trail is flat. We took the main trail until bridge 4, then took the trail above the creek back. It meets back up with the other trail. I recommend doing that for spectacular views a little above the other trail. It is easily mapped out for directions.
The pictures and videos just do not show how large these amazing trees are. You have to see them in person.
There are two bathrooms that are nice with multiple stalls. One is at the entrance and one inside the park by the gift shop/cafe.
You MUST make a parking reservation ahead of time!!! Once you book parking, buy your tickets online as well. The park entrance is $15 per adult, kids are free. Parking is $30 for large vehicles (we had a camper van). The parking reservation is only for 1 hour and 45 minutes. You can easily do the trail in this amount of time. There are many other hiking trails besides the main loop trail, but I am not sure how that would work with limited parking time.
The trail is flat. We took the main trail until bridge 4, then took the trail above the creek back. It meets back up with the other trail. I recommend doing that for spectacular views a little above the other trail. It is easily mapped out for directions.
The pictures and videos just do not show how large these amazing trees are. You have to see them in person.
Written 17 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
YukonSarah
Airdrie, Canada264 contributions
Sep 2022
We booked our entry time online a week in advance. Arriving on a weekday the last week of September it was not busy at all. We did the bridge 4 loop and enjoyed that it goes up and allows you to look down as well. It was an easy walk and I wouldn't consider it a hike. Took us less time than suggested even though we took lots of pictures.
Beautiful trees, beautiful area. Well worth the stop. Next time I would do one of the longer trails.
Beautiful trees, beautiful area. Well worth the stop. Next time I would do one of the longer trails.
Written 10 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LCP LCP
Houston, TX6 contributions
Jun 2022
Only had a few hours to visit, so I rented a car. Had booked a reservation online.
There's no mobile signal there, so be sure to download your offline maps in advance.
It wasn't immediately obvious where the actual park entrance was. Asked an employee there, who told me to keep driving down the road. They were wrong, and I ended up on a half an hour detour, cutting the amount of time I could visit and enjoy the park.
Park itself is fantastic. The trees are majestic and weather was pleasant in June.
There's no mobile signal there, so be sure to download your offline maps in advance.
It wasn't immediately obvious where the actual park entrance was. Asked an employee there, who told me to keep driving down the road. They were wrong, and I ended up on a half an hour detour, cutting the amount of time I could visit and enjoy the park.
Park itself is fantastic. The trees are majestic and weather was pleasant in June.
Written 18 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lisa
West Chester, PA5 contributions
Dec 2022
Not to be missed. Particularly moving in the areas designated for quiet. Comfortable hike. Learned more than we were expecting to. Moving experience for the whole family.
Written 1 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jocelyn Sun
New York17 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
The woods were very enjoyable - it took us a pretty long time to get an idea of the map, but it was given to us in the beginning of the trail. There is a wide selection of things you can do, and the gift shop is just great!
Written 24 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
unclelouie
New Ulm, MN1,333 contributions
Nov 2022
We made the online arrangements for a parking date and time for Muir Woods.
When we drove in everything went well. We used our senior pass to enter the
park and started walking. Occasionally signs pointed out some interesting
facts. The walk was easy with a wide pathway but after walking quite a ways
we took one of the less maintained pathways for a less crowded look at what
was in the park. Eventually we went uphill and could spy the main pathway down
below. All in all it was very worthwhile. Before exiting we had a brief look at the
shop and noticed a place for drinks and snacks. A couple of days earlier we also toured the Armstrong State Park where the focus was also on redwoods. It was far
less crowded but also worthwhile.
When we drove in everything went well. We used our senior pass to enter the
park and started walking. Occasionally signs pointed out some interesting
facts. The walk was easy with a wide pathway but after walking quite a ways
we took one of the less maintained pathways for a less crowded look at what
was in the park. Eventually we went uphill and could spy the main pathway down
below. All in all it was very worthwhile. Before exiting we had a brief look at the
shop and noticed a place for drinks and snacks. A couple of days earlier we also toured the Armstrong State Park where the focus was also on redwoods. It was far
less crowded but also worthwhile.
Written 2 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
I'm so confuses about the parking reservations times. I want to rent a car in the morning and drive there but unforeseen circumstances do happen and being late to the reservation is a concern. I don't mind being early but will they not let me in if I'm even 30 minutes late? I would hate to waste all that time and money.
johnnnita
Napa, CA2,470 contributions
Good question. When we went, we did reserve ahead but used our own car. We don't live that far away (Napa), but made reservations for as early as possible. We arrived pretty much on time, maybe even earlier. There were ample parking spaces. When we left for the day, the parking was jammed.
I would you suggest you try to arrive early/reserve early. You will have more flexibility if you are a few minutes late.
nidwaldner
washington4 contributions
How much time to budget to drive to Muir Woods from Fisherman's Wharf in morning after planned stops to see Golden Gate Bridge from Battery Spencer overlook and drive Marin head? Trying to figure out what time to book for parking. TIA!
Happy Mamma
767 contributions
I’d say at least 45 minutes because there are many twists and turns and overlooks. Maybe an hour to be safe since traffic can be bad.
steffcybulski
11 contributions
How long should I set aside of visit Muir wood?! Will be coming from San Francisco and headed to Napa/Sonoma at the end of the day. Would you suggest a few hours or most of a day?
TerryRxyz
Boone, NC116 contributions
It depends on what you want to do. You can hike the nearly level trail back up the valley with all the other tourists, and enjoy the amazing giant trees in an hour or two. But if you want to hike the somewhat more challenging trails and get a little away from the crowds, you need to plan several hours, or more, depending on how into hiking you are.
Paul M
3 contributions
We’re trying to plan a trip to Muir Woods in July.
No rental car. The shuttle service is not running due to COVID restrictions. We would like to hike some of the trails and worried that the available tour services won’t allow for enough time. Any recommendations?
Thank you
Foofa B
California192 contributions
Hello!
Unfortunately, the tour services do rush you and it’s very unlikely you’ll have enough time for a decent hike.
Hiring a car for the day is probably your best option (if it is an option), otherwise, the Covid restrictions/measures will hopefully ease by July.
🤞🏼
Fernando C
Concord, CA6 contributions
Do you have tour guide or tour bus going around the woods?
Kewal Krishna
Mumbai, India137 contributions
I am sure there would be many one day tours from nearby places to take you to the national monument.
Inside there is nobody to guide you except several sign boards.
You will not need one .
FloridaCarolyng
florida16 contributions
We are in Napa and flying out of Oakland tomorrow afternoon. I wanted to go to Muir Woods and beach on the way, but the parking reservations at Muir Woods are sold out! Any suggestions??
StrShp115
Berkeley, CA278 contributions
Have you checked out the shuttle availability ….its only $3 RT, but you might not get both beach and Muir Woods in one day....I think shuttle leaves some where near Sausalito exit....45 min ride....
Sadi C
Atlanta, GA58 contributions
Good afternoon! We want to take a hike at Muir Woods without doing an official tour. Did you make reservations for parking? We are staying in San Francisco and really want to take the ferry but not sure how to get to Muir from the dock. Interested in how to get to and from ferry or if we need to rent a car.
TeamCampbell10
Kennesaw, GA9 contributions
Hi! We used the tour company and rode their bus. We chose the ferry ride option on our return trip which was great! They dropped us off in Sausalito and we enjoyed a great lunch and shopping and then rode the last ferry home that happened to be at sunset. I’m not sure how you’d get a Rental car in Sausalito if you wanted to drive up the mountain yourself. It’s a very steep and curvy drive. Another note is that you are on your own in Muir Woods. It’s not a guided tour it’s just a tour bus driving up there and back. I hope this helps! :-)
Hola, es recomendable ir en diciembre a Muri Woods?
Gracias.
M Jose
Cordoba, Spain72 contributions
hola, yo fui en agosto, el tiempo era fresco pero agradable, diciembre puede que sea muy fresco
U7616HKruthr
Elmhurst, IL1 contribution
My husband can't go above 3000 ft above sea level. What is the elevation of Muir Woods walking area?
Sensei
San Francisco, CA37 contributions
Good afternoon! The park is just below 600 feet in elevation so your hubby will be just fine. Also, the popular 1-mile loop is flat, with no incline so you can both enjoy the trees up close and personal. No hiking to them is necessary. Have fun!
U7616HKruthr
Elmhurst, IL1 contribution
How far above sea level is the walk in Muir Woods?
momuja
Washington12 contributions
I really do not because I have a problem with my bac, and we only walk arrow the park but is so beautiful to see these magnificent trees.
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MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT (Mill Valley) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Muir Woods National Monument
- Muir Woods National Monument is open:
- Sun - Sat 08:00 - 17:00
- We recommend booking Muir Woods National Monument tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 54 Muir Woods National Monument tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Muir Woods National Monument:
- Muir Woods & Sausalito Half-Day Tour (Return by Bus or Ferry from Sausalito) (From €83.61)
- Muir Woods Tour of California Coastal Redwoods (Entrance fee included) (From €79.85)
- Muir Woods Expedition Tour of Coastal Redwoods (From €83.61)
- Small Group Tour: San Francisco and Muir Woods with Lunch in Sausalito (From €111.79)
- Small Group Half Day Muir Woods and Sausalito Morning Tour (From €74.21)
- Hotels near Muir Woods National Monument:
- (2.45 km) Mill Valley Inn
- (0.84 km) Mill Valley/ Muir Casa Modern 1 Br House on Mount Tam Muir Woods
- (5.73 km) Sandpiper Lodging at the Beach
- (4.88 km) Acqua Hotel Mill Valley
- (9.22 km) The Inn Above Tide
- Restaurants near Muir Woods National Monument:
- (2.56 km) Piazza D'angelo Restaurant
- (2.68 km) Mill Valley Market
- (5.20 km) Buckeye Roadhouse
- (1.37 km) Muir Woods Trading
- (7.67 km) Fred's Coffee Shop
- Attractions near Muir Woods National Monument:
- (0.46 km) Tom's Muir Woods Walking Tours
- (1.64 km) Mount Tamalpais State Park
- (11.56 km) Golden Gate Bridge
- (14.99 km) Alcatraz Island
- (3.47 km) Muir Beach Overlook