If you have just a day in hand, then Muir Woods is the place to visit. Muir Woods National Monument is famous for its breathtaking redwood forest and pristine hiking trails. You can also see some of the tallest trees, ferns, and other unique floras.
The Muir Woods is named after the prominent conservationist John Muir and has been reserved since 1908 as a National Park. It is a natural gem of San Francisco where you can relax and enjoy the freshness of nature. Moreover, the Muir Woods have no cell service or Wi-Fi access which helps you disconnect from the hustle-bustle of the city life and enjoy a peaceful trip among the redwoods.
Timings & Ticket Information
The Muir Woods National Monument is open 365 days a year for visitors. The operating hours start from 8 AM and remain open till 8 PM. The visitor center of the Muir Woods is open from 8 AM and closes 30 minutes before the park. The gift shop at the Muir Woods premises remains open from 9 AM to 6 PM. There is a cafe too which offers outdoor dining and opens from 9 AM to 6 PM.
You can experience the beauty of the Muir Woods National Monument with a minimal entrance fee. The entrance fee for adults over 15 years of age is $15, and it is free for children under the age of 15. Book the entrance ticket in advance along with the parking reservation or at the ticket counter at the entrance. However, parking reservations are only available online at the park’s official site, and it is required for all types of vehicle. Both cash and credit card payments are available for visitors.
Other options can make your visit to the Muir Woods National Monument free of cost. For instance, Veterans and Gold Star Families are eligible for free passes at the national parks. Moreover, you can also purchase a Muir Woods Annual Pass for $45, which allows the pass holder and three other adults to enter for free for 12 months. You can also make a plan on the five entrance-fee free dates when the National Parks of America will waive the entrance fee for celebrating several occasions. Find the dates on the official website.
How to Reach Muir Woods Nat’l Monument
Muir Woods is located in Mill Valley, California, near the San Francisco Bay Area. Luckily, you can reach the national park with or without a car from San Francisco. It takes about an hour to get to the park from downtown San Francisco on the weekend and around 45 minutes on weekdays with a lesser crowd. You will need a parking reservation if you take your car; however, a reservation does not secure a spot in the parking lot. Hence, you have to wait for a space to park your vehicle before entering the Muir Woods.
You can also book a guided tour if you want to avoid parking hassles. Many tour companies offer guided tours to Muir Woods and other sight-seeing spots around San Francisco Bay Area. Apart from this, if you are looking for a cheaper option, you can first take the bus of the Marin Transit Bus Route 61 to 891 Panoramic Hwy. Then hike up the wood trail from Bootjack Parking Lot. However, keep in mind that the hike is almost 2.5 miles before reaching the central Muir Woods.
Things to Do in and Around
San Francisco Bay Area offers many options to explore in and around Muir Woods. Even if you have one day in hand, you need to visit the nearby destinations for a great experience. On the top of the list are Muir Beach and Muir Beach Overlook. If you love beaches, you will enjoy Muir Beach, which is just an 8-minute drive from the Muir Woods National Monument.
Plan a picnic or peaceful wildlife watching at Mount Tamalpais State Park. It is also famous for camping with the mesmerizing view of oak woodlands and redwood forests. A few of the other exciting destinations are Napa Valley and Sonoma County Wineries, Alcatraz Island, and the coastal town of Sausalito.
How to Contact
Muir Woods National Monument is situated at:
1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley,
CA 94941, United States
You can reach the official support by phone on 415-561-2850. Visitors can call the helpline for queries on tickets, timings, parking or other information.
