Is Muir Woods worth it?

Is Muir Woods worth it? There is a reason Muir Woods is one of the most popular day trips from San Francisco – this small national monument packs a powerful punch. From experiencing breathtaking coastal and forest views to wandering through the famous redwood forest, Muir Woods is easily one of our favorite places in the Bay Area.

What is the best time of year to visit Muir Woods?

From late October to early May expect rain. Summer months (June-August) can be warmer but it is generally cool and dry. Expect heavy fog in the morning, burning off in the afternoon. Some say fall (August-October) is the best weather of the year.

Do you need a reservation to get into Muir Woods?

To park at Muir Woods, reservations are always required and must be made at GoMuirWoods.com ahead of your visit. There is NO cell phone service or WiFi at or around Muir Woods National Monument so download your parking reservation in advance.

Is Muir Woods hard to hike?

This short and easy level walk is affordable to any hiker level and starts at the Muir Woods National Monument's main entrance. From the very beginning, you will find a comfortable wooden boardwalk for most of the trip. Immediately after starting, you'll be overwhelmed with colossal redwoods.

Is Muir Woods a good place to see redwoods?

Muir Woods In the Bay Area, Muir Woods National Monument is widely considered the best place to see Redwoods near San Francisco. Muir Woods is the closest Redwoods to San Francisco, just a 35-minute drive from the city. Muir Woods is an easy day trip for most cities in the Bay Area – especially when there's no traffic!

Can I see redwoods without going to Muir Woods?

Taylor State Park in Marin County. It's a lush gorge filled with hundreds of acres of redwood trees and easy-to-moderate hikes. If you're looking for a quick day trip to see the redwoods near San Francisco, but don't want to deal with the crowds of Muir Woods, this is an ideal spot.

What do I need to know before going to Muir Woods?

Do you need a car for Muir Woods?

You can easily get to Muir Woods without a car. The distance from San Francisco to Muir Woods is 16.4 miles, so it can take a while to get there if you don't know what the most efficient transport options are. Let's take a look! First, we'll look at some routes that we suggest you avoid.

Is it hard to find parking at Muir Woods?

Parking at Muir Woods is controlled by a reservation system. There are less than 300 spots in the lot, and when you make a reservation you'll pick a day and time for your vehicle to arrive. You cannot drive to the park and get a reservation on site — they can only be purchased online in advance.

Are there giant sequoias in Muir Woods?

The main attraction of Muir Woods are the coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) trees. They are known for their height, and are related to the giant sequoia of the Sierra Nevada.

What is the best thing about Muir Woods?

It is One of Few Redwood Forests You Can Explore in the San Francisco Area. Due to deforestation and a specific ecosystem in which this giant species can thrive, Muir Woods is home to some of the only redwood groves in the world.

What town is closest to Muir Woods?

Here is information about lodging in Golden Gate National Parks. The closest lodging is available in Mill Valley, CA - the town Muir Woods is located in - or Muir Beach, CA.

How long is the shuttle ride to Muir Woods?

Muir Woods is only 16 miles from the center of San Francisco proper. It's much closer than the well known Redwood National Forest, but you should still budget at least half a day to enjoy the smaller forest. The Muir Woods shuttle takes approximately 30 minutes from the drop-off locations to get to the park entrance.

What is so special about Muir Woods?

Muir Woods National Monument is in Marin County, California, just a few miles north of San Francisco. The 558-acre monument preserves one of the last remaining ancient redwood forests in the Bay Area. Some of the redwoods are nearly 1,000 years old and reach heights of more than 250 feet.

Does Muir Woods have giant redwoods?

The large trees in Muir Woods are the coastal redwoods, the tallest of all living things, and some scattered Douglas firs. The tallest coastal redwood at Muir Woods is about 258 feet, approximately the height of a six-foot person stacked head to toe 45 times.

Is Muir Woods easy to walk?

Trail Surface: Firm Muir Woods' main trail begins at the visitor center and follows Redwood Creek on both sides of the stream. Large redwood trees line this trail from the very beginning. Though a level, easy stroll, the walk can be shortened by crossing at the second or third bridge to return.