Muir Woods
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Managed by the National Park Service, Muir Woods National Monument is a 554-acre preserve of old-growth coastal redwoods in Mill Valley, just north of San Francisco, CA in Marin County. Named for the famous naturalist John Muir, the park is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt as a National Monument when he signed the Antiquities Act of 1906 into law.
The park is home to trees up to 1,200 years old and up to 258 feet (79 meters) tall. The canopy of these giant trees provides homes to more than 50 species of birds, including the spotted owl, Steller's jay, and pileated woodpecker. Several types of mammals, including bobcats, river otters, and 10 different species of bats, also call the forest home.
Nearly 6,000 people a day visit the park during peak season. Film buffs can sneak a peek at the park in classic films such as Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo." Jack Kerouac waxed poetic about strolling through the majestic forest in his famous novel "The Dharma Bums."
How to Get There
The park is located 12 miles north of San Francisco, CA. The nearest airport is the San Francisco International Airport. Parking is limited at the site, but there is a shuttle that runs from Sausalito and Marin City. On weekends and holidays, the shuttle also stops at the Pohono Street Park & Ride.
Rent an RV For Your Visit to Muir Woods
Visit Muir Woods
Visitors flock to Muir Woods to stand among the ancient, majestic trees that create a shady and peaceful forest at the park. You can spend hours meandering along the pathways, meditating on the many available benches, and just enjoying the stillness of nature. Be sure to stop by the visitors center to learn more about this national monument. You can also grab casual meals, burgers, sandwiches, and coffee at the on-site Muir Woods Café. When you arrive at the National Monument, head to the Park Ranger Orientation Station to see if any tours or special events are happening during your visit.
While Muir Woods is an excellent place to visit year-round, the crowds are larger during the summer months and particularly on the weekends. You may want to go early in the morning and on a weekday to avoid larger groups.
Ticket Information
Muir Woods is open every day, including holidays. During the summer, Muir Woods is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. After Labor Day, the park closes earlier, at 5 p.m. The cost to visit is $15 for adults. Children under the age of 15, veterans, and Gold Star families can always visit for free. You can purchase passes online or upon your arrival.
In addition to entrance passes, parking or shuttle reservations are required and cost $9 per car. Larger vehicles pay $30 to $45 for parking, and you can find parking passes online at http://GoMuirWoods.com. Parking passes occasionally sell out, so it is strongly recommended that you make a reservation in advance. You can buy tickets and parking passes up to 90 days in advance.
Family-Friendly Options
Muir Woods National Monument is a great place to take the entire family! Children can participate in the park's Junior Ranger program by asking upon arrival. Kids are also encouraged to participate in the online Leave No Trace game during their visit.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Once you've parked, head to the visitors center for a brochure, and, if you have kids, be sure to ask about the Junior Ranger program. The main trail starts at the visitors center. This mostly flat trail will take you through a 2-mile loop along Redwood Creek. There are several options for either extending or shortening this hike.
There are accessible restrooms near the parking lot, and a second set of restrooms is located just past the visitors center at the café.
Plan on spending at least an hour wandering around the site. Most visitors plan on at least two hours.
Muir Woods Accommodations
Campgrounds Nearby
Overview
Haypress Campground is nestled within the coastal scrub of Tennessee Valley, near Mill Valley. The hike to this campground is 0.7 miles from the Tennessee Valley Trail head parking lot, which means car or RV camping is not allowed. Typical Haypress campers enjoy hiking to Tennessee Cove, where they can admire the dramatic geology and colorful sand of this unique beach.
Recreation
Tennessee Valley and the Marin Headlands are noted for great hiking, and trails are often populated with hikers regardless of the time of the year. Consider hiking to Tennessee Beach (2 miles), Muir Beach (3.5 miles), historic Battery Townsley (3.5 miles), or Rodeo Beach (4 miles). Contact the Marin Headlands Rangers at (415)-331-1540 to inquire about a ranger-led program or guided hike during your stay.
Facilities
Tennessee Valley and the Marin Headlands are noted for great hiking, and trails are often populated with hikers regardless of the time of the year. Consider hiking to Tennessee Beach (2 miles), Muir Beach (3.5 miles), historic Battery Townsley (3.5 miles), or Rodeo Beach (4 miles). Contact the Marin Headlands Rangers at (415)-331-1540 to inquire about a ranger-led program or guided hike during your stay.
Natural Features
Haypress Campground spans over a large grassy swath that is lined by eucalyptus trees. California quails frequent the area, and raptors are often soaring overhead. Deer, coyotes, foxes, and bobcats share this open space. The geology that underlies Tennessee Valley is unique and world-renowned; for example, outcrops of radiolarian ribbon chert that line the trails are frequently admired by visitors from near and far.
Temperatures are mild year-round. Expect lows from 50-55 degrees and highs from 60-65. Fog is prevalent in the summer months from May-Sept. It is best to bring clothing that can be layered. Lightweight summer clothes are rarely comfortable to wear at Haypress Campground.
Nearby Attractions
The San Francisco Bay Area has no shortage of fun and interesting things to do and see. The 150-year-old Point Bonita Lighthouse (a secret jewel of the Bay Area) and the historic Cold War era Nike Missile Site are just a 20-minute drive away from the Tennessee Valley trailhead parking lot. Awe-inspiring Muir Woods National Monument, with its old-growth coastal redwood forest and numerous hiking trails, is a 25-minute drive. Mount Tamalpais State Park, with hiking and sweeping views of the Bay Area, is another 10 minutes past Muir Woods.
Within the Marin Headlands, consider visiting the historic Battery Townsley, the Point Bonita Lighthouse, or Nike Missile Site SF-88.
Charges & Cancellations
Group Site Cancellations and Modifications
The Haypress Campground Group Site must be cancelled or modified more than 14 days before your check-in date otherwise it will be considered a late cancellation.
Refer to Recreation.gov's Rules & Reservation Policies. To initiate a refund request more than 7 days after your reservation, call the recreation.gov call center at 877-444-6777.
Located just off Highway 101 north of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Mobile and RV Park offer easy access to all the entertainment and recreation options of the San Francisco Bay Area. If you’re looking for laid-back trailer parks near Daly City, California you’ll like it here. It is near the Larkspur Ferry, which can take you to the Ferry Building Marketplace that offers transportation to other nearby areas.
Located in the heart of Marin County just north of San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin RV Park is one of the top RV parks in the Oakland, California area. It is close to Muir Woods, Golden Sunset cruises, and the Napa Valley Wine Train. It has all the amenities you need for a relaxing vacation in the Bay Area.
Activities Near Muir Woods
Things to Do
Hiking
Mount Tamalpais State Park, located near Muir Woods, offers several excellent hiking trails to choose from. Several of these have ocean views, making the park a popular spot with locals and visitors alike.
Boating
Muir Woods is just a short drive from the protected waters of the bay, and you'll find lots of excellent boating locations if you head to the area around Sausalito or the harbor at San Rafael. At the marina in Sausalito, you can rent a boat for the day at Freedom Boat Club.
Swimming
Take a drive to nearby Bolinas Beach, which is an excellent spot for swimming, surfing, and strolling along the Pacific Ocean and Bolinas Channel.
National Parks
National Sites
Weather, Safety & Accessibility
Weather & Packing
Muir Woods is a great park to visit any time of year. Because of the heavy fog and thick overhead canopy, you can expect the park to be relatively cool year-round. Most of the time, temperatures range between 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to the moisture in the air and the heavy fog in the mornings, plan on bringing a light rain jacket, particularly during the wetter months of November to early May.
Safety & Accessibility
During your visit to Muir Woods National Monument, be sure not to touch any of the plants as the forest is home to stinging nettles and poison oak. When planning your trip, remember that there is no cell service at the site.
Muir Woods National Monument is accessible for all people. You'll find plenty of accessible parking and also lots of benches to sit on throughout the park. For visitors in a wheelchair, the raised boardwalk path is fully accessible. Stop by the visitors center for a trail map and brochure in Braille. An audio description of the brochure is also located online, if you prefer. If you need ASL interpretation to guide your visit, you'll find a series of videos on the website to assist you. If you're taking a ranger-led tour, you can ask for an assistive listening device.
Service animals are always welcome at Muir Woods, though emotional support animals are not.
Conclusion
When planning your trip to Muir Woods, make sure you have a parking pass in advance, and plan for a cool and foggy experience. Revel in the beauty of nature as you walk among these unique ancient coastal trees, and let your visit inspire you to explore more amazing attractions throughout the United States.
FAQ
While there are several options for tent camping nearby, you'll have to drive a bit to find RV camping. Head to Hawk Campground or Haypress Campsite if you have a tent and a reservation. Golden Gate RV Park, Marin RV Park and Larkspur RV Park are nearby overnight RV camping options in the town of Corte Madera to the north.
No. Note that the road leading to Muir Woods is difficult to navigate because it is very winding and narrow, and vehicles longer than 35 feet are prohibited. Muir Woods does not have any parking spots suitable for larger RVs or trailers, so you'll need to plan accordingly.
A permit and reservation are required for special events or photography sessions. Also, you'll find poor cellphone service and no Wi-Fi at Muir Woods, so make sure to download your passes and parking reservations in advance.
Yes! Be sure to ask about the park's Junior Ranger program upon your arrival. Kids can earn a badge by completing a few activities during their visit.
No. In order to protect the site and the wildlife, pets are not permitted at Muir Woods. However, there are several nearby trails that do allow dogs.