Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument is part of California’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area, known for its towering redwood trees. I enjoyed visiting Muir Woods during my recent visit to San Francisco, and it was an experience I’ll cherish. Walking among the towering redwood trees was truly my nature-lover dream!
Muir Woods is just a short drive (about 12 miles) north of San Francisco, making it the perfect day trip when you’re in the city. The National Recreation Area covers 554 acres, of which 240 acres are old-growth coast redwood forests, one of only a few remaining in the San Francisco Bay Area. An old-growth forest is a forest that has attained great age without significant disturbance. Federally protected as a National Monument since 1908, Muir Woods welcomes over 800,000 visitors per year.
Visiting Muir Woods
Muir Woods is currently open from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. The hours do change seasonally so be sure to check their website for operating hours before your visit. Muir Woods has a great visitors center where you can purchase souvenirs and merch; you don’t want to miss it (the Visitors Center features a Cafe).
To park at Muir Woods, you MUST have a reservation. The process is simple but must be completed before your arrival. There is no cell phone service or WiFi at or around Muir Woods National Monument so you must download your parking reservation in advance. GoMuirWoods.com is where you’ll secure your parking reservation.
Muir Woods has a $15 per person entrance fee and this is SEPARATE from the parking fee. Individuals 15 or younger do get in free. Only service animals are permitted at Muir Woods, no pets are allowed. Unlike the parking pass which must be purchased in advance, entrance fees can be purchased upon arrival at the park.
The Magic of Muir Woods
Spending a day in Muir Woods was the highlight of my trip to San Francisco. I’ve always looked to nature for hope and inspiration during tough moments in my life. The peacefulness I found walking amongst the towering redwood trees was exactly what I needed. I arrived at Muir Woods almost as soon as they opened, so there wasn’t a large crowd at all, just a few early birds in awe of the forest like me!
The main attraction of Muir Woods is the coast redwood trees. The tallest redwood in Muir Woods is 258 feet, but they can grow to nearly 400 feet! The trees come from a seed no bigger than that of a tomato seed. According to the Muir Woods website, most of the redwoods in the monument are between 500 and 800 years old, and the oldest is at least 1,200 years old. Visiting Muir Woods really is to take a walk among ancient giants.
Thanks for Reading!
Thank you so much for reading and I hope this post inspires you to visit Muir Woods National Monument, I 1000% recommend it!
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