The Muir Woods National Monument is one of the most popular day hiking spots just ride outside San Francisco. It is a mere 12 miles away from the city. It used to be known as the Redwood Canyon, named after the sea of redwood trees within the area. These trees are not as big as sequoias but are massive themselves.
The Muir Woods got its name from, John Muir a naturalist. It is part of the golden gate National Recreation Area, with hiking trails extending to nearby places like Mt. Tamalpais. It’s the perfect daytime getaway for those who need a quick getaway from the city. As a bonus, cellphone and Wi-Fi services are quite weak in the area, forcing visitors to really disconnect and enjoy everything in the moment.
Climate In Muir Woods
Muir Woods is near the Pacific Ocean. Due to this, it is constantly surrounded by fog, having a wet environment most of the year. Summers tend to be dry, while winters usually have heavy rains. The average daily temperature shift between 40F to 70 F.
The Flora Aand Fauna That Can Be Found
The wet environment encourages the growth of the redwoods and other plants in the park. These trees are called the coast redwood trees (a relative of the giant sequoia). They are not as big as the sequoias but are massive in their own right. Most of the trees in Muir Woods are at least 500 years old. Other trees you will find in the area are the bigleaf maple and tanoaks.
The Muir Woods has its fair share of animals. It is a site for two endangered and threatened species of salmon: coho (silver salmon) and steelhead. They spawn at the Redwood Creek between the months of December to February. Some of the famous birds in the woods are pleated woodpeckers, and the northern spotted owls.
Look out for animals that may lurk on the sidelines as you take a hike: American shrew moles, mule deer, Sonoma chipmunks, western gray squirrels, and the blacktail deer. There are different species of bats that (of course) hide during the daytime, and therefore cannot be seen. Those who intend to go in the morning, once the park is opened should bring binoculars!
Hiking Trails
Muir Woods has a total of 6 miles of hiking trails. Some of the trails are asphalted or board walked, which makes it relatively easy and safer to walk on. More strenuous trails are more challenging, with steep climbs and rough terrain. Check with the visitor regarding trail closures. Look out for ticks and poison oak!
Here are the trails:
- Main Trail Loop – Bridge 2 (0.5 miles)
- Main Trail Loop – Bridge 3 (1 mile)
- Main Trail Loop – Bridge 4 (2 miles)
- Canopy View – Lost Creek – Fern Loop (3 miles)
- Fern Cree – Camp Alice Eastwood Loop (3 miles)
- Ben Johnson Trail – 4 miles – view of Mt. Tamalpais (4 miles)
- Canopy View – Redwood – Sun Trail – Dipsea Loop (5 miles)
- Muir Woods – Muir Beach (6 miles)
- Stinson Beach – Dipsea Trail (10 miles)
Activities In Muir Woods
Visitors should check the program board at the park posts announcements about activities as these may vary every day.
- Guided Tours – park rangers conduct 1-hour guided tours where they talk about the history and development of Muir Woods and other related topics like the impact of climate change and the conservation efforts that are currently done in the park
- Tree Talks – 15-minute talks conducted by rangers discussing the trees in the park.
- Salmon Spawning – during the wintertime, Coho and Steelhead salmon make their way to Redwood Creek to spawn the next generation of their species. Coho Salmon come around December-January, while Steelhead Salmon come from around January to February.
Other Sites Nearby
Aside from trail hiking, visitors can visit the sites listed below. Keep in mind that these close 1 hour after sunset.
- Muir Beach
- Muir Beach Overlook
- Stinson Beach
Additional Information About Visiting Muir Woods
When To Go
The Muir Woods National Monument sees the highest foot traffic from April to October (late spring to early fall), and on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.
Ticket Prices
- The Muir Woods National Monument is open every day, including holidays from 8:00, am to 6:00 pm.
- Entrance fee: $15 (adults), Free (children 15 and under)
- Annual pass: $45 for 12 months. Allows entry for the pass holder and 3 persons (16 +)
Transportation
Muir Wood National Monument is accessible via different modes of transportation. The park charges a parking fee for those who will bring private cars. Reservation is required to control vehicle traffic per vehicle.
- Private vehicles $8.50 – standard vehicle, $30 – medium vehicle, $45 – large vehicles
Shuttle
The shuttle service operates seasonally: weekends, holidays, and summer season. Reservations should be made through this website. The shuttle has three pickup locations: Sausalito, Marin City, and Phono Park and Ride.
Food and Drink In The Park
Muir Woods Café is open from 10:00 am until around 5:00 pm. It has an outdoor dining area where visitors can take a break. The café uses local and sustainable ingredients. Order their best seller, the grilled cheese sandwich ($7.50) with tomato soup ($.5.90).