does muir woods waterfall

How to get to Muir Woods National Monument?

Muir Woods National Monument is surrounded by California State Park property. Many trails to and from Muir Woods connect with Mount Tamalpais State Park trails. These trails are long, narrow, unpaved, and often steep, requiring sturdy shoes with good treads.

Are the trails in Muir Woods boardwalked?

The trails in Muir Woods are asphalted or boardwalked. Trails on the canyon walls are dirt, narrow, steep, and rutted with tree roots. Stroller and wheelchairs are not advised on most of the upper trails. Trail information is available in the Visitor Center. Ready to Plan Your Hike?

Can you hike Muir Woods in San Francisco?

Muir Woods, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is a park which caters to pedestrians, as parking of vehicles is only allowed at the very entrance. Hiking trails vary in the level of difficulty and distance. Picnicking, camping and pets are not permitted.

How much does Muir Woods cost?

Muir Woods is open every day of the year, including all holidays. The park is open 8:00 a.m. to sunset. How much does it cost? The entrance fee is $15.00 for people 16 years and older. A parking reservation is $8.50 per vehicle OR a spot on the shuttle is $3.25 per person.

Is Muir Woods a hard hike?

Muir Woods Trail – Bridge 3 and back | Level of difficulty: Easy | Length: 1.3-mile | Duration: 1h.

What is so special about Muir Woods?

Muir Woods is the first National Monument that was created solely because of a land donation from a individual. Congressman William Kent donated the land to protect redwoods, some of which are over 150 years old, from the logging industry boom. He also insisted it be named for John Muir.

Are there hikes in Muir Woods?

Muir Woods National Monument contains 6 miles of trails. There is a 1/2 hour loop, a 1 hour loop, and a 1 1/2 hour loop as well as longer hikes on trails that extend into surrounding Mount Tamalpais State Park. View a map of Muir Woods and its vicinity.

Is Muir Woods worth the trip?

Overall, Muir Woods National Monument is an amazing place that will make you feel insignificant (in a good way) standing before some of the largest trees in the world. Experienced without people, it is nothing short of breathtaking, and one of the coolest places you'll visit in California.

How much time do you need at Muir Woods?

Visiting Muir Woods can be a great experience as long as you plan everything right and take time to explore it. I recommend taking between 1,5-3 hours to explore everything, however, if you want to do more hiking, you should allocate about 5 hours for your trip.

Was Star Wars filmed in Muir Woods?

Contrary to popular belief, the speeder and Ewok scenes in “Return of the Jedi” were not filmed in Muir Woods, but rather in a private redwood logging area near Crescent City. But Muir will instantly evoke the feel of the forest moon of Endor and the home of the furry, if annoying, bipeds.

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 time to visit Muir Woods?

The best time to visit Muir Woods regarding the weather is from May to October. Regarding the crowds in the summer, visit the National Monument in the morning or late afternoon. If you hike one of the half-day trails, you can enjoy the majestic ancient redwoods almost alone.

Whats the best hike in Muir Woods?

The top 5 favorite Muir Woods Hikes!Muir Woods Bridge 3 Loop.Muir Woods Bridge 2 Loop.Muir Woods Bridge 4 Loop.Muir Woods Dipsea Trail.Muir Woods Bookjack Trail.

Can you just drive through Muir Woods?

You can't drive through Muir Woods, so taking a private car does not offer any advantage. Because there is a limited number of parking spaces at the entrance of Muir Woods, you need to reserve and pay for a parking spot in advance.

Are there bears in Muir Woods?

Will I be eaten by a bear in Muir Woods? There is no chance that you will be harmed by or even see a bear in the Muir Woods.

What is the difference between Muir Woods and redwood forest?

Muir Woods is only a short ride from the City--just across the Golden Gate Bridge and past the town of Mill Valley. The trees are coastal redwoods. They are not the "redwoods" seen in inland forests like Yosemite; an exhibit in Muir Woods shows different kinds of trees called "redwoods."

What is the difference between Muir Woods and redwood forest?

Muir Woods is only a short ride from the City--just across the Golden Gate Bridge and past the town of Mill Valley. The trees are coastal redwoods. They are not the "redwoods" seen in inland forests like Yosemite; an exhibit in Muir Woods shows different kinds of trees called "redwoods."

Are there giant redwoods in Muir Woods?

Large Live Trees 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.

What is the best time to visit Muir Woods?

The best time to visit Muir Woods regarding the weather is from May to October. Regarding the crowds in the summer, visit the National Monument in the morning or late afternoon. If you hike one of the half-day trails, you can enjoy the majestic ancient redwoods almost alone.

Do bears live in Muir Woods?

However, the redwood forests are not home to foraging mammals like deer as there is not enough leaf to forage. Most of the animals in Muir Woods are small rodents such as chipmunks and squirrels. Bears are not common in the area, but sea otters have been spotted in nearby streams.

What bus service runs from Mill Valley to Muir Woods?

Marin Transit operates the Muir Woods Shuttle from Mill Valley or Sausalito to Muir Woods. Routes 66 (Pohono Park & Ride) and 66F (Sausalito Ferry & Marin City Hub) will run during the every weekend. Be sure to check the schedule to comfirm days of operation. Reservations are required for the Muir Woods Shuttle.

What are the most dangerous animals in Muir Woods?

An animal that allows you to approach it is more likely to be sick and dangerous. While there have been mountain lion sightings nearby, they have not been seen in Muir Woods itself. The most dangerous animal in the park is the yellow jacket. If you have known allergic reactions to bee stings, please bring your medication. Ticks are present and may carry Lyme disease. Rodent droppings may contain Hantavirus. West Nile Virus has been detected in the San Francisco Bay Area (though Mosquitos are rare in Muir Woods). To help protect yourself from all animals, do not feed them, and dispose of trash properly.

What is the tallest tree in the world?

You will see the tallest type of tree in the world, the Coast redwood, se quoia sempervirens, as well as the countless other plants and animals that are part of an old-growth redwood forest, including tanoak trees, ferns, redwood sorrel, stellar jays, black-tailed deer, and banana slugs, to name a few.

Where is the closest redwood tree to Yosemite National Park?

However, there are three privately owned drive-through redwood trees along Highway 101 in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties (northern California). The closest one is about 4 hours north of Muir Woods.

How to contact Gomuirwoods?

Advance entrance fee sales are available for larger groups. Please contact the Visitor Center at (415) 388-7368.

Is Muir Woods a day use area?

No, Muir Woods is a day-use area. There are a variety of camping opportunities in nearby parks however. Check out our brochure for nearby camping locations.

Is Muir Beach a good place to picnic?

No, the park is simply too small a space for so many people to enjoy picnicking without impacting the very forest which they are here to visit. However, there are several picnic areas nearby, including Muir Beach, Muir Beach Overlook, and Bootjack Picnic Area.

How to hike the Redwoods?

Want to take a walk through the redwoods and then climb to a view of Mt. Tamalpais, the Pacific Ocean, and San Francisco? From the Main Trail, cross Bridge 4 and continue uphill to the Ben Johnson Trail. Climb steeply up the canyon through redwoods and turn left at the first junction, following signs for Muir Woods. Cross the Deer Park Fire Road and turn left on the Dipsea Trail, heading back to Muir Woods by passing through grasslands and scenic viewpoints. Your time on the Dipsea Trail will end with a stroll over the Redwood Creek Footbridge. Check with the Visitor Center for bridge conditions; it isclosed for Coho Salmon spawning season.

How long is the hike to Muir Woods?

Muir Woods National Monument contains 6 miles of trails. There is a 1/2 hour loop, a 1 hour loop, and a 1 1/2 hour loop as well as longer hikes on trails that extend into surrounding Mount Tamalpais State Park. View a map of Muir Woods and its vicinity. All of these walks afford views of old-growth coast redwoods, the tallest living things in the world.

How to hike to Stinson Beach?

For an all day hike, descend the staircase to Redwood Creek in the second parking lot. Check with the Visitor Center for bridge conditions; it is closed for Coho Sa lmon spawning season. Climb uphill for 2.2 mi/ 3.5 km, crossing and paralleling the Deer Park Fire Road out of the redwood forest and through exposed grasslands. Follow your map and signs to the Stinson Beach. Turn around and take in the views once more, on your way back.

How far is the Redwood Trail?

After a short distance, turn right onto the Redwood Trail, a mostly level path that curves in and out of drainages. After 0.7 mi/ 1.1 km on the Redwood Trail, you'll reach the Tourist Club, a members’ only establishment. The Redwood Trail ends and becomes the Sun Trail, continuing for 0.7 mi/ 1.1 km.

Where is Muir Woods National Monument?

Muir Woods National Monument is surrounded by California State Park property. Many trails to and from Muir Woods connect with Mount Tamalpais State Park trails. These trails are long, narrow, unpaved, and often steep, requiring sturdy shoes with good treads.#N#If you are planning to exit the monument via a state park trail, we recommend that you purchase a Muir Woods Park Map which includes a Nature Self-Guide and Watershed Hiking Map.#N#This map may be purchased for $1 at the Visitor Center.

How high is the canopy view?

After climbing approximately 1.3 mi/2 km you will be at almost 1000 ft/ 300 min elevation; take the Lost Trail turnoff on the left and descend through deep forests of Douglas-fir into the redwoods.

Can you ride a bike in Muir Woods?

Pets, bicycles, smoking, horseback riding and camping are not permitted within the park. Picnics are not permitted in the forest. The trails in Muir Woods are asphalted or boardwalked. Trails on the canyon walls are dirt, narrow, steep, and rutted with tree roots.

How to hike Muir Woods National Monument?

Come prepared for the Mediterranean climate and shady conditions by dressing in layers; even on warm days, the shade and fog drip can quickly cool down the trails. Head out on the Alpine Trail, which starts at the northern edge of the Pantoll parking lot, to meet up with the Bootjack Trail. This trailhead appears about 0.75 miles down the path and leads you past meandering creeks, down steep slopes, and around small waterfalls. Continue on the Bootjack Trail for roughly 1.5 miles until you reach the paved area of Muir Woods National Monument. Spend time wandering around the wilderness, eating your packed lunch, and hydrating in the serenity before you leave. When the time comes, make your way toward the Ben Johnson Trail to start the strenuous hike back up.

How old are the redwoods in Muir Woods?

Thanks to Kent’s quick thinking and the legislation passed by Roosevelt, the redwoods in Muir Woods today are between 400 and 800 years old. With heights up to 250 feet, the towering redwood trees often steal the show. But the red alder, California bigleaf maple, Douglas fir, and tanoak trees are stunning in their own right.

What to know before visiting Muir Woods?

Here's what you need to know before visiting the ancient coastal redwood forest of the world-famous Muir Woods National Monument. The fresh scent of pine fills the air as the chatter of fellow hikers mingles with the soothing sounds of rushing water. Tan bark, dirt trails, and green foliage surround everything in sight—from the forest floor all ...

Why are redwoods red?

Native animals and visiting trekkers alike enjoy a lack of insects due to the repellent properties of the redwoods’ tannin— which is also the element responsible for the tree’s red hue. The old-growth redwood forest is named after John Muir, the world-renowned naturalist and "Father of the National Parks.".

What animals live in Redwood Creek?

Tucked among the trees and bushes lie the Northern spotted owls, deer, squirrels, and chipmunks that bring life to the ground, while the river otters, coho salmon, and steelhead trout swim happily in the cool waters of Redwood Creek.

Where is Muir Woods?

Established on January 9, 1908, Muir Woods National Monument is a coastal old-growth redwood forest nestled in Mill Valley, just north of San Francisco.

Who is the Redwood Forest named after?

The old-growth redwood forest is named after John Muir, the world-renowned naturalist and "Father of the National Parks."