Muir Woods is quicker to access, attracts the tour buses, smaller, flat trail--a fine, but small and well used federal site. Big Basin is more your typical state park--a little harder to get to (but lovely drive), larger, more families in cars with coolers, other park areas besides the redwoods, more trails. Given a choice--Big Basin every time.
Is it worth it to go to Muir Woods?
There are plenty of other locations that you can see redwood trees. However, Muir Woods is a destination that you should at least visit once. It is a historic and internationally known national monument. Even though it has become a little “touristy” the natural beauty and impressiveness of the redwoods still remains.
Is Muir Woods a good place to see redwoods?
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!
How long do most people spend at Muir Woods?
How long should you spend in Muir Woods? If you plan to explore the main area, I recommend setting aside a couple of hours for your visit. If you plan to hike one of the longer trails, you could spend up to 3 to 5 hours hiking around.
How long does it take to go through 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.
Why is Muir Woods so popular?
Muir Woods is one of the best-preserved redwood forests in the U.S. It is the first national monument created by a land donation from an individual. Congressman William Kent gave the land to the United States on condition that it be named for John Muir, the father of the national parks.
Is Muir Woods better than Redwood National Park?
The trees are the same type, but RNP is much larger - bigger area, larger groves, not very crowded. Muir Woods is relatively compact and due to its smaller size and proximity to SF, it can be crowded. Are you starting out from San Francisco?
Is it better to visit Muir Woods in the morning or afternoon?
Muir Woods is open in the summer from 8 am until the sunset and closes at 5 pm in the winter season. The best time to visit is probably during the week, early in the morning or late afternoon. The site is quite popular so it tends to become more crowded in the weekend when people have free time to visit.
How do you avoid the crowd at Muir Woods?
Arriving late in the afternoon also means there will be far fewer crowds than during mid-day. Even if you arrive early enough in the morning to park, the crowds fill up by noon (according to the Muir Woods website), so if you're not done hiking by then, you'll be fighting the crowds on the return to your car.
What to know before going to Muir Woods?
Plan ahead for your visit to Muir Woods: The Muir Woods Visitor Center is open 8:00 am to 30 minutes before the park closes. Parking reservations are always required via GoMuirWoods.com ahead of your visit. Please ensure you have a printout or downloaded copy of your parking voucher before arriving.
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.
Is Muir Woods difficult?
Muir Woods Trail – Bridge 3 and back | Level of difficulty: Easy | Length: 1.3-mile | Duration: 1h. This path follows the Redwood Creek Trail, which is the most popular taken way for anyone visiting the Muir Woods National Park.
Do I need hiking boots for Muir Woods?
Unless you plan to explore the trails past the monument, a good pair of walking shoes will be fine. The actual monument has a walking deck/platform that takes you around, so even if the rains made the woods damp and muddy you'll do great. Enjoy your visit!
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.
How far is redwood National Park from Muir Woods?
The distance between Muir Woods National Monument and Redwood National and State Parks is 249 miles. The road distance is 310 miles. How do I travel from Muir Woods National Monument to Redwood National and State Parks without a car?
Does Muir Woods have giant sequoias?
Due to its importance, it was declared a National Monument in the year 1908. Located in Marin County less than 10 miles (16 kilometres) from San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods is a 295-hectare forest, full of giant sequoias covered by fantastic green scenery.
What time is best to go to 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.