Have you seen the redwoods at Muir Woods? If you haven’t been to this National Monument, it may be time to take a trip to see these awesome giants up close!
One of our favorite places in the Bay Area is the famous redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument. Once known as Redwood Canyon, this park is home to ancient groves of towering redwood trees, diverse wildlife, and spectacular views.
There are so many things to love about this incredible park, which is why it is one of the main highlights on our highly-rated Dylan’s Famous Tour with Muir Woods. After seeing some of the San Francisco sights, we devote an entire hour of this tour to the park. It’s the perfect opportunity for you to experience the majesty of the forest. You’ll also capture some incredible photos of Muir Woods!
It’s hard for us to describe the feeling you get while wandering through woodland paths amidst trees that are over 1,000 years old, but come with us as we outline these nine reasons to explore Muir Woods redwood forest!
And if you’re ready to come see the redwoods in person, reserve your spot on our Dylan’s Famous Tour with Muir Woods today.
9 Reasons to Visit Muir Woods, California
#1: Walk Through Living History
Muir Woods’ history is fascinating. During the late 1800s, Muir Woods was known as Redwood Canyon. Because of this, it was considered one of the most profitable resources for the logging industry.
To preserve its natural beauty, it was purchased by US Congressmen William Kent and his wife, Elizabeth. There was a reason behind this action. Naturalist John Muir, the man Muir Woods is named after, inspired Kent to buy nearly 300 acres of the forest.
Not many years after being rescued from the threat of the logging industry, a water company planned to block off the creek that feeds the woods. As a result, William Kent donated the land to the Federal Government. This way President Theodore Roosevelt could protect the land by declaring it a National Monument in 1908. Muir Woods was one of 18 monuments and over 100 million acres of forest that Roosevelt preserved during his time in office.
The forest was planned to be named after William Kent, to honor him for his donation. But Kent wanted the woods to be named after John Muir, the man who inspired him to save the forest. If it wasn’t for John, the redwoods near San Francisco would probably not exist. Muir was thrilled with the dedication. He stated that “this is the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world.”
#2: Stand Among Giants Towering Up to 258 Feet Tall
Muir Woods is covered in dense forests of coastal redwoods. These incredible evergreens are a close relative of the Giant Sequoia and are noteworthy for their fragrant red bark and towering heights.
Muir Woods’ tallest tree is 258 feet tall, and the average age of the trees is 600-800 years. If you go further north the trees can reach heights up to 379 feet, the oldest redwood tree can be found in the Sierra Nevada.
The trees have a very important role in the forest. Being long-lived and large in size they play a significant role in nutrient, carbon and water cycling in the forest. They help support an abundance of plant and animal life.
Redwood trees can only be found on the Pacific coastline between Monterey and Southern Oregon. So, visitors to San Francisco will definitely want to take an opportunity to see these ancient groves.
#3: Capture Breathtaking Views
If the trees themselves aren’t enough of a draw, this coastal monument offers sensational ocean views to the adventurous hiker! While much of the park is devoted to the flat terrain of the valley floor, there are several hikes that lead up the sides of the canyon.
A short distance down from the main path of Muir Woods you can find The Canopy trail. This trail will take you outside of the main area and offers a beautiful hike. The Canopy Trail is 1,5 miles in total and on an intermediate level, it is one of the easier trails. This is because of the many switchbacks you will encounter on your climb to the top. One thing we really like about this trail is that it is outside of the main area, so this means it is less touristic than the other trails! If you want to extend your hike, you can connect this trail with the Lost Trail or the Panoramic Trail. Both of them offer amazing views!
One of our favorites, the Dipsea Trail, climbs up to the valley crest. From this soaring vantage point, visitors can overlook both the ocean and the dense redwood groves of the park. While the loop is long and can be steep and strenuous, it’s worth it for the spectacular sights! If you want to extend this hike you can stay on the Dipsea Trail until you reach Stinson Beach.
The Dipsea trail is 4 miles in total and a bit longer and more difficult than the Canopy trail. Another good suggestion if you like longer walks is the Bootjack Trail. The Bootjack Trail is 6 miles in total and at the end you will connect with the Ben Johnson trails which will take you back to the main area. During this hike, you will cross many beautiful canyons.
#4: Discover Hidden Wildlife
A lot of Muir Woods visitors think there is no wildlife in the woods; it is at first glance very quiet. But if you look closer you will see that the redwoods are home to a diverse mix of animals.
Muir Woods is home to more than fifty species of birds and a variety of woodland animals. It is also the spawning and rearing site of the threatened fish species coho salmon. While most of the wildlife in Muir Woods keeps well out of sight of visitors, you may be able to catch a glimpse of some if you keep your eyes open!
Look out for chipmunks, black-tailed deer, wild turkeys, gray foxes, butterflies, and, of course, banana slugs. Even though you most likely won’t see them, the woods are also home to river otters, spotted owls, bats, and bobcats.
Some tips to help you spot the animals
The Black-tailed deer are frequently seen in the woods and can be spotted throughout most of the year. Only in the winter is it very uncommon to see them. You can recognize the deer by their large ears and black tails. If you are lucky and visit the woods from April through August you have a chance to spot fawns.
Chipmunks are most active during spring and summer. They are commonly seen throughout the forest and near the sunny forest edge.
Even though the spotted owls are rare and very well camouflaged, there is a chance you can spot them. They are most audible during the breeding season from March through August.
The Coho Salmon can be best viewed from the bridges.
NOTE: Keep wildlife wild. Feeding or approaching wildlife can cause problems for both humans and wildlife. Don’t give your food to wildlife and never leave food unattended.
#5: Experience Perfect Year-Round Weather
Like most of coastal California, Muir Woods experiences mild weather almost year-round. Whether you come in high summer or mid-winter, the climate in the redwood grove is similarly mild and comfortable, if a little cool in the deep shade of the trees.
Due to the Pacific Ocean just over the hills, the woods are often enveloped in a dense morning fog that usually evaporates in the late afternoon. Seeing the mist-shrouded redwoods is a breathtaking experience, so we recommend trying to get to the groves early in the day if you can!
#6: Hiking Trails for Every Skill Level
This 554-acre park is crisscrossed with hiking trails for every level of hiker. Check out the 5 best hikes in Muir Woods before your visit to make the most out of your time there!
If you wander down the wooden walking path, be sure to take note of some of the famous groves that grow along it: Founders Grove, Bohemian Grove, and Cathedral Grove. Here you’ll find prolific growths of massive redwoods, including the largest tree in the park, the Pinchot Tree.
Leading off from the main wooden path are a variety of steeper trails, including the 4.7 mile Sun Trail, the 5.2 mile Ben Johnson Trail, and the 7-mile Dipsea Trail. This trail connects Muir Woods all the way to Stinson Beach! Each of the paths offers unique and beautiful vantage points for observing the tremendous beauty of the natural park.
Whether you spend your time simply breathing in the beauty of nature, or snapping epic Muir Woods Instagram photos, you’ll be sure to make some unforgettable memories in the redwoods!
#7: Expert-Guided Tours and Transportation Make it Easy to Arrive
If you’re wondering how to get to Muir Woods, we’ve got you covered! Finding the park entrance can be surprisingly challenging, and the devoted parking lot is often full. Because of this, we suggest booking your Muir Woods tour ahead of time.
During Dylan’s Famous Tour with Muir Woods, our local tour guide will take you through San Francisco’s neighborhoods, Sausalito and all the way up to Muir Woods where you can explore the woods for over an hour. At the end of the tour we will bring you back to the city so you don’t have to worry about transportation back into the city. Want to see more about our Dylan’s Famous Tour? Check out the video below!
#8: Refuel at the Charming Muir Woods Trading Company Cafe
The Muir Woods Trading Company Cafe is well worth pointing out! After hiking through the sometimes chilly redwoods, do yourself a huge favor and stop at this little restaurant for some warm refreshments.
The cafe boasts a menu featuring hot and cold beverages, paninis fresh off the grill, hearty soup, deli sandwiches, and locally inspired pastries. It’s the perfect way to end your Muir Woods trip.
#9: How to Get to Muir Woods (It’s Just 17 Miles from San Francisco!)
Muir Woods is conveniently located in Marin County on the northwest coast of California. If you’re staying in the Bay Area on vacation, you may be wondering how far Muir Woods is from San Francisco.
The answer is that it’s very close! Located just 17 miles north of the city, it takes about an hour to drive to Muir Woods from San Francisco.
The problem of driving to Muir Woods with your own car is parking. While Muir Woods is managed by the National Park Service as a national monument (not technically a national park), it operates with the same reservation system that many popular destinations use.
You have to reserve a parking spot in order to park your car at the lot – parking reservations are required and these spots sell out quickly, which means you have to make a reservation months in advance, which can be a struggle.
The dense coastal redwood forest that makes this place so magical also means there’s virtually no cell phone service once you’re in the woods, making it impossible to arrange alternative transportation like rideshares for your return trip. This is why many visitors opt for organized parking and shuttle services through tour companies like Dylan’s Tours that handle all the logistics for you.
That’s exactly why we created our Dylan’s Famous Tour with Muir Woods. On this tour you will see the city, Sausalito and Muir Woods all in one day! The best part? You don’t have to worry about a parking spot and we will bring you all the way back to the city.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Muir Woods, California
What is so special about Muir Woods?
Located just 17 miles north of San Francisco as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, this pristine old-growth coast redwood forest along the California coast offers visitors a rare glimpse into an ancient ecosystem. The park includes critical habitat for threatened coho or silver salmon that return to spawn in Redwood Creek each year, making it both a botanical and wildlife sanctuary. Don’t worry about staying connected during your visit – the limited phone service in Muir Woods actually enhances the peaceful, immersive experience of walking among these thousand-year-old giants.
How much does it cost to get into Muir Woods?
As of 2025, Muir Woods National Monument charges $15 per adult (16 and older) for admission. Children 15 and under enter free. The entrance fee is valid for 7 consecutive days from the date of purchase. You can pay at the entrance or purchase tickets online in advance.
Can you drive through Muir Woods?
No, you cannot drive through Muir Woods National Monument. The park is designed for walking and hiking only – there are no roads that go through the redwoods themselves.
Is Muir Woods connected to Mount Tamalpais State Park?
Yes! Muir Woods sits at the base of Mount Tamalpais and connects to Mount Tamalpais State Park. This California state park surrounds the area around Muir Woods, offering extended hiking opportunities beyond the famous trees in Muir Woods. Many trails lead directly from the redwood groves up into the state park where you can enjoy panoramic Bay Area views, though be prepared for steeper climbs once you leave the valley floor.
Where to stay near Muir Woods, California?
San Francisco is just 17 miles south and offers everything from luxury hotels to budget-friendly accommodations. Many visitors choose to stay in San Francisco and take a day trip to Muir Woods, which is exactly what our Dylan’s Famous Tour with Muir Woods is designed for – we pick you up in the city, show you San Francisco highlights, then take you to explore Muir Woods.
3,800+ 
