Review: Muir Woods National Monument

Let’s start big picture. What’s the vibe here?  

The towering trees of Muir Woods National Monument might be known as Sequoia sempervirens to botanists and naturalists, but to travelers like us, they are California coastal redwoods and are some of the tallest and oldest trees on earth. This 558-acre preserve was named after conservationist John Muir and proclaimed a national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. It is home to one of the last remaining ancient redwood forests in the Bay Area. At Muir Woods, you’ll be walking among red-barked trees that range from 600 to 800 years old, with the oldest being more than 1,000 years old. The tallest tree in Muir Woods is 258 feet tall, which, according to the National Park Service is approximately the height of a six-foot person stacked head to toe 45 times. We do not recommend trying this at home.

Any standout features or must-sees?    

The 558-acre monument is home to one of the last remaining ancient redwood forests in the Bay Area, so every step you take here is a do-not-miss wonder. There are around six miles of trails within the park, that wind among the mammoth trees to areas such as Cathedral Grove and Bohemian Grove, and along Redwood Creek. More experienced hikers can extend their treks to the adjacent Mount Tamalpais State Park.

Was it easy to get around?

Muir Woods National Monument is in Marin County, just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. If you have access to a car, you should give yourself about 45 minutes, without traffic, from downtown San Francisco. If you do not have access to a car, getting to Muir Woods is still possible, but a little trickier. For car drivers, the key thing to remember is you MUST make a parking reservation in advance of your visit (with the date and time of your planned visit). If you show up without one, you will be turned away. Another thing to note: there is no cell phone service or WiFi at or around Muir Woods National Monument so download your parking reservation in advance. If you don’t have a car, there are weekend-only shuttles that go to Muir Woods from Larkspur Landing and Sausalito, and both communities are accessible via ferry from San Francisco, taxi, and ride shares. Round-trip shuttle tickets must also be purchased in advance, but you DO NOT need to make a parking reservation at Muir Woods. Once in Muir Woods, relax and take a deep breath. While hiking trails will be a challenge for those with mobility issues, the main thoroughfare through Muir Woods will not be and invites everyone to enjoy these magnificent trees and space.

All said and done, what—and who—is this best for?

For travelers who want a dose of extraordinary nature close to the city or for anyone who wants to stand among some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world; for hikers whose bucket list includes walking among the biggest trees in the world. There is no minimum or maximum time to spend here. It's a rare place of solitude and beauty, where time stands still.