Muir Woods National Monument protects a stand of old-growth coast redwoods in a sheltered canyon on the slopes of Mount Tamalpais in Marin County, California. The entrance at 1 Muir Woods Road, Mill Valley, lies about 12 miles (19 km) north of San Francisco, a drive of roughly 40 to 60 minutes via US-101 and Highway 1 depending on traffic. Parking and the weekend shuttle both require advance reservations through the national park system, so the trip cannot be improvised on arrival. Visitors without a car can use the Muir Woods Shuttle operated by Marin Transit from the Pohono Street park and ride in Marin City on weekends and holidays, or join a guided tour from downtown San Francisco that handles the reservation. Park entry is about 15 dollars per adult.
The main attraction is the flat, mostly paved Main Trail loop along Redwood Creek, which passes Bohemian Grove, Cathedral Grove and the Pinchot Tree and reaches the 1908 monument's tallest trees, some exceeding 250 feet. Longer loops, such as the Dipsea, Ben Johnson and Hillside trails, climb into the surrounding forest and add one to three hours on foot. The Muir Woods Visitor Center and Muir Woods Trading Company near the entrance sell books, snacks and light meals, and the park's own cafe offers a limited menu.
A practical one-day arc starts early. Arriving in the first reservation slots of the morning means cooler air, softer light filtering through the canopy and far thinner crowds, and the main loop takes about 60 to 90 minutes at a relaxed pace. Many visitors then continue to the Muir Beach Overlook on Highway 1 for Pacific views, lunch in Stinson Beach or Mill Valley, or an afternoon in Sausalito before returning to the city by ferry. Cell service is very limited inside the canyon, so maps and reservation confirmations are best saved beforehand.
Spring and fall are the least crowded seasons, and the forest is cool and often foggy even in summer, so layers are useful. Winter rain brings a lush, quiet feel, though some trail sections can close after storms. Dogs are not permitted on the trails.
| Distance | About 12 miles (19 km) north of San Francisco |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 40-60 minutes by car; 1.5-2 hours by shuttle and bus |
| Getting there | Drive via US-101 and Highway 1 and reserve parking at gomuirwoods.com, or ride the reserved Muir Woods Shuttle from Marin City or Sausalito on weekends and holidays; entry about $15 per adult. |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | 1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941 |
How to get there
- Mode
- Car (reserved parking required)
- Cost
- Parking about $10-15 plus entry about $15 per adult
- Frequency
- Daily; reserve in advance
- Operator
- NPS / Muir Woods reservation system (gomuirwoods.com)
- Departure point
- Anywhere in San Francisco
- Mode
- Muir Woods Shuttle (reservation required)
- Cost
- Round-trip shuttle about $6-7 plus park entry
- Frequency
- Weekends and holidays; confirm at marintransit.org
- Operator
- Marin Transit
- Departure point
- Pohono St Park and Ride, Marin City
- Mode
- Guided tour
- Cost
- About $60-120 per person
- Frequency
- Daily departures
- Operator
- Local tour operators (such as Gray Line)
- Departure point
- Downtown San Francisco pickup points
Location
1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941
37.8970, -122.5811 View on map
Highlights
- Walk the Main Trail loop beneath coast redwoods that exceed 250 feet tall
- See Cathedral Grove and Bohemian Grove along Redwood Creek
- Extend the visit on the Dipsea or Ben Johnson trails into the Mount Tamalpais forest
- Pair the visit with the Muir Beach Overlook on Highway 1
Tips for visiting
- Reserve parking or the weekend shuttle in advance; arriving without a reservation is not possible by car.
- Book the earliest morning slot for cooler air, better light and smaller crowds.
- Carry layers; the canyon stays cool and damp even on warm days in the city.
- Download maps and keep the reservation confirmation offline, as cell coverage is poor in the canyon.
- Take the Marin Transit shuttle from Marin City on weekends if driving is not an option.
- Leave dogs at home; they are not allowed on the trails.
When to visit
Spring and fall weekdays are the quietest; arrive in the first morning slot for the best light and fewest people.
Accessibility
The Main Trail's lower boardwalk and paved sections are largely flat and suitable for many wheelchair and stroller users. Upper loops and side trails are steep and unpaved.
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Frequently asked questions
Are reservations required to visit Muir Woods?
Yes. Parking and the Muir Woods Shuttle both require advance reservations, made through gomuirwoods.com. Visitors arriving on foot, by bike or on a guided tour may follow different rules, so check the National Park Service page before going.
How long does a visit to Muir Woods take?
The main loop takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Adding a longer trail such as the Ben Johnson or Dipsea routes extends the visit by one to three hours.
How much does it cost to enter Muir Woods?
Entry is about 15 dollars per adult, with parking or a shuttle seat costing extra. Prices change, so confirm at nps.gov/muwo.
Can visitors reach Muir Woods without a car?
Yes. The Muir Woods Shuttle runs from Marin City on weekends and holidays, and guided tours depart from downtown San Francisco. Both require advance planning.