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Giant redwoods at Muir Woods [hiking]

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

Path winding through giant redwood trees in Muir Woods

Last updated: 28 April, 2024

Part of California’s 82,116 acre Golden Gate National Recreation Area (which also includes Alcatraz and San Francisco’s Presidio), 558-acre Muir Woods is a forest of towering old-growth Redwood trees, some more than 150 years old.

Named after John Muir, ‘Father of the National Parks’, this Endor-like landscape became the country’s 10th national monument in 1908, and the first one to be created solely from land donated by an individual – in this case congressman William Kent.

Here you can stroll among giants in the forest’s Cathedral and Bohemian groves, where you can actually reach out and touch some of these ancient behemoths.

Outstanding walking trails and hiking paths wind through the forest. Trails range from an easy 0.8-mile Main Trail that follows along the park’s Redwood Creek (stroller and wheelchair accessible), to the Dipsea Trail, a strenuous 16.1 km out-and-back hike that climbs through redwood forest and offers sweeping views of the Pacific before descending onto its shores at Stinson Beach.

There’s plenty of wildlife too. Look out for black-tailed deer, bobcats and banana slugs.

Logistics

Price: Free

Minimum age: 0

Age suitable: 4+

When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

It’s located on a remote section of Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County, just north of San Francisco.

Many come by bicycle (though the roads are steep, narrow and winding and for serious cyclists only) or via car, a scenic 27km drive from the city. The latter requires an advanced parking reservation.

Another option is to access the monument via shuttle. Round-trip shuttles depart from Larkspur Landing in Marin County’s Larkspur on weekends as well as downtown Sausalito daily. Reservations for a specific departure time are required with each.

Maps of Muir Woods and its hiking trails are available to download on its National Park Service website, or you can also pick one up at the visitor centre. The centre also has informative displays and exhibits about old-growth coastal redwoods – worth a look before exploring.

There’s a small café at the entrance selling sandwiches and drinks.

When to do it

Muir Woods is open all year round, seven days a week. Midweek, early mornings and late afternoons tend to be less crowded overall.

To get away from the crowds, access one of the longer hiking trails like the Dipsea or the Ben Johnson trail and start climbing. You’ll find relative solitude in no time.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Muir Woods & Sausalito Half-Day Tour (Return by Bus or Ferry from Sausalito)

San Francisco

Viator

Take time out from San Francisco on a half-day trip to Muir Woods National Park and Sausalito. This enthralling half-day trip takes you across the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Area's most popular National Park Monument to experience the magnificent views of the Giant redwoods during a 90' stop (entrance fee included). Next, visit the beautiful coastal town of Sausalito, a gorgeous Mediterranean-style village with quaint shops and waterfront restaurants. If a one-hour stop in Sausalito isn't enough for you, you can extend your stay by upgrading your tour to include the Sausalito ferry back to San Francisco. If you decide to come back by bus and are looking for possibilities to complete your other half-day, we offer you an upgraded option to save money, which includes a 4h Bike rental package from our partner Unlimited Biking (757 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA 94109). Fall in love with all San Francisco has to offer as you pedal around and explore the area at your own pace.

Price $96

Min age 0

Rating 4.39 / 5 [4764 ratings]

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San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ optional Gourmet Lunch

San Francisco

Viator

Be doubly delighted in this award-winning combo tour by a morning stroll through an ancient redwood forest and an afternoon of exclusive winery experiences in California’s Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Relax and enjoy spirited education and demonstrations by winemakers It’s the only Woods & Wine tour to include three wine tasting fees. Guaranteed departures 365 days a year. The tour offers the option of taking your Wine Country and Redwoods Tour experience to the next level by indulging in an exclusive three-course food and wine pairing experience on historic Sonoma Plaza.

Price $170

Min age 0

Rating 4.59 / 5 [3250 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Alcatraz Ticket: San Francisco, Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour

San Francisco

Viator

Discover the best of San Francisco with an unforgettable experience that lets you fully enjoy your vacation while we take care of everything for you. This all-inclusive adventure combines the city’s top attractions, the tranquil beauty of Muir Woods, and the history of Alcatraz. Explore iconic neighborhoods like Chinatown, North Beach, and Fisherman’s Wharf, cross the Golden Gate Bridge, stroll among the towering redwoods of Muir Woods, and savor a lunch break in the charming bayside town of Sausalito. Let us handle the details so you can enjoy your vacation. This tour offers flexibility with two options: 1.) Choose a two-day adventure with Alcatraz on day one and a guided San Francisco, Muir Woods, and Sausalito tour on day two. 2.) Enjoy it all in one seamless day starting with a morning bus tour and finishing with an afternoon Alcatraz visit. With knowledgeable guides, small group comfort, and stories that bring the city to life, this is an experience you won’t want to miss!

Price $129

Min age 0

Rating 4.85 / 5 [1245 ratings]

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Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour

San Francisco

Viator

Combine three of the Bay Area's top attractions—Alcatraz Island, Muir Woods, and Sausalito—into one tour from San Francisco. Travel in a luxury small-group tour van across the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoying the scenery without the hassle of driving. Explore Muir Woods and Sausalito at your own pace. Choose between a day or night tour of Alcatraz. The night tour features a sunset cruise, cell door demonstrations, and expert talks. Both tours offer an award-winning audio guide in multiple languages, detailing the prison's dark history and escape attempts. The 8:30am option departs from 488 Post Street. Look for a black Mercedes sprinter van parked across the street. It will start with Muir Woods and Sausalito then go to Alcatraz. The 9:10am option departs from Pier 33. It will start with Alcatraz then go to Muir Woods and Sausalito. The 12:50pm option departs from Pier 33. It will start with Muir Woods and Sausalito then to Alcatraz at night.

Price $159

Min age 0

Rating 4.53 / 5 [904 ratings]

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Muir Woods, Golden Gate Bridge + Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz

San Francisco

Viator

All of our tour guides are Bay Area Natives, which will help you understand what it’s like to grow up in SF and now live here as grown ups with our own families. You will enjoy an introduction to San Francisco on this 5 to 6 hour tour that includes a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods National Monument. You'll be driven around the city to see its diverse neighborhoods and geography, stopping several times for photo ops. At Muir Woods, admire the towering redwood trees, and visit the waterfront town of Sausalito for lunch (own expense). Works great for people coming from cruise ships. You cannot book the Alcatraz option under 4 days in advance.

Price $124

Min age 0

Rating 4.94 / 5 [738 ratings]

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