Date of travel: May 30, 2025
“Immerse yourself in the ancient wisdom of Muir Woods where towering redwoods whisper secrets of the past and the present moment is all that matters. Thus we step into the enchanted realm of Muir woods where giants stand tall and the forest floor tells tales of wonder” were words of my brother-in-law as he was booking the tour to this natural wonder during our recent California visit.
Introduction:
Muir Woods National Monument is a breath taking natural sanctuary renowned for its ancient coastal redwoods, located just 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge in Mill Valley, California.
About Muir Woods
– Established: 1908, named after naturalist John Muir who is credited with the establishment of National Park System in USA.
– While redwood forest is a broader term encompassing various areas where redwood trees grow, Muir Woods is a particular protected and designated area with specific trails, visitor facilities and conservation status. Muir Woods being close to San Francisco is easily accessible, while other parks are vast and take extensive travel time. I will discuss a little about Redwood National park at the end.
– One hundred and fifty million years ago ancestors of redwood and sequoia tress grow throughout the USA. Today coastal redwood can be found only in a narrow, cool coastal belt from Monterey county, California in the south to Oregon in the north.
– Size: 554 acres, with 240 acres of old-growth coast redwood forests.
– Redwoods and Giant Sequoia though belong to same redwood family of coniferous trees, they differ in genera and belong to different species. While redwoods (Sequoia semperiviens) famous for their incredible height, giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) are known for their huge size and bulk. Habitat is also different, redwoods grow along the coast and giant sequoias in the Sierra Nevada mountain. A short discussion on Sequoia National Park will also be done at the end.
– Trees: Most of the redwoods in the monument are between 400-800 years old, some redwoods are over 1,200 years old, with the tallest reaching 258 feet.
Visiting Muir Woods
– Hours: 8 am to sunset, daily
– Admission: $15 per person, with discounts for seniors and differently abled visitors.
– Parking:
Parking at Muir Woods National Monument can be challenging, but here are some options to consider –
– Parking Reservations: You can make a parking reservation online or by phone up to 90 days in advance. The reservation fee is $8.50 per vehicle.
– Shuttle Service: A shuttle service is available on weekends and holidays, with a reservation fee of $3.25 per person.
– Parking Location: The parking lot is located near the entrance of Muir Woods National Monument at 1 Muir Woods Road, Mill Valley, CA 94941.
– Alternative Transportation: One can also take a taxi or ride-sharing service from nearby cities like Mill Valley or San Francisco. The taxi fare from Mill Valley to Muir Woods is approximately $17-$21.
– Tips:
- Plan ahead and arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Consider using public transportation or shuttle services to reduce traffic congestion.
- Be prepared for limited parking spaces, especially during peak season.
Things to Do
Muir Woods National Monument offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy:
Hiking and Trails
– Explore the park’s trails, ranging from easy to challenging.
Wildlife and Nature
– Spot local wildlife, such as birds, deer, and squirrels.
– Endangered species like silver salmon can be found in Redwood creek.
– Observe the park’s diverse plant life, including ancient coastal redwoods.
Scenic Views and Photography
– Take in the breath taking views of the surrounding redwoods and Redwood Creek.
– Capture stunning photos of the park’s majestic trees and scenic landscapes.
Visitor Center and Education
– Visit the Muir Woods Visitor Center to learn about the park’s natural and cultural history
– One can also participate in ranger-led programs and nature walks to gain a deeper understanding of the park’s ecosystem
Relaxation and Picnicking
– Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the park’s serene atmosphere
– Picnic in designated areas, taking in the sounds of nature and the majesty of the redwoods
Tips and Essentials
– Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to avoid crowds.
– Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers for changing weather conditions.
– Bring water, snacks, and essentials for a day-long visit.
– Visitor Centre has restroom facilities.
– Food and beverages can be purchased at shops in visitor centre.
– No overnight lodging or camping facilities available.
Muir Woods National Monument offers various trails for visitors to explore its stunning ancient coastal redwoods. Here are some popular trails:
Easy Trails
– Main Trail Loop: A 1-mile, wheelchair-accessible loop around Redwood Creek with minimal elevation gain. The trail features numbered signs corresponding to stops described in the Nature Trail Booklet.
– Time: 1 hour
– Features: Old-growth redwoods, Redwood Creek
– Main Trail to Bridge 2 Loop: A 0.5-mile loop with minimal elevation gain.
– Time: 0.5 hours
– Features: Old-growth redwoods, Redwood Creek
– Hillside Trail: A 1-mile one-way trail with 217 feet elevation gain, offering views of Redwood Creek and ancient coastal redwoods.
– Time: 30 minutes
– Features: Views of Redwood Creek, ancient coastal redwoods
Moderate Trails
– Main Trail to Fourth Bridge and Return via Hillside Trail: A 2-mile loop with 90 feet elevation gain.
– Time: 1.5 hours
– Features: Old-growth redwoods, Redwood Creek, views from Hillside Trail
– Fern Creek to Camp Alice Eastwood Loop: A 3-mile loop with 340 feet elevation gain, featuring lush Fern Creek and a redwood canyon.
– Time: 2 hours
– Features: Fern Creek, redwood canyon, Camp Alice Eastwood
– Canopy View Trail to Lost Trail to Fern Creek Trail Loop: A 3-mile loop with 530 feet elevation gain, offering views of redwoods and Mount Tamalpais.
– Time: 2.5 hours
– Features: Views of redwoods, Mount Tamalpais, Fern Creek
Challenging Trails
– Dipsea Trail and Return via Ben Johnson Trail: A 4-mile loop with 925 feet elevation gain, featuring views of Mount Tamalpais and San Francisco.
– Time: 3 hours
– Features: Views of Mount Tamalpais, San Francisco, redwoods
– Bootjack Trail to Ben Johnson Trail Loop: A 6-mile loop with significant elevation gain, suitable for experienced hikers.
– Time: 3.5 hours
– Features: Old-growth redwoods, views of Mount Tamalpais
Before planning the hike, one must check with park staff for current trail conditions and to determine the best trail for as per abilities.
Muir Woods is indeed a special place and our journey through Muir Woods was a truly magical experience. The towering redwoods, the misty atmosphere, and the serene surroundings all came together to create a sense of awe and wonder. As we walked among those ancient giants, we felt a deep connection to nature and history that surrounded us.
Though we did not visit but I would like to add few words about Redwood National Park and Sequoia National Park as these iconic destinations are known for their incredible natural beauties and majestic trees.
Redwood National Park is a breath taking destination located in Northern California, USA, renowned for its stunning ancient coast redwood forests. The park is part of the Redwood National and State Parks, which comprise four protected areas: Redwood National Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
Park Features:
– Tallest Trees in the World: The park is home to the tallest trees globally, including Hyperion (379.1 feet), Helios (376.3 feet), and Icarus (371.2 feet).
– Diverse Landscapes: The park features a range of landscapes, from coastal prairies and oak woodlands to pristine rivers and rugged coastline.
– Wildlife: Keep an eye out for Roosevelt elk, black bears, mountain lions, and various bird species, including bald eagles and northern spotted owls.
– Hiking Trails: With nearly 200 miles of trails, visitors can explore the park’s majestic redwoods, meadows, and coastline.
Sequoia National Park, located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, is renowned for its towering giant sequoias, including the iconic General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume. Established in 1890, it’s one of the oldest national parks in the US, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, vast wilderness, and rich history.
Park Features:
– Giant Sequoias: The park is home to the largest trees in the world, including the General Sherman Tree, which stands at 275 feet tall and has a trunk volume of over 52,500 cubic feet.
– Mountain Landscapes: Sequoia National Park features impressive mountain formations, including Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous US, standing at 14,505 feet.
– Hiking Trails: With over 800 miles of trails, visitors can explore the park’s majestic sequoias, meadows, and mountains, including popular trails like the Congress Trail, Moro Rock Trail, and Lakes Trail.
26 thoughts on “Getting Lost in the Redwoods”
Wonder of nature so vividly described. Magnificent nature with so much of history and so well preserved. A day well spent with nature easing out all the stress and relaxing the.mind
Thanks a lot.
Traveling and exploring best way to enjoy bliss
Correct you are. Thank you so much
Traveling the best antitode ever
Thanks a lot for your feedback.
Very informative
Thanks Tamai for encouraging feedback.
Muir Woods National Park with Redwood trees appears to be hiker’s delight. You are really exploring beautiful gem. Serene wonder, a must visit.
You are absolutely correct. Please visit in your next trip. Thanks for your nice feedback.
I am sure sir you must have enjoyed your trip.This place i lis very peaceful and beautiful.
Thank you so much.
Wow,reading your description was like revisiting the place. Very informative and detailed information. Keep it up.
Thanks a lot. Very happy that you liked the article.
Kudos on the fantastic capture and detailed write-up! Your effort will surely enhance our experience when we plan to explore. The vivid descriptions and insights will serve as a valuable guide, making our adventure even more enjoyable and memorable.
Thank you Dinesh for your inspiring and encouraging comments.
Your description n pics of Muir Woods with Redwood tress is just magestic. Well explored. It’s as though we are travelling
Thank you for your nice feedback. You are always encouraging me to write all these articles.
Obviously, you guys had great times among the woods! Some pics with the theme of tall trees are lovely.
Beautiful place. It would have been nice to be there forever, won’t it? But life needs you back to your world. This reminds me Robert Frost’s
“….
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.”
Lovely feedback Himadri. Frost’s poem is icing on the cake. Thank you so much for taking your time and review this.
Obviously, you guys had great times among the woods! Some pics with the theme of tall trees are lovely. Beautiful place. It would have been nice to be there forever, won’t it? But life needs you back to your world. This reminds me Robert Frost’s
“….
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.”
Thanks a lot Himadri.
Got lost in the forest, well, almost! That is the way I could describe your post. ****** (more than 5*)!!!
Thank you so much. Glad to know that you liked the article so much. Your feedbacks encourage me a lot.
Got lost in the forest, well, almost! That is the way I could describe your post. ****** (more than 5*)!!!
Thank you so much. Glad to know that you liked the article so much. Your feedbacks encourage me a lot.