Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods National Monument protects an old-growth stand of coastal redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) in Marin County, north of San Francisco. The site is renowned for its tall redwoods, shaded ravines, and accessible trails through the forest.

Trail options range from short boardwalk loops under the cathedral-like canopy to longer hikes that connect to the regional Redwood Creek watershed and adjoining parkland. Interpretive signs explain the ecology of the redwoods and the riparian environment.

The monument was set aside to preserve the redwood grove and has been managed to protect the forest from logging and development while providing public access. Visitor services include a welcome center and marked trails with limited parking to reduce crowding.

Muir Woods sits on the western slope of Marin County, about 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge and roughly 16 miles from downtown San Francisco as the crow flies. The site is within the coastal hills and is accessed by a short drive from nearby towns such as Mill Valley.

Access note: Parking and trailhead access are managed to limit visitor impacts; arrive early on weekends and holidays to secure parking.

How to Get to Muir Woods National Monument #

Muir Woods is north of San Francisco in Marin County. By car it’s most commonly reached by crossing the Golden Gate Bridge (US‑101 north), then following signs to CA‑1/Sir Francis Drake Boulevard into Mill Valley and onward to Muir Woods; the drive from San Francisco is roughly 12-20 miles depending on route and takes about 30-45 minutes in normal traffic. Parking at Muir Woods is limited and a timed-entry reservation is required; a seasonal Muir Woods Shuttle also runs from Sausalito/Marin City-check the National Park Service/Marin Transit website for current shuttle service and schedules.

Tips for Visiting Muir Woods National Monument #

Reserve a parking space or shuttle spot in advance (Muir Woods requires reservations for vehicles/shuttles during busy periods) and aim to arrive at or before opening to beat tour buses and mid-morning crowds.
For a quieter experience, leave the main boardwalk loop and take the Steep Ravine, Dipsea or Ben Johnson trails that climb out of the canyon-these get far fewer visitors and connect you to scenic ridge viewpoints most people miss.
Check shuttle schedules and parking instructions from the National Park Service before your trip-access rules and shuttle pickup points are enforced and can change seasonally.

Best Time to Visit Muir Woods National Monument #

Visit in spring or fall for milder conditions and fewer visitors on the forest trails.

Spring (best overall)

Mar-May · 45-65°F

Cool, often damp conditions that keep temperatures comfortable and crowds lighter than summer-wildlife and ferns are lush after winter rains.

Summer (warm, busiest)

Jun-Aug · 55-75°F

Warmer and drier with the highest visitor numbers; mornings can be foggy near the coast but trails see steady use through the day.

Winter (wet, quiet)

Nov-Feb · 40-60°F

Wettest period with quieter trails; some visitors avoid the rain, so you can find more solitude but should be prepared for muddy paths.

Weather & Climate near Muir Woods National Monument #

Climate

Muir Woods National Monument's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1104 mm/year), wettest in January with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

24°

Warmest Month

6°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions