MUIR WOODS TOURS

The San Francisco Bay Area is a treasure trove of events and activities. From a basic sightseeing tour that gives you the opportunity to see famous landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, Pier 39 and The Palace of Fine Arts to a trip to Napa Valley Wine Country for an afternoon of wine tasting, there are many different options for enjoying your time in San Francisco. There’s a reason why it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. 

With so many things to do while you are in the city, it can be hard to see it all in one trip, but there are a few things that should be at the top of your list. Located in Mill Valley, California, just a short drive north from San Francisco, lies one of the most amazing natural attractions in the nation, Muir Woods. 

What is Muir Woods?

Muir Woods is a forest in Northern California, but not just any old forest. Proclaimed a National Monument in 1908, by President Theodore Roosevelt, Muir Woods is an area filled with old growth coast redwoods, which are the tallest living things on the planet. These ancient trees can grow to over 380 feet and can live for more than 1,000 years. 

Visiting Muir Woods

With just under a million visitors every year, Muir Woods is one of the most popular attractions in the San Francisco Bay Area. The entire National Monument covers 558 acres, however a section of the area has has been set up for tours to not only help preserve Muir Woods, but also to make things more accessible for anyone that would like to visit. You will find a series of trails that form loops, so you can choose the best options depending on how much time you want to spend at the park and how much walking you would like to do. There are three main loops you can choose from, a 1/2 mile loop, 1 mile loop and a 2 mile loop. The nice thing about the 2 shorter loops is that the trails are completely paved, so they are wheelchair accessible  and an easy walk for anyone who may not normally be able to hike dirt trails. The longest loop does include some dirt paths and more difficult areas, so avoid this unless you can handle it. 

If you are an avid hiker or looking for a more challenging path, there are some other trail options that are different from the main touristy trails. The Canopy View Trail and others offer a more adventurous experience, with some taking you up high enough to see the coast in the distance. 

Getting to Muir Woods

Once you arrive at Muir Woods, everything is fairly self-explanatory. You can check in at the Visitor’s Center, grab a map and be on your way. As of 2020, due to the huge interest in this attraction, you are now required to make reservations. In addition, if you are driving to the park, you will need to get advanced paid parking. However, if you want the best experience, we highly recommend taking one of the San Francisco Tours that offer Muir Woods visits. Some of the tours are specifically set up to take you to Muir Woods, but others are more inclusive, so you can see a few great San Francisco attractions all in one tour.