7 Best Hikes In Muir Woods: Travel Tips and Info

What are the best hikes in Muir Woods?

Muir Woods National Monument is home to some of the tallest and oldest trees in the area, towering over a lush landscape of ferns, mosses, and streams. 

We live less than 2 hours away from Muir Woods and love that there’s a redwood park so close to us. In this post, we’ll explore the 7 best hikes in Muir Woods for all skill levels, travel tips, and info you need to know before planning a trip to Muir Woods.

1. Main Trail aka Redwood Creek Trail 

The Main Trail is the most popular and busiest trail in Muir Woods as it connects to the other trails. 

This well-maintained boardwalk trail is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. We hiked this trail with my sister-in-law’s family including her 2-year-old daughter in a stroller. 

🚶 Trail difficulty: Easy

🥾 Trail length: 2 miles

⏳ Time to complete: 1.5 – 2 hours

🏔️ Elevation gain: 90 feet

The hike starts right at the entrance station (under the Muir Woods arch) and takes you through a forest of redwood trees. 

You’ll walk alongside Redwood Creek and might spot some fish. As you walk the trail, you’ll see bridges on the left. 

Keep walking until you see the 4th bridge (you don’t have to count, there are signs!) If you’re not up for the whole hike, you can loop around one of the first 3 bridges. 

Once you reach the 4th bridge, you can either turn around and hike back OR take the Hillside Trail. 

For the Hillside Trail, you’ll need to hike up a hill and take a dirt trail back to the entrance station. The Hillside Trail isn’t accessible but we were able to lift the stroller in certain areas and walk our way back. 

If you’re hiking with family and need an easy hike or are short on time, this hike is perfect. You get a gist of what Muir Woods offers. 

2. Fern Creek to Camp Alice Eastwood to Lost to Canopy Trail 

This may sound like a long trail with a lot of trails in between but it’s worth it! Start at the entrance and hike on the Main Trail until you see the trail diverging on the right (after Bridge 3).  

🚶 Trail difficulty: Moderate

🥾 Trail length: 3.9 miles

⏳ Time to complete: 2 – 3 hours

🏔️ Elevation gain: 820 feet

Even though there will be a sign, you’ll know it’s Fern Creek Trail when you see it. It’s a great photo spot with Fern Creek and the redwood trees around you.  

Then you’ll start hiking uphill toward Camp Alice Eastwood where you can take a break for restrooms, water or just to sit down at the picnic tables. 

Hike back by using the Lost Trail and the Canopy Trail, which will connect you back to the Main Trail. If you’ve never seen fern before, you must try this trail. You and your kids will love it!

💡 Tip: If you liked seeing fern on this trail, you must check out Fern Canyon, one of the best hikes in Redwood National and State Parks!

3.  Ben Johnson Trail 

Hike the Ben Johnson Trail for the views! You’ll get gorgeous views of San Francisco, the Pacific Ocean, and Mount Tamalpais. Plus you might see some wildlife including deer, turkey, and lizards. 

🚶 Trail difficulty: Moderate

🥾 Trail length: 4.1 miles

⏳ Time to complete: 3 – 4 hours

🏔️ Elevation gain: 987 feet 

Start the Main Trail and keep on the trail until you see the Ben Johnson trailhead. The trail begins with an immediate uphill climb and is fully covered by the thick canopy of redwoods at the beginning of this trail. 

Then the environment transforms into coastal chaparral. And at the end, you’ll see coastal hills along with the views. Then to hike back, take the Dipsea Trail to the parking lot.

4. Muir Beach Trail From Muir Woods

The hike from Muir Woods to Muir Beach and back provides stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. 

🚶 Trail difficulty: Moderate

🥾 Trail length: 6 miles

⏳ Time to complete: 4 – 5 hours

🏔️ Elevation gain: 150 feet 

Instead of hiking into Muir Woods park, you’re going to be walking away from it onto Redwood Creek Trail to Muir Beach. 

Keep on hiking on Redwood Creek Trail until you reach Highway 1 and then turn on Pacific Way to Muir Beach. 

5. Bootjack Loop Trail

If you want to see waterfalls, then hike the Bootjack Loop Trail. You’ll see many creeks along the way. 

This trail also takes you deeper into the redwoods so it’ll be quieter along with the rich smell of redwoods. You’ll be entering Mount Tamalpais State Park through this trail.

🚶 Trail difficulty: Moderate

🥾 Trail length: 6.3 miles

⏳ Time to complete: 3 – 4 hours

🏔️ Elevation gain: 1,151 feet

Just like every other hike, you’ll start with the Main Trail and then you’ll see a sign for Bootjack Trail before Bridge 4. 

The trail goes uphill until Van Wyck Meadow. Then you’ll take the TCC trail and the Stapleveldt trail until you see signs to take either the Ben Johnson Trail or the Dipsea Trail.  

If it’s a hot sunny day, take the Ben Johnson Trail so you’ll be under the redwoods for the remainder of the trail. 

If the weather is decent and you’re looking for a change in scenery, take the Dipsea Trail to see coastal hills with the ocean in the background. 

💡 Tip: The Dipsea Trail closes in the winter for the Coho Salmon spawning season. Check with the Visitor Center before hiking this trail. If it’s closed, you can still do the Bootjack Loop Trail but you’ll detour to Deer Park Fire Road. 

6.  Stinson Beach Trail From Muir Woods

The hike to Stinson Beach and back is a challenging and scenic hike with stunning views. Start at the Main Trail to Ben Johnson Trail until there’s a sign to take Dipsea Trail towards Stinson Beach. 

🚶 Trail difficulty: Hard

🥾 Trail length: 9.9 miles

⏳ Time to complete: 6 – 7 hours

🏔️ Elevation gain: 2,696 feet 

Along the way, you’ll see breathtaking vistas of the coastal hills and redwood canyons, as well as giant coastal redwoods, some of which have hollows that can be crawled inside.   

The trail is well-maintained, but hikers should bring plenty of water and be prepared for a strenuous workout.

Take a lunch break at Stinson Beach and then hike back the same trails back to the entrance. 

7. Mount Tamalpais Peak From Muir Woods

If you want to cover both Muir Woods and Mount Tamalpais in one day, then plan to do this hike to the East Peak of the Tamalpais Mountains.  

This peak is the tallest in Marin County and if you’re hiking on a clear day, you’re going to get panoramic views of the Bay Area. 

🚶 Trail difficulty: hard

🥾 Trail length: 10.5 miles

⏳ Time to complete: 6 – 7 hours 

🏔️ Elevation gain: 2,509 feet

Start at the Main Trail to Canopy Trail and then to Panoramic Trail to Mountain Home Inn. Take a break at the Inn then head up on the Hogback Fire Road. 

Turn left onto Old Railroad Grade Road and then to Fern Creek Trail to East Peak. It is an intense hike with some steep portions but you’ll enjoy the views up top.

Here’s the Map of Muir Woods & Map of Muir Woods Hikes (page 5)

Best Muir Woods Tours

If driving to and from Muir Woods isn’t for you but you really want to explore Muir Woods, booking a Muir Woods tour is a great option! It’s convenient and you get to learn more about the area with a local guide. Here are the best options:

😍 Private Jeep Tour to Muir Woods

If you’re looking for a private tour in a jeep, this is the best one. Take the time to ask all the questions you have about Muir Woods, Sausalito, and San Francisco. This jeep can take up to 6 people so if you’re traveling with family and looking for a hassle-free option, book this tour. 

Check prices & availability for this private jeep tour

😍 All-In-One (San Francisco + Muir Woods + Sausalito) Tour

Experience the ultimate San Francisco adventure in just one day! Explore all the iconic sights in San Francisco, check out charming Sausalito, and end your day among the towering redwoods of Muir Woods.

Check prices & availability for this all-in-one tour

What Do You Need For Muir Woods Hikes

If you’re planning to go hiking at Muir Woods, it’s best to wear the right clothing and gear for your safety and comfort. Here are some tips on what to wear for your Muir Woods hike:

🥾 Comfortable shoes: Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes that provide good support and traction. Hiking boots or sneakers with good grip are ideal. Avoid sandals or flip-flops.

🥾 Layers: Dress in layers, as the temperature can vary throughout the day. A moisture-wicking shirt, a light jacket or sweater, and a waterproof outer layer are recommended. 

🥾 Comfortable pants: Wear comfortable, breathable pants or shorts that allow for easy movement. Avoid jeans, as they can be uncomfortable and restrict movement.

🥾 Sun protection: Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

🥾 Bug spray: Mosquitoes and other insects can be prevalent in the area, especially in the summer months, so be sure to bring insect repellent.

🥾 Backpack: Bring a small backpack to carry essentials you may need on the trail.

🥾 Water: Bring plenty of water to keep you hydrated on your hike.

🥾 Optional extras: Depending on the season and weather, you may also want to bring gloves, a scarf, or a beanie to keep you warm.

Map Of Muir Woods

Things To Do In Muir Woods 

While hiking is the most popular activity in Muir Woods, there are plenty of other things to do and see in the area:

⭐ Visit the Muir Woods Visitor Center: The visitor center is a great place to learn about the park’s history, ecology, and conservation efforts. There are also exhibits and displays that showcase the area’s flora and fauna.

⭐ Take a guided tour: The park offers a variety of guided tours that cater to different interests and activity levels. 

⭐ Bird-watching: Muir Woods is home to a variety of bird species, including woodpeckers, warblers, and hawks. Bring your binoculars and see how many you can spot.

⭐ Photography: Muir Woods is a photographer’s dream, with plenty of opportunities to capture stunning shots of the redwoods and other natural features.

⭐ Ranger talks: Park rangers offer a variety of talks and programs throughout the year that cover topics such as the park’s history, geology, and ecology.

⭐ Visit nearby attractions: Muir Woods is located near several other popular attractions, including Mount Tamalpais State Park, Stinson Beach, and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Things To Know About Muir Woods

💲 Entrance Fee  

The entrance fee for Muir Woods National Monument is $15 per adult (ages 16 and up). Children 15 and under are admitted for free. 

If you have America the Beautiful National Park pass, you can enter for free! We visited with my sister-in-law’s family and all 4 of us & 1 kid went in for free! 

🅿️ Muir Woods Reservations

The park has implemented a reservation system for parking and shuttle service due to high visitation levels and limited parking capacity. 

You need to reserve a parking spot or shuttle ticket in advance to enter the park. Reserve on GoMuirWoods for parking or shuttle service. 

⏰ Operating Hours

Muir Woods is open every day unless there are closures due to weather, power outages, air quality, or construction. The park is open from 8:00 am to sunset. The visitor center closes 30 minutes before the park so make sure to visit it before hiking in Muir Woods.

🐕 Pets 

Pets are not allowed on any of the trails in Muir Woods. The park has a strict policy to protect the natural environment and wildlife and to ensure visitor safety. But service animals are allowed.

🥪 Food & Beverages ☕

There is a cafe, Muir Woods Trading Company that offers a variety of food and drinks, including coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and soups.

You can either dine inside the cafe or outside on the patio while enjoying the natural surroundings. The cafe is operated by the park and is open daily, but hours may vary depending on the season.

♿ Accessibility

The Main Trail is a flat and paved boardwalk that is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. The park also provides designated accessible parking spaces and accessible restrooms.

🚻 Restrooms 

Muir Woods has restrooms available near the park entrance and near the cafe area. These restrooms include flush toilets and running water.

📶 Phone Reception

There’s no phone reception in Muir Woods because of the dense tree canopy, which can interfere with cell phone signals. 

Make sure to download an offline version of Muir Woods on Google Maps and download the parking reservation or shuttle ticket before heading to Muir Woods. 

🚯Leave No Trace

As with all natural areas, it’s important to practice “Leave No Trace” principles when visiting Muir Woods to help preserve and protect the natural environment:

➡️ Pack out all trash and litter: Bring a trash bag with you and pack out your trash to throw out in the nearest trash can. Do not leave any garbage or litter behind in the park.

➡️ Stay on designated trails: Stick to designated trails and boardwalks to avoid trampling on delicate vegetation or disturbing wildlife habitats.

➡️ Respect wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance and do not approach or feed them. Keep your distance and use binoculars or a camera to get a closer look.

➡️ Keep noise levels low: Be respectful of other visitors and keep noise levels low, especially in quiet areas of the park.

⏳ Time To Spend In Muir Woods

The amount of time to spend in Muir Woods depends on what you plan to do there. If you’re planning on just walking on the main trail, you can easily spend 2-3 hours in the park.

If you plan to hike some of the park’s more challenging trails, you’ll need to allow for more time like 4+ hours on the trails. 

When we visited, we spent almost the whole day exploring all that Muir Woods has to offer. But we were also traveling in a group of 5 including our 2-year-old niece so we took more time. 

Muir Woods can get busy during weekends and holidays which may impact how much time you plan to spend in the park. We visited during Labor Day weekend and it was crowded especially near the cafe. It took us a while to get a table for ourselves. 

💡 Tip: To avoid crowds, it’s best to visit the park early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

How To Get To Muir Woods

If you don’t have a car, you can rent one with DiscoverCars. They have a wide selection of cars and you can save up to 70% with them. 

🚘 Car – Driving From San Francisco

• Head north on US-101 across the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Take the exit for CA-1 toward Mill Valley/Stinson Beach.
• Stay on CA-1, then turn right onto Panoramic Highway.
• Follow Panoramic Highway until you reach Muir Woods Road.
• Look for signs for Muir Woods National Monument.  

Renting a car in San Francisco can be tricky so here’s all you need to know about the process. 

🅿️ Muir Woods Parking Information

To park at Muir Woods, you need to reserve a spot at GoMuirWoods. Both standard and accessible parking costs $9 for cars under 17 feet in length. 

If it’s longer than 17 feet, the cost of parking can be from $30-$45. Since there aren’t many parking spots for oversized vehicles, it’s best to take the shuttle instead. There are also 2 electric vehicle charging stations and parking for EV cars costs $12. 

Make sure to arrive within the 30-minute parking reservation or you might not be able to enter the parking spot. 

🚍 Muir Woods Shuttle

If you choose to take the shuttle, you’ll need to reserve a shuttle instead of a parking reservation. The shuttle only runs on the weekends and holidays only. 

The shuttle picks up and drops you at Larkspur Ferry Terminal. Only service dogs are allowed on the shuttle. 

Plan to arrive as early as possible as the last shuttle is usually the busiest. Here’s more information about the shuttle service. 

🚖 Taxi

A taxi is another option if you’d like to be dropped off and picked up at the same spot. Uber or Lyft wouldn’t be a good option due to poor cell service. 

Best Time To Visit Muir Woods

The best time to visit Muir Woods National Monument depends on what you want to experience during your visit. Here are some factors to consider when planning your trip:

☀️ Weather

The weather in Muir Woods is generally mild year-round, but there are some variations in temperature and precipitation. 

The summer months (June to August) are usually the driest and warmest, with temperatures averaging in the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (18-22 Celsius). 

Fall (September to November) can be a good time to visit for cooler temperatures and some fall foliage. 

Winter (December to February) can be rainy and chilly, with temperatures in the mid-40s to mid-50s Fahrenheit (7-12 Celsius). It’ll be muddy too so wear your hiking boots.

Spring (March to May) can be a beautiful time to visit, with wildflowers blooming and the forest coming to life.

👪 Crowds

Muir Woods can be crowded during peak tourist season (June to August) and on weekends. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting on a weekday or during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall).

🌧️ Trail Conditions

The trails in Muir Woods can be muddy and slippery after heavy rain, so it’s a good idea to check the trail conditions before you go. The park’s website provides up-to-date information on trail closures and conditions.

Best Places To Stay Near Muir Woods

🏨 Budget-Friendly: Marin Lodge

Located in San Rafael, the Marin Lodge is a good option for budget-conscious travelers looking for a comfortable stay near Muir Woods. The hotel is surrounded by a forested atmosphere with palm trees in the front. 

Check rates & availability for Marin Lodge

🏨 Mid-Scale: Mill Valley Inn

Located in the charming town of Mill Valley, this boutique hotel features spacious rooms, and certain rooms have a balcony or fireplace. The complimentary breakfast has both hot and cold options every day. Plus, there’s a complimentary evening spread of wine and cheese daily.

Check rates & availability for Mill Valley Inn

🏨 Lux: Cavallo Point

Located in Sausalito, this luxury hotel offers panoramic views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. The hotel features historic rooms, a spa, a fitness center, and a bar.

Check rates & availability for Cavallo Point

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Muir Woods National Monument offers a variety of hiking trails that show you the natural beauty of the redwood forest. 

From easy walks along the main loop trail to challenging hikes through the hilly areas, there is something for hikers of all skill levels. 

No matter which trail you choose, hiking in Muir Woods is a truly unforgettable experience that you shouldn’t miss out on! 

If you enjoyed Muir Woods, Trees of Mystery is another redwoods park that’s known for its unique trees and fun attractions. 

Read More From Bae Area and Beyond

Is Muir Woods Road Dangerous? including Info and Tips
Is Muir Woods Worth Visiting: Travel Tips and Info
Is Trees Of Mystery Worth It? 19 Things To Do

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