Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument
"This is the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world," declared conservationist John Muir when describing the majestic coast redwoods of Muir Woods. Muir Woods has a rich and varied history, tracing back to the Coast Miwok people through modern preservation. In each era, the forest has been affected by the actions of humans, for better or for worse.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Brian O'NeilPhone Number: 415-388-2596
Entrance Fees: Adult (ages 16 & older): $5; Child (ages 15 & under): Free; Muir Woods Annual Pass: $20
Sights: Cathedral Grove; Muir Beach Overlook; Muir Beach
Important Dates
Established as Park: January 9, 1908By The Numbers
Acres: 554.00Annual Visitation: 741,768 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :37.895490 / -122.581630 (map it)
State: CA
Nearby Big City: Mill Valley, CA
Gateway Communities: Mill Valley, CA; Stinson Beach, CA; Corte Madera, CA; Sausalito, CA; Breenbrae, CA; San Quentin, CA; Larkspur, CA; Kentfield, CA; Ross, CA; San Rafael, CA; San Anselmo, CA; San Francisco, CA; Fairfax, CA; Bolinas, CA; Richmond, CA
Nearby Airports: San Francisco International Airport (SFO); Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (OAK); Charles M. Schulz - Sonoma County Airport (STS)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : Yes
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
Park Photos
Morning Light Through t...
Michael J. Thompson
Tall Trees in the Muir ...
Michael J. Thompson
Trees and Foliage
Michael J. Thompson
View More Muir Woods Photos
In Detail
Activities & Programs Things To Do Muir Woods contains 6 miles of trails. There is a 1/2 hour loop, a 1 hour loop, and a 1 1/2 hour loop as well as longer hikes on trails that extend into surrounding parks. All of these w ... read more.
Animals Redwood forests are dark and quiet places in which wildlife may seem rare or absent entirely. It's easy to remain unseen in this dense forest. Many forest creatures are nocturnal. Others live high i ... read more.
History History & Culture Muir Woods has a rich and varied history, from its use by the Coast Miwok people, to its early days of tourism, to an era of conservation, to modern preservation. In each era, the f ... read more.
In A Nutshell Operating Hours & Seasons The park is open from 8 am to sunset, including holidays. Approximate closing times for the year: Last Sunday of Januaryâ6 pm Second Sunday of Marchâ8 pm ... read more.
Just For Kids Become a Junior Ranger In the Park! When you earn your Junior Ranger badge or certificate, you'll learn what park rangers do to help protect natureâplants, animals, birds, landâand how we w ... read more.
Natural World Nature & Science The incredible diversity of flora and fauna at Muir Woods can be daunting some times, elusive at other times. The redwoods themselves dominate the scene, but Steller's jays often ste ... read more.
Park Regulations & Safety Your Safety For your safety we ask that you remain on established trails while visiting the Park. Poison oak and stinging nettles are common. By staying on the trails you will not only prevent your ... read more.
Planning Your Visit Welcome Muir Woods National Monument offers a quiet sanctuary in a growing urban setting. Known for its giant old growth stand of coast redwood trees, people from all over the world come to visit thi ... read more.
Plants What is an old-growth forest and how is it different from other forests ? Muir Woods is the only old-growth coastal redwood forest in the Bay Area and one of the last on the planet. It is estimated ... read more.
Sights to See Places To Go Muir Woods is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). GGNRA offers a diverse range of natural and cultural sites to explore, extending across San Mateo, San Francisco, ... read more.
Support Your Park There are many ways in which you can support Muir Woods National Monument. You can become a volunteer for Muir Woods National Monument or Redwood Creek Native Plant Nursery; visit our bookstore, gif ... read more.
Who's Who at the Park Bookstore The Nonprofit Partner for the Golden Gate National Parks The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit membership organization created to preserve the Golden Gate National Park ... read more.
Muir Woods In Depth
News from the Parks
Ken Burns on Vacation/Location at Glacier National Park
September 5, 2008 - 1:39pm
It's too early for civilians. As dawn's first light falls on the jagged peaks, creeps down the dwindling glaciers and glides across glass-faced Swiftcurrent Lake, most of the tourists in the Many Glacier Hotel are still snoozing.
September 5, 2008 - 1:39pm
It's too early for civilians. As dawn's first light falls on the jagged peaks, creeps down the dwindling glaciers and glides across glass-faced Swiftcurrent Lake, most of the tourists in the Many Glacier Hotel are still snoozing.
Town Government Rejected by Tusayan
September 5, 2008 - 12:15pm
Tusayan voters have rejected creating a town government for their small community just outside Grand Canyon National Park. Voters turned down incorporation 69-56 in a divisive election over development issues. "We once again said no to massive commercial development here in Tusayan," said Clarinda Vail, a spokeswoman for the Vote No on Tusayan Incorporation group.
September 5, 2008 - 12:15pm
Tusayan voters have rejected creating a town government for their small community just outside Grand Canyon National Park. Voters turned down incorporation 69-56 in a divisive election over development issues. "We once again said no to massive commercial development here in Tusayan," said Clarinda Vail, a spokeswoman for the Vote No on Tusayan Incorporation group.
Tauck Hosts its 10,000th Guest-Volunteer in Yellowstone National Park
September 4, 2008 - 4:32pm
Tauck World Discovery celebrated a unique milestone recently when it hosted the 10,000th participant in its award-winning guest-volunteer program in Yellowstone National Park. The 10,000th volunteer was in one of three Tauck tour groups working in the Park over the weekend of July 19 - 20. The volunteers each donated a portion of their vacation time with Tauck, an escorted tour operator, to work on preservation and beautification projects in Yellowstone National Park.
September 4, 2008 - 4:32pm
Tauck World Discovery celebrated a unique milestone recently when it hosted the 10,000th participant in its award-winning guest-volunteer program in Yellowstone National Park. The 10,000th volunteer was in one of three Tauck tour groups working in the Park over the weekend of July 19 - 20. The volunteers each donated a portion of their vacation time with Tauck, an escorted tour operator, to work on preservation and beautification projects in Yellowstone National Park.
Dupuyer Elementary School Offering Students Unique Learning Experiences
September 4, 2008 - 4:24pm
Dupuyer students started class Wednesday, Aug. 27, and though their numbers are way down from last year, teacher Lydia Mild has some special educational treats for her five students. To kick off the year, the Dupuyer students are doing a comparison unit between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. According to Mild, the unit will cover migratory trails, native tribes and many other aspects of the parks.
September 4, 2008 - 4:24pm
Dupuyer students started class Wednesday, Aug. 27, and though their numbers are way down from last year, teacher Lydia Mild has some special educational treats for her five students. To kick off the year, the Dupuyer students are doing a comparison unit between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. According to Mild, the unit will cover migratory trails, native tribes and many other aspects of the parks.
Boston Trustees Discuss Township Issues
September 4, 2008 - 3:52pm
Boston Township Trustee Gerald Ritch told board members at the Aug. 27 meeting that it appeared unlikely the township could obtain state Issue I grant money to repair or replace failed septic systems of some township businesses. Ritch said a Summit County official told him Coventry Township was able to obtain money in a similar situation, but septic systems are not considered infrastructure, making it unlikely township businesses would qualify.
September 4, 2008 - 3:52pm
Boston Township Trustee Gerald Ritch told board members at the Aug. 27 meeting that it appeared unlikely the township could obtain state Issue I grant money to repair or replace failed septic systems of some township businesses. Ritch said a Summit County official told him Coventry Township was able to obtain money in a similar situation, but septic systems are not considered infrastructure, making it unlikely township businesses would qualify.
