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Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods National Monument
Walk among ancient coast redwoods, cooling their roots in the fresh water of Redwood Creek and lifting their crowns to reach the sun and fog. Established in 1908, Muir Woods is a federally protected National Monument near San Francisco, California, preserving a primeval redwood forest for exploration, inspiration, and scientific discovery.

Muir Woods National Monument is a sanctuary of old-growth coast redwoods, scenic creekside trails, and rich wildlife. Experience towering trees, peaceful footpaths, and temperate rainforest wonders just north of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Overview

Muir Woods National Monument protects one of the last remaining old-growth coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) forests in the San Francisco Bay Area. The park offers visitors the chance to walk beneath magnificent trees that can live for more than 1,000 years and soar 300 feet into the sky. The forest is anchored by Redwood Creek, whose cool waters nourish the ancient giants and provide habitat for coho salmon and other wildlife.
  • The monument was established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt, largely through the efforts of conservationist John Muir and the Save-the-Redwoods League.
  • Muir Woods preserves about 240 acres of old-growth redwood forest amid a larger watershed of second-growth and mixed evergreen forests.
  • Visitors can enjoy a network of boardwalks and trails that range from easy, flat walks to more challenging hikes ascending into the surrounding hills .

History

The land that is now Muir Woods was once home to Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo peoples, who lived in harmony with the redwood ecosystem for thousands of years. The old-growth forest remained largely untouched until the late 1800s, when logging rapidly decimated most of California’s redwoods.
  • In 1905, a logging operation began in the valley but was quickly halted by public outcry and the intervention of conservationists.
  • John Muir, founder of the Sierra Club, played an instrumental role in securing federal protection for the site, which was named in his honor.
  • The Save-the-Redwoods League purchased the land and collaborated with the federal government to establish Muir Woods as a National Monument in 1908.
  • Since its establishment, Muir Woods has been managed by the National Park Service, preserving its ancient trees and ecological treasures for future generations .

Ecology

Muir Woods is a living laboratory for the study of coast redwoods and their unique ecosystem. The monument protects an old-growth forest where redwoods, some over 1,000 years old, thrive alongside a diverse community of plants and animals.
  • The redwoods rely on fog, rain, and the steady flow of Redwood Creek to sustain their shallow root systems.
  • The understory includes sword ferns, trilliums, and Western azalea, while the canopy shelters owls, bats, and an array of insects.
  • Restoration projects in the watershed help maintain water quality and salmon habitat, ensuring the long-term health of the forest and its inhabitants.
  • Muir Woods faces challenges from climate change but is actively engaged in research and adaptive management to safeguard its future .

Visitor Information

Muir Woods National Monument is located in Marin County, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. It welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year who come to experience the majesty of the redwoods and the tranquility of the forest.
  • The main entrance is at 1 Muir Woods Road, Mill Valley, CA 94941.
  • Visitors must reserve parking or use shuttle transit, with information available on the NPS site for timing and ticketing.
  • The monument offers accessible boardwalks, educational programs, and a Junior Ranger initiative for children aged 4 and up.
  • Trail options include the Main Trail (a flat, easy walk along Redwood Creek) and longer hikes such as the Cathedral Grove Loop and Dipsea Trail.
  • Permits are required for weddings, filming, and other special events, with details provided by the National Park Service.
  • Muir Woods offers resources for visitors with disabilities and features orientation videos in American Sign Language.
  • The forest inspires climate resilience and conservation, with ongoing projects and interpretive materials highlighting its ecological importance .

Management

Muir Woods is managed by the National Park Service, with ongoing efforts to protect its ancient redwoods, restore native habitats, and provide meaningful visitor experiences.
  • The monument is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and collaborates with regional partners for ecosystem restoration and public education.
  • Resource management includes salmon habitat restoration, invasive species control, and climate change adaptation strategies.
  • The NPS encourages public involvement in planning and stewardship through volunteer opportunities and community engagement.
  • Educational programs connect visitors to the natural and cultural history of the redwoods and the broader Bay Area ecosystem .

Additional Resources

Experience the timeless grandeur of the coast redwoods at Muir Woods—a place where nature’s giants tell stories of resilience, and every step reveals a living legend.

Links

Hours

  • Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Last updated: Sat Jun 7, 2025

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