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Mill Valley, CA 94941-2696
Phone: 415-388-2595 or 415-388-2596
Fax: 415-389-6957
Open All Year
Overview. In the early 1800s, the coastal valleys of Northern California were filled with lofty redwoods. By the turn of the century, most forests had been logged. In the vicinity of San Francisco Bay, a single stand of coast redwoods still grew beside Redwood Creek on the southern slopes of Mount Tamalpais. Congressman William Kent, worried that plans for a dam and reservoir would destroy what the loggers couldn't reach, bought the land and donated it to the federal government. It was declared a National Monument in 1908, and named for John Muir, noted nature writer and conservationist.
What to see and do. The monument is open every day from 8 AM to sunset. A loop trail, paved and fairly level, leads through the deep valley, past groups of towering redwoods. There are informational markers along the trail, and a plant and wildlife pamphlet, available at the visitor center, identifies points of interest. It also contains maps of the rest of the park's six miles of hiking trails. At intervals along the loop trail, bridges span Redwood Creek, allowing you to shorten your walk, if you wish.
A visitor center near the entrance houses a bookstore. Junior Ranger Discovery Packs for children are available there, as well as wheelchairs and strollers, which can be used at no charge within the monument. Ranger programs are offered daily near the visitor center. A cafe and gift shop are located close to the visitor center.
Camping, picnicking, biking, and pets are prohibited at Muir Woods, but Mount Tamalpais State Park, which surrounds the monument, provides plenty of sites for these activities.
Note: Muir Woods is only twelve miles north of San Francisco, and is visited by over 1.6 million people a year. Parking spaces are used up quickly. Rangers suggest visiting before 10 AM or after 4 PM to avoid the crowds. If you plan your visit between October and April, or during the week, you'll find the monument less crowded throughout the day. A nominal entrance fee is charged.
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Please call ahead to confirm details. We do our best to give you current information, but facts can change. Please let us know if you find something's changed.
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