![]() While both beaches are gorgeous, and definitely worth visiting, the Muir Woods trails we have described above are the best options to see old-growth redwoods and explore the forests in the area. If you have more time and wish to explore more of the area, longer trails lead to Muir Beach (6 miles round trip) and Stinson Beach (10 miles round trip). On the flip side, the climb isn’t as steep!īeautiful green ferns in the understory Trails to Muir Beach and Stinson Beach This shorter variation features beautiful views of redwoods, Douglas fir, and tanoaks, but you will miss out on the views from the Sun Trail. Then take Lost Trail and Fern Creek to return to the Main Trail. You can also do a shorter variation of the scenic loop described above, by heading into the monument and up Canopy View Trail, just past the Founder’s Grove on the Main Trail. Route Length: 3 miles, Elevation Gain: 530 feet Canopy View Trail to Lost Trail to Fern Creek Trail Loop ![]() You will pass by the members-only Tourist Club and continue to climb until you hit the Lost Trail and Fern Creek, which descend into the canyon and feature a lovely redwood grove by a creek. The Dipsea Trail starts near the overflow parking center and heads up the hill to the Sun Trail, a narrow path that traverses the hills high above Muir Woods, with the best views on the hike. You start by climbing up a hill east of Muir Woods, with beautiful views of the monument and Mount Tamalpais, before coming back down a canyon that features more redwoods to join the Muir Woods Main Trail. This long loop is, in our opinion, the best trail that winds through the hills surrounding the monument. Route Length: 4.7 miles, Elevation Gain: 930 feet Trail map courtesy Mount Tamalpais State Park Dipsea Trail to Sun Trail to Redwood Trail to Lost Trail to Fern Creek Loop Then do one or more of the trails that go up the canyon. If you arrive early in the day and plan to spend several hours in Muir Woods, we suggest first walking the Muir Woods Main Trail loop in its entirety, to soak in the beauty of the monument while it is relatively uncrowded. It starts at the Visitor Center and is laid out along both sides of Redwood Creek, with bridges to cross over from one side to the other. The Main Trail through Muir Woods National Monument features old-growth redwoods, and is the trail most visitors to the monument walk. Good to know: Pick up trail maps at the Visitor Center, or download detailed trail maps for the routes you plan to hike before your trip. Some longer trails continue beyond the monument into Mount Tamalpais State Park for hikers wanting to cover more ground and take in some of the beautiful views from the surrounding hillsides. The monument isn’t large and contains just six miles of trails. Hiking is the main thing to do in Muir Woods. Old-growth redwoods in Muir Woods Muir Woods Hikes When a water company in the area wanted to flood the valley, Kent donated the land to the Federal government, and Muir Woods National Monument was born. It was purchased by William Kent, a California politician, who wanted to preserve the forest. The land that became Muir Woods was once called Redwood Canyon. Extensive logging operations resulted in many of the remaining coastal redwood forests being cut down, threatening their continued existence as a species, until various parks were established to protect them. Muir Woods National Monument was established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908, to protect a forest of the Sequoia sempervirens, coastal redwoods.Ĭoastal redwoods reportedly grew all over the US in the distant past, but were eventually confined to a narrow strip of coast from Monterey in California to Oregon.Įven in this restricted area, these giants were not left undisturbed. Tips for Visiting Muir Woods National Monument, CA How Much Time Should You Allow for Your Muir Woods Visit? How to Get to Muir Woods National Monument in Mill Valley, CaliforniaĮssential Information for Your Visit to Muir Woods Other Things to Do at Muir Woods National Monument In this article, you will discover the best things to do at Muir Woods National Monument, plus what you should know before you go. Many visitors describe their visit to Muir Woods as “moving” or “spiritual.” The shaded trails, along with the lush green of the trees and the undergrowth, and fingers of mist swirling about (most days!) all make for pure magic. Nature lovers, wildlife watchers, photographers, and hikers will all appreciate the beauty of Muir Woods.
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