Just across the San Francisco Bay is a forest of giants. Spanning over 500 acres of towering redwood and sequoia groves, Muir Woods National Monument attracts thousands of visitors and nature lovers each day.
Since it is a popular destination for locals and travelers, anyone arriving to Muir Woods National Monument by car will need to reserve parking in advance. If you do not plan ahead, this could ruin your plans for the day since you will not be allowed into the parking area. However, if you have a reservation, you do not have to worry about searching for a parking spot and can spend more time on the trails.
The option of a short or long hike is up to you and your schedule. With interconnected trails, the distance and difficulty of your hike can be personalized to you and your group. You can continue the hikes even further since some of the trails are connected to the Mt. Tamalpais State Park.
This Redwood fell in 1930. The rings indicate that was born in 909 A.D. and have seen thousands of years of human development and milestones.
Things to Know
Shortly after you get off the Highway, you most likely will lose cell reception. This could affect your plans if you are relying on Lyft or Uber.
The shade from the trees, proximity to the bay, and the altitude of the trails will bring the temperatures down. That said, you may want to bring layers that can adjust to the temperature and your level of activity.
Little me, big world.
The Trails
The Redwood Creek Trail is simple and flat, so it is the most common trail for those that want to see the beautiful trees but a) do not want to break a sweat, b) have physical restrictions or c) families with strollers.
Just so you can imagine the sheer size of the Redwoods, this is a diagram to compare them.
The Cathedral Grove is a quiet path for self-reflection and connection to nature. It is discouraged to talk, so please be respectful of the other visitors and maintain a low voice or remain silent.
The Bohemian Grove is a great place to take a photo! There is a massive tree with a hole to take your picture inside of a redwood.
The Hillside Trail runs parallel to the Redwood Creek Trail, yet runs up the hillside (as its name suggests). It is more secluded, and allows a different view of the creek.
The Canopy View Trail is for the hikers and adventure seekers. The path will lead you up inclines and less developed trails. You can hike for a while before you see others on the trail.
The Experience
As you walk under the gigantic trees, you have no choice but to reflect on the inevitable fact: you are a small part of such a large world. It is worth the trip to explore Muir Woods National Monument.
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Have You Ever Hugged A Redwood?
