20 Best Hiking Trails in Muir Woods
Trails that are tree-ly spectacular
Across the Golden Gate Bridge, through a fog bank or two, and you’ll find yourself in Muir Woods National Monument—home to some of the last remaining old-growth coast redwoods near San Francisco.
In 1905, conservationist William Kent purchased 611 acres to protect the redwoods from logging. When a water company tried to flood the forest, Kent donated 295 acres to the federal government—sidestepping a court battle and preserving the land forever. President Theodore Roosevelt declared it a national monument in 1908, naming it after naturalist John Muir.
Once called Redwoods Canyon, Muir Woods is now one of the Bay Area’s best places to hike, reflect, and be humbled by ancient trees.
Dipsea to Ben Johnson Trail Loop via Stinson Beach
The 10-mile Dipsea to Ben Johnson Trail Loop via Stinson Beach day-hike is my favorite Muir Woods hike. You’ll climb steep hills, walk under ancient redwoods, and finish with your toes in the sand at Stinson Beach.
Highlights:
Old-growth coast redwoods
View of Mt. Tamalpais
No parking reservation or fees required if you start at Stinson Beach!
Tip: Arrive at Stinson Beach before 9:00 AM to make sure you get parking.
19 Other Great Hiking Trails in Muir Wood
When to Visit Muir Woods
The best time to hike is early morning or late afternoon on weekdays. Spring and fall offer lush greenery and magical light through the redwoods, but summer is the most popular, and there is plenty of shaded relief near Cathedral Grove from the sun. Weekends are busiest and often require reservations.
Parking and Shuttle Info: What You Need to Know
Muir Woods requires advance parking or shuttle reservations for all visitors arriving by car or bus. Book online in advance at GoMuirWoods.com.
Parking Reservations
Cost: $9.00 per vehicle
Booking Info: Reserve up to 90 days in advance at 9am PT; slots fill quickly for weekends and holidays. You select a 30-minute arrival window (e.g., 9:00–9:30 AM) and can stay as long as you like once inside.
Location: Muir Woods parking lots (near Muir Woods Visitor Center)
Shuttle Reservations
Cost: $3.50 per person (round trip)
Booking Info: Reserve up to 90 days in advance at 9am PT.
Pickup Location: Larkspur Landing (at Ferry Terminal in Mill Valley)
When: Limited schedule, summer weekends and holidays only
Good to Know: Best option if you’re taking public transportation
Want to Skip the Reservation System Entirely?
Try these alternate trailheads with free parking and no parking or shuttle reservations required just outside the monument:
Stinson Beach
Panoramic Highway (near Pantoll or Dipsea Trail or Bootjack Trailhead)
These trailheads let you hike into Muir Woods through Mount Tamalpais State Park—offering stunning ridgeline views and fewer crowds. You’ll earn your redwoods, but the journey is worth it. You'll want to arrive early—usually by 9am—to ensure you get a spot.
Avoid: Muir Beach parking – trails don’t connect directly to the monument.
Tips for a Better Muir Woods Hike
Dress in Layers: Redwoods create a cool, damp microclimate. Bring a fleece or light jacket, even on sunny days.
Download Everything in Advance: No cellular service. Save your parking reservation, trail maps, and shuttle ticket offline. Here details how to download your trail map offline.
Pancakes with a View: On select Sundays, the West Point Inn offers pancake breakfasts from 9 AM to 1 PM. Time your hike to include this classic stop.
Free Entrance Fee Days: Muir Woods has entrance fees of $15 per adult—but free entry fees days happen several times a year. Or grab an America the Beautiful Pass for unlimited national park access.