2 min
Overview
Looking for a tranquil getaway near San Francisco? Look no further than Muir Woods National Monument, a quiet canyon of skyscraper-like redwoods, feathery ferns, and peaceful Redwood Creek. Named for environmentalist John Muir, this shady hike lies on the southern slopes of Mount Tamalpais in Marin County. The Canopy View-Fern Creek Loop takes you through the best of the monument’s coast redwoods to an overlook of Redwood Canyon while educational signs throughout share tree information and history as you go! Muir Woods’ easy access from San Francisco and gentle giant redwoods make it a popular spot, but it can be quiet early in the morning and later in the day near sunset. If you plan to drive, keep in mind that parking reservations are required for private vehicles as of January 2018. The way that it works is you choose a 30-minute window to arrive, such as 10:00-10:30 a.m., and then show up anytime within that window. Once you’ve parked, you can stay until the park closes at sunset. You can also get to Muir Woods via shuttle, which runs from bus stops in Sausalito and requires reservations. To learn more and make reservations, visit www.gomuirwoods.com or call 1-800-410-2419. Start your hike at the Muir Woods Visitor Center, heading northwest on the Redwood Creek Trail beneath the Muir Woods National Monument sign. The wide wooden boardwalk enters a leafy forest of elk clover, thimbleberry, hazelnut, sorrel, and, of course, redwoods! Coast redwoods, the species found within Muir Woods’ 554-acre boundary, are the tallest tree species on earth. They grow on the west coast between southern Oregon and central California within 50 miles of the Pacific Ocean. In 200 feet, reach Bridge 1—the first of four footbridges spanning Redwood Creek. To your right are steps leading up to a café and gift shop. Straight ahead is a preserved tree trunk that hangs on a display. This coast redwood fell in 1930 and concentric circles date it to over 1,000 years old. Small gaps in between circles means the tree may not have gotten m
Trail Stats
6.1 km
228 m
256 m
11 m
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