Public travel plan
A Day Hiker's Guide to Muir Woods Main Loop & Old-Growth Redwoods
A day trip to Muir Woods National Monument requires advance planning due to strictly enforced entry logistics. Parking reservations ($10) must be booked online prior to arrival, alongside the $15 per person park admissi…
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Useful context before you go
A day trip to Muir Woods National Monument requires advance planning due to strictly enforced entry logistics. Parking reservations ($10) must be booked online prior to arrival, alongside the $15 per person park admission fee. Alternatively, reserve a shuttle from Sausalito. There is no cellular service inside the park canyon, though Wi-Fi is available near the entrance. Download offline maps and arrange transportation beforehand; rideshare pickups cannot easily be hailed from within the monument.
Itinerary highlights
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Day 1: Exploring the Ancient Redwoods of Muir Woods
Complete the 2-mile, 1.5-hour Main Loop through the canyon floor and return via the elevated Hillside Trail. Dress in warm layers as the redwood canopy stays cool and damp throughout the day.
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Muir Woods Visitor CenterMuir Woods Visitor Center, Mill Valley, CA
Arrive at the park entry and visitor center with your pre-booked parking reservation ($10) and park admission ticket ($15 per adult). Remember there is no mobile phone coverage here, so connect to the visitor center Wi-Fi if needed.
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Muir Woods Main Trail BoardwalkMuir Woods Main Trail, Mill Valley, CA
Begin walking along the paved wooden boardwalk beneath the massive coast redwoods. Stop at the massive cross-section tree trunk display to understand the thousand-year history of these old-growth giants.
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Bridge 2, Muir WoodsBridge 2, Muir Woods Main Trail, Mill Valley, CA
Cross Redwood Creek at Bridge 2. This marker serves as the turnaround point for a quick 20-minute loop. Keep an eye on the damp forest floor and fallen logs to spot bright yellow banana slugs.
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Cathedral GroveCathedral Grove, Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley, CA
Enter Cathedral Grove at Bridge 3, a designated quiet zone where visitors are asked to remain silent to preserve the serene atmosphere of the ancient canopy. A plaque features John Muir's famous words on nature.
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Bridge 4, Muir WoodsBridge 4, Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley, CA
Reach Bridge 4, roughly 0.9 miles from the visitor center at the far end of the canyon trail. Cross the creek here to begin your loop back; the peaceful surroundings offer great views of rushing water away from crowds.
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Hillside Trail, Muir WoodsHillside Trail, Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley, CA
Ascend the Hillside Trail from Bridge 4 for an elevated perspective over the redwood canopy and Redwood Creek. This upper trail is unpaved and has steps with steep drop-offs (not stroller friendly), eventually looping back down to Bridge 2.
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Muir Woods Trading Company CafeMuir Woods Trading Company, Mill Valley, CA
Refuel after your hike at the Muir Woods Trading Company Cafe. Enjoy hot grilled cheese sandwiches ($15) paired with tomato basil soup ($6.50) and warm drinks, or browse the adjacent gift shop for warm apparel.
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