Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument is near Mount Tamalpais’s peak in southern Marin County, California. The Golden Gate section of the National Recreation Area, this park honors the life and work of naturalist John Muir.
The National Monument, Includes 240 acres of old-growth coast redwood forest and is located about 12 miles north of San Francisco woods with 400–800-year-old trees. The National Monument’s woodland is sometimes blanketed in marine fog because it is close to the Pacific, which boosts humidity and plant development.
The redwoods, which rely on the fog for moisture during dry periods such as the hot summer, are an integral part of the ecosystem. Other types of trees, such as red alders, California big leaf maples, tanoaks, and Douglas fir, can be found interspersed among the redwoods. Duff, ferns, fungus, and the redwood sorrel grow on the forest floor.
Hiking At Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument has six miles of hiking trails, providing many opportunities to stroll among the towering redwoods. Longer paths extend into the neighbouring Mount Tamalpais State Park, while shorter loops can be completed in as little as half an hour. You can choose from asphalt paths or boardwalk paths. Narrow and constructed of dirt, the paths hug the canyon cliffs. No matter which trail you take, you’ll get to walk amid trees; among the tallest on Earth are old-growth coastal redwoods.
Visit the Marine Mammal Center
The Marine Mammal Center, a private non-profit established to save sick, injured, or orphaned marine animals, is located near Muir Woods National Monument. More than 20,000 marine mammals have been brought to safety since the Center’s inception in 1973.
The Marine Mammal Center not only houses a research lab but also provides environmental education and outreach. The public is welcome to visit the Center any day of the week between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Visit Mount Tamalpais, State Park
Mount Tamalpais State Park is close to Muir Woods National Monument and is worth visiting at the same time. The park, situated in the middle of Marin County, features broad grasslands, chaparral, deep canyons, and hillsides covered in redwoods and oaks.
From the peak of Mount Tamalpais, visitors may take in breathtaking panoramas of San Francisco, the East Bay, the Farallon Islands, Marin County, and even Mount Diablo in the distance. The park features hiking trails, picnic areas, and the Mountain Theater, which hosts outdoor theatre and astronomy events.
Visit Muir Beach Overlook
Stop via the Muir Beach Overlook for a glimpse of the Point Reyes Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean on your way out of Muir Woods National Monument. Several old relay stations can also be found near the lookout.
The coastal defence system of San Francisco Bay included these lookouts, where soldiers armed with telescopes kept an eye out for enemy vessels in the early 20th century. Watch for migrating whales as you enjoy the view from the overlook this winter.
Attend a Talk or Tour
Rangers and volunteers at Muir Woods National Monument give a variety of speeches and lead visitors on guided tours of the park. Attending these events is a great way to gain insight into the park’s redwood ecosystem and cultural heritage.
As time and human resources permit, we offer 15-minute talks and hour-long guided tours. No reservations are required, and the times and locations of the talks and tours will be posted on a program board at the park’s entrance.
Address: Mill Valley, CA 94941, United States
Open-Closes: 8 am-8 pm
Phone: +1 415-561-2850
Area: 554 acres (224 ha)
Established: January 9, 1908
Management: National Park Service
Visitors: 957,932
Added to NRHP: January 9, 2008
