5 EPIC Muir Woods Hikes (And Where to PARK!?)

Just north of San Francisco, Muir Woods National Monument offers an awe-inspiring forest experience, despite its smaller size. Its towering redwoods, some over 600 years old, make the Muir Woods hikes unforgettable!

The park has six miles of trails, many connecting to Mount Tamalpais State Park, giving visitors plenty of hiking options and the chance to explore beyond the park’s boundaries.

If you’re planning to visit, we have all the info on the best hikes in Muir Woods and how to get here—trust us, it’s worth it!

Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods’ redwoods can reach up to 250 feet tall, with some over 1200 years old! With its proximity to San Francisco, it’s a favorite day trip for both locals and tourists.

Established in 1908 as a National Monument, it’s part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. This unique coastal climate, often shrouded in fog, creates the perfect environment for redwoods.

These redwoods only grow between Monterey and southern Oregon, so visiting Muir Woods is a must!

1. Muir Main Trail

Length: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Type of hike: Loop
Elevation: 127 ft

This is the most popular hike, starting at the visitor center and winding through some of the tallest redwoods. The trail is mainly flat and accessible, with easy-to-cross bridges over Redwood Creek. Shorten it by looping back or extend the hike by exploring other connected trails.

It’s perfect for seeing major sights like Cathedral Grove, Bohemian Grove, and the Redwoods Tree Slice. While crowded, the beauty of the forest makes it worth the trip.

2. Fern Creek, Camp Eastwood, Lost, and Canopy View Trails

Length: 3.9 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Type of hike: Loop
Elevation: 820 ft

This loop offers a quieter experience through fern-filled woodlands. After a gentle climb, the Canopy View Trail takes you back to the park entrance, away from the crowded Main Trail.

This trail combo is a bit longer but still manageable for most hikers, and it’s a great way to explore more of the park.

*GRAB THE BEST WEST COAST ADVENTURE MAP FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP!*

3. Ben Johnson to Dipsea Loop Hike in Muir Woods

Length: 4.1 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Type of hike: Loop
Elevation: 987 ft

This trail loop starts on the Main Trail and leads south via the Ben Johnson Trail, climbing steadily through groves of towering redwoods. You’ll join the Dipsea Trail before heading back down through a mix of dense woods and open spaces, where you might catch glimpses of the Pacific Ocean.

This trail is perfect for those looking to extend their hike beyond the crowds. It offers a great combination of redwoods and ocean views, with a good bit of elevation gain for a workout.

4. Ocean View, Lost, Fern Creek, Dipsea, TCC, and Troup 80 Trail

Length: 7.6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Type of hike: Loop
Elevation: 1,430 ft

Looking for a longer hike that lets you see it all? The Ocean View, Lost, Fern Creek, Dipsea, TCC, and Troup 80 Trail offers the full Muir Woods experience. This trail loop gives you a full day of hiking, covering different terrains and showcasing the park’s best views.

You’ll be treated to beautiful forest scenes, fewer crowds, and a variety of wildlife along the way. It’s a long one, but the trail’s peaceful surroundings and scenic views are well worth it.

5. Muir Woods Trail to Mount Tamalpais

Length: 10.5 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Type of hike: Loop
Elevation: 2,509 ft

For hardcore hikers, extending your Muir Woods adventure up to Mount Tamalpais is a must. Starting on the Main Trail, this route eventually leads to the highest peak in the area, offering sweeping 360-degree views of San Francisco, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding forests.

The climb is steep and challenging, but the views from the top are worth every step. From here, you’ll see the bay, the Pacific, and all the way to San Francisco on a clear day.

How to Get to Muir Woods—IMPORTANT!

Getting to Muir Woods can be tricky, so don’t skip this part! You’ll want to be well-prepared.

Muir Woods is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and while it’s great year-round, the off-season is ideal for avoiding crowds. Admission is $15 per person (16+), and the America the Beautiful Pass is accepted. Try visiting outside peak season (May-October) for the best experience!

Driving and Parking

Parking at Muir Woods requires a reservation in advance, and spots fill up quickly. No reservation means no entry. Even with a reservation, parking is first-come, first-served, so expect to wait for a spot if the lot is busy. Also, cell service is very limited, so make sure to plan ahead!

Shuttle Service

If you don’t want to deal with parking, the Muir Woods Shuttle runs on weekends from Larkspur Landing but has limited service during the week. Shuttle fees are cheaper than parking, but remember, you’ll still need to pay the park entrance fee. Consider the $45 Muir Woods Annual Pass if you plan multiple visits with friends or family.

Driving Here BUT Coming Through The “Back Door” (This is What We Did!)

For a hassle-free alternative, consider parking at trailheads along the Panoramic Highway and hiking in through the “back door.” You can park near Mountain Home Inn and hike routes like the Fern and Dipsea route to access Muir Woods from the opposite side, avoiding parking chaos!

Muir Woods Trail Tour

Want a stress-free experience? Consider booking a guided tour that includes transportation across the Golden Gate Bridge, entrance fees, and a stop in Sausalito. You’ll get 90 minutes to hike the Muir Woods trails before exploring Sausalito’s charming shops and galleries.

*GRAB THE BEST WEST COAST ADVENTURE MAP FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP!*

Where Are You Headed After?

Looking for more adventure? Check out beaches at Point Reyes, or keep hiking around Mount Tamalpais. You can also head to Santa Rosa for more activities!

Check out the best places to stay near Muir Woods!

We hope this helped you plan your visit and hikes in Muir Woods!