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Muir Beach Parking Lot Closed June-November 2013
This alert applies to Muir Beach, but not nearby Muir Woods. Muir Beach parking lot closed June-November 2013 for construction. Restrooms and parking will not be available at Muir Beach during this period. Check back for updates or call (415)561-3054.
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Dipsea Foot Bridge at the Annex Lot is BACK!
The Dipsea foot bridge at the Annex Lot is back in place. Thanks to all who took the Deer Park Fire Road detour. Taking those extra steps helped to protect Redwood Creek and the endangered juvenile coho.
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December 11, 2012 A New Day-Time Only Winter Solstice at Muir Woods The Muir Woods Winter Solstice event on December 21 has changed to a day-time only program, from Noon to 5 PM. Park closes at 5 PM. Instead of celebrating the longest night of the year, Muir Woods will celebrate the shortest day of the year. So, dress warmly and bring family and friends to enjoy the things that only winter can bring. Winter is the most dramatic season for the forest, and the best time to enjoy the park. With fewer visitors, you can enjoy the quiet, primeval nature of the redwood forest. The winter rains transform the hills and tributaries of Redwood Creek into new-made channels, waterfalls and cascades. The added moisture and shortened days bring out the winter bloomers - fetid adders tongue and trillium - and an array of fungi in every color, shape and size. Salmon spawn in the creek, polypody ferns unfurl on moss-covered trees, and the banana slugs and redwood snails are easier to spot. Migratory birds fly in from the mountains or the north as the season progresses. Varied thrush, Townsends warbler, and others add to the resident population of Pacific wren, juncos, woodpeckers, owls, and ravens. Billed as "Simpler, Safer and Serene", this year's Winter Solstice program takes place in front of the Visitor Center. The day's highlights include:
At day's end, gather by the ceremonial fire in the plaza and hear a solstice tale or two by Ane Carla Rovetta. As the sun sets behind the Dipsea Ridge, surrender the longest night to the Woods, and leave the park at dusk via a luminaria-lit plaza. Park closes at 5 PM. The Winter Solstice event is free and held in the plaza in front of the Visitor Center. The usual $7 fee applies to enter the woods. Children 15 years and younger may enter for free. Staff is still in the process of confirming performers, so check the website, www.nps.gov/muwo prior to coming to Muir Woods for the day's schedule. You can also download a Muir Woods DIY Winter Solstice guide with suggestions on how to start your own solstice tradition at home. For the latest updates, you can follow on Twitter, @muirwoodsnps or call the Muir Woods hotline at 415.388.2595. There are many more days ahead to enjoy the quiet splendor of the redwoods in winter and the changes of the season. Visit now without the crowds or the parking issues of summer. Park opens every day at 8 AM.
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Did You Know?
President Theodore Roosevelt declared Muir Woods the 10th national monument on January 9, 1908. The first one donated by private individuals William and Elizabeth Kent.