Trails in and Around Muir Woods

Muir Woods National Monument contains 6 miles of trails. There is a 1/2 hour loop, a 1 hour loop, and a 1 1/2 hour loop as well as longer hikes on trails that extend into surrounding parks. All of these walks afford views of thousands of old-growth coast redwoods, the tallest living things in the world. Pets, bicycles, smoking, horseback riding and camping are not permitted within the park. Food is not permitted in the forest, but a light snack may be eaten at the plaza or cafe deck.

Photo by Alice Kong

A visitor is dwarfed by towering coast redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument.

TRAIL ADVISORIES

The Hillside Trail is closed for maintenance until mid-February. More than six miles of trails in the monument are open for your enjoyment. Consult a Muir Woods and Vicinity map for alternate routes.

The Main Trail between the Cross Cut and Pinchot Tree is now open. The asphalt and rustic fencing were replaced with a new boardwalk. The new boardwalk will allow visitors to walk on a dry, fully accessible path, while protecting the shallow, surface roots of the coast redwood and allowing water to flow to Redwood Creek. 

Tamalpais State Park Trails

Muir Woods National Monument is surrounded by California State Park property. Many trails to and from Muir Woods connect with Mount Tamalpais State Park trails. These trails are long, narrow, unpaved, and often steep, requiring sturdy shoes with good treads. If you are planning to exit the monument via a state park trail, we recommend that you purchase a Muir Woods NM Park Map which includes a Nature Self-Guide and Watershed Hiking Map. This map may be purchased for $1 at the Visitor Center or at the self-serve map box at Bridge 2.

The following describes Mount Tamalpais State Park Trails conditions:

Dipsea Trail between Sun Trail and Camino del Canyon is open.

Bootjack Trail between Muir Woods boundary and Panoramic Highway. Closed between May 8, 2011 through spring 2012 for maintenance.

The Dipsea Bridge at the Muir Woods Annex parking lot near Muir Woods Road is closed. To protect possible endangered salmon, their eggs and redds (nests), please do not enter Redwood Creek.

Consult the Muir Woods and vicinity trail map for alternate routes.

For information about the trails outside the national monument, visit the Mount Tamalpais State Park Web site. Clicking on the highlighted link will take you away from the Muir Woods Web site.