Walks & Hikes at Muir Woods

 

While hiking at Muir Woods, don't forget to make like a banana slug and slow down! Sit on a bench and notice the details of the forest - or even lay down on the boardwalk or soft ground and look up into the towering canopy. Why rush?

NPS/ Jason Bosinoff

Muir Woods National Monument offers opportunity for a variety of trail experiences, whether you're looking for a casual stroll or a challenging multi-mile trek. The Visitor Center and entrance to the park is situated at the bottom of a valley, meaning shorter, flat walks along Redwood Creek and longer, steeper hikes going up the mountainsides. Pets, bicycles, smoking, horseback riding, amplified music, and picnics are not permitted in the park. Camping is only allowed at designated campgrounds in Mount Tamalpais State park. Remember to explore at your own pace and always stay on designated paths - even for a photo!

What's popular?

Many visitors stay on the three most popular loops which all afford views of old-growth coast redwoods. From the Visitor Center, the loop to Bridge 2 takes about 30 minutes over 0.5 miles, to Bridge 3 takes about 1 hour over 1 mile, and to Bridge 4 takes about 1.5 hours over 2 miles.

These loops are on the park's easiest and most used trails. Redwood Creek Trail and Bohemian Grove Trail are relatively flat on paved and boardwalked surfaces - meaning they are wheelchair and stroller friendly - while the Hillside Trail features a slight incline and steps on firm gravel. As the most trafficked trails, these trails can be busiest on weekends, at midday, and in the summer; visit on weekdays, in the mornings or evenings, or in the off-season for a more serene experience.

For those seeking more adventure, a quieter visit, or greater challenge, longer hikes bring visitors onto less-traveled trails in Mount Tamalpais State Park which surrounds Muir Woods. These include the Canopy View Trail, Lost Trail, Fern Creek Trail, Bootjack Trail, Ben Johnson Trail, and Dipsea Trail. These paths are are dirt, narrow, steep, and rutted with tree roots. Stroller and wheelchairs are not advised.

• Map of Muir Woods (.JPG File)
• Detailed Map of Hiking Trails (courtesy of Mt. Tamalpais State Park)

Ready to Plan Your Hike?

Below are descriptions of popular walks and day hikes in and around Muir Woods, including distance and elevation. Check with staff when you arrive about current trail conditions, and be sure to carry a hiking map.

• All hike distance and directions assume leaving from the Muir Woods Visitor Center unless otherwise noted.
• Several trails listed below are at least partially in the Mount Tamalpais State Park. Check their alerts webpage to see if any trails are closed before you set out.
• The following directions are minimal - be sure to bring along a map. You'll receive a complimentary park brochure when you pay park entry, while more extensive trail maps are available for purchase at the Visitor Center.
• The time given for each hike is average. Be aware of your pace and comfort. Communicate your plan to others - especially if your group splits up.
• Always bring adequate water, sunscreen, snacks, proper footwear, and warm/ waterproof layers.
• Please stay on designated trails at all times. Going off-trail harms plants, can spread disease, exacerbates erosion, and increases your risk of getting lost or injured.

 

 

Suggested Hikes

For your convenience, rangers have outlined a summary of the popular hikes at Muir Woods, starting with the shortest and easiest, and descending through harder and longer trails.

Hike	Round-trip distance and elevation gain	Time estimate	Description
Main Trail: Bridge 2 loop	0.5 mi/ 0.8 km Mostly flat	+/- 0.5 hour	The main trail begins at the entrance plaza under the Muir Woods arch and follows Redwood Creek. Enjoy views of old growth redwood forest from a stroller and wheelchair accessible boardwalk. Cross the second bridge to make a 1/2 mile loop.
Main Trail: Bridge 3 loop	1 mi/ 1.6 km Mostly flat	+/- 1 hour	Continue on the main trail until the third bridge. Cross and return on the other side of the creek to make a 1 mile loop on this stroller and wheelchair accessible chair. Note: the west side between bridge 2-3 has more uneven terrain that may be more challenging for some wheelchairs.
Main Trail: Bridge 4 loop	2 mi/3.2 km Mostly flat	+/1.5 hours	Continue on the main trail until the 4th bridge. To stay on the accessible trail, turn around at the bridge and retrace your steps until you reach the third bridge. Cross the third bridge on whichever side you haven't yet seen.
Main Trail: Bridge 4 back on Hillside	2mi/ 3. 2 km Elevation Gain: 90 ft/ 27 m	+/- 1.5 hours	Continue on the main trail until the 4th bridge. Continue past and head up a small hill. Take the next left onto the Hillside Trail, a narrow dirt trail with views looking down onto the creek and redwoods. This trail has a steeper drop-off along the side, and is a narrow dirt trail.
Fern Creek to Camp Alice Eastwood Loop	3 mi/ 4.8 km Elevation Gain: 340 ft/ 103 m	+/- 2 hours	A family favorite, especially for those with kids! Hike along lush Fern Creek through a redwood canyon, look for the trailhead sign 0.25 mi/ 0.4 km past Cathedral Grove. After following the creek for 0.5 m (0. 8 km), take a left over the bridge to begin climbing uphill towards Camp Alice Eastwood, where you'll find water, restrooms, and picnic tables. The Plevin Cut Trail or Camp Alice Eastwood Trail will lead you back to the main trail.
Canopy View to Lost Creek to Fern Creek loop	3 mi/ 4.8 km Elevation Gain: 530 ft/161 m	+/- 2.5 hours	An uphill hike takes you into the quiet, peaceful forest, look for the Canopy View Trailhead located just after Founder's Grove. After climbing approximately 1.3 mi/2 km you will be at almost 1000 ft/ 300 ft elevation; take the Lost Trail turnoff on the left and descend through deep forests of Douglas fir into the redwoods. The Lost Trail ends at the Fern Creek trail; turn left and follow Fern Creek Trail back to Muir Woods' main trail.
Ben Johnson, Return Via Dipsea Loop	Summer: 4 mi/ 6.4 km Elevation Gain: 925 ft/ 282 m Winter: 5 mi/8 km Same elevation	Summer: +/- 3 hours Winter: +/- 3-3.5 hours	Want to take a walk through the redwoods and then climb to a view of Mt. Tamalpais, the Pacific Ocean, and San Francisco? From the Main Trail, cross Bridge 4 and continue uphill to the Ben Johnson Trail. Climb steeply up the canyon through redwoods and turn left at the first junction. Cross the Deer Park Fire Road and turn left on the Dipsea Trail, heading back to Muir Woods by passing through grasslands and scenic viewpoints. Your time on the Dipsea Trail will end with a stroll over the Redwood Creek Footbridge. Check with the Visitor Center for bridge conditions; it is closed for Coho Salmon spawning season every winter. This adds .75 miles onto the original hike, as you detour from the Dipsea Trail onto the Deer Park Fire Road, and take a left onto the main road to return to the visitor center.
Canopy View to Redwood to Sun Trail to Dipsea Loop	5 mi/ 8 km Elevation Gain: 780 ft/ 238 m	+/- 3 hours	Turn off Muir Woods' main trail onto the Canopy View Trail and climb uphill for 1.5 mi/ 2.4 km, then turn right where it intersects Panoramic Trail, parallel to the Panoramic Highway. After a short distance, turn right onto the Redwood Trail, a mostly level path that curves in and out of drainages. After 0.7 mi/ 1.1 km on the Redwood Trail, you'll reach the Tourist Club, a members’ only establishment. The Redwood Trail ends and becomes the Sun Trail, continuing for 0.7 mi/ 1.1 km. At the Dipsea Trail, turn right, cross Muir Woods Road, and continue on the roadside trail to Muir Woods.
Muir Woods to Muir Beach and back via the Redwood Creek Trail	6 mi/ 9.7 km Elevation Gain: 150 ft/ 46 m	+/- 4 hours	From the Visitor Center, walk back past both Muir Woods parking lots and carefully alongside Muir Woods Road. In 0. 5 mi/ 0.8 km, the Redwood Creek trail begins on the left (east) side of the road, right across from where the Deer Park Fire road intersects with the road on the left (west) wide of the trail. Follow the Redwood Creek Trail until you reach the intersection of Hwy 1 and Muir Woods Road. Continue straight (south) for about 0.25 mi/ 0.4 km, then turn right onto Pacific Way (the road to Muir Beach). Caution: Poison oak and ticks are common on this trail. Note: this trail does not take you along any redwoods..
Bootjack to TCC to Stapleveldt. Return either via Dipsea or Ben Johnson	6 mi/9.6 km Elevation Gain: 1000’/305 m If returning on Dipsea during the winter: 7 mi/11.2 km Same elevation	+/- 4 hours If returning on Dipsea during the winter: +/- 5 hours	A quiet, beautiful hike that follows a stream up a steep hill. Folow the Main Trail. Right before Bridge 4, take the Bootjack trail, which heads uphill next to a creek. When you reach the Van Wyck Meadow, enjoy a sunny clearing and the knowledge that most of your steep uphill climb is complete. Take the TCC trail, a winding and lovely trail that rolls up and down through redwoods, until you reach the Stapleveldt trail. Take the Stapleveldt until you reach an intersection with the Dipsea and Ben Johnson trail. To complete your hike in the shade of the redwoods, take the Ben Johnson trail downhill and wind up near Bridge 4 in Muir Woods. To complete your hike on the rolling, grassy hills looking over the ocean, take the Dipsea Trail. If you choose to take the Dipsea trail back, check with the Visitor Center for bridge conditions; it is closed for Coho Salmon spawning season every winter. This adds .75 miles onto the original hike, as you detour from the Dipsea Trail onto the Deer Park Fire Road, and take a left onto the main road to return to the visitor center.
Muir Woods to the East Peak of Mountain Tamalpais	8 mi/12.8 km Elevation Gain: 2600 ft/792 m	+/- 5-6 hours	For an all-day hike, go through the forested valley of Muir Woods to the top of the tallest peak in Marin County! This hike is especially lovely on clear days, where from the top of Mount Tam you can see a 360-degree view of the Bay Area. This is not for the faint of heart, with steep elevation gains- but worth it for the view. From the Muir Woods Visitor Center, go on the main trail to the Canopy View Trail. Take a left on the Panoramic Trail, and cross the road near the Mountain Home Inn. Take the Hog back fire road, which begins to the left of the fire truck garage down the road. From Hog back, take a left on Old Railroad Grade road, then a right onto Fern Creek Trail. That will take you to the peak of the mountain!
Muir Woods to Stinson Beach via Dipsea Trail and back	10 mi/ 16.1 km Elevation Gain: 2480 ft/ 749 m	+/- 6-7 hours	For an all-day hike, head into the forest to Bridge 4, and continue up the Ben Johnson Trail. At the intersection of Ben Johnson and Dipsea trail, take a right onto the Dipsea Trail, following it all the way up, then down on the other side of the mountain towards Stinson Beach. After you've spent some time enjoying Stinson, turn around and head up the same trail you went down to return.
Muir Woods to Stinson Beach and via the Dipsea Trail, return via the Steep Ravine Trail	11 mi/17.7 km Elevation gain: 2860 ft/ 871 m	+/- 7-8 hours	For an all-day hike, head into the forest to Bridge 4, and continue up the Ben Johnson Trail. At the intersection of Ben Johnson and Dipsea trail, take a right onto the Dipsea Trail, following it all the way up, then down on the other side of the mountain towards Stinson Beach. After you've spent some time enjoying Stinson, turn around and head up the same trail you went down to return. At the junctune of the Dipsea Trail and the Steep Ravine Trail, take the Steep Ravine Trail up a steep climb that includes a 10' ladder climb. Take the Steep Ravine Trail until Pantoll Campground. Head uphill through the campsites to find the Stapleveldt trail, which you take until it intersects with the Ben Johnson Trail. The Ben Johnson will take you to Bridge 4- from there, take the Main Trail back to the Visitor Center.

 

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Muir Woods is situated in the Redwood Creek Watershed. Several different agencies - including the National Park Service and California State Park System - work together to protect the web of ecosystems in the area. These collaborative efforts benefit the local plants, animals, and people.

NPS/ Jace Ritchey

Surrounding Areas

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. Like at Muir Woods, pets are not allowed on trails in Mount Tamalpais State Park.

Hikers can also walk into Muir Woods National Monument from places like Pantol Ranger Station and Bootjack Campground in the State Park. Be sure to park legally, pay necessary parking fees where applicable, and follow all park rules. If you enter Muir Woods through the entry station, you will be required to pay park entry!

If you are planning to exit the monument via a state park trail, we recommend that you purchase a Muir Woods Park Map which includes a Nature Self-Guide and Watershed Hiking Map. This map may be purchased for $1 at the Visitor Center.