North of San Francisco, Muir Woods National Monument protects an old-growth coast redwood forest within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. From the city, plan the day around your chosen transport: parking or shuttle reservations are required for those two arrival options, and park hours vary with daylight and conditions.
- Location: part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
- Standard entrance pass: $15 per person age 16 and older; under-16s do not need one.
- Parking or shuttle reservations are required when arriving by personal vehicle or shuttle.
How far is Muir Woods from San Francisco?
Muir Woods is about 10.7 miles from a motel in San Francisco. The monument protects an old-growth coast redwood forest, so plan time for the walk among the trees as well as the journey there.
Muir Woods is open every day except when inclement weather or hazardous conditions require a closure. Seasonal hours vary with daylight. Standard hours are 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; hours can extend later in some seasons. The visitor center opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes 30 minutes before the park.
The standard entrance pass costs $15 per person age 16 and older. Visitors under 16 do not need an entrance pass. An annual pass costs $45, is valid for 12 months, and admits the pass holder plus three people age 16 and older.
How do you get to Muir Woods, and what needs a reservation?
Reserve parking or shuttle seats before your trip if you plan to use either option. Reservation fees are separate from the entrance fee. You can also take a taxi or rideshare to Muir Woods without a parking reservation.
Parking reservations include a 30-minute arrival window, and visitors with standard-sized vehicles may stay as long as they like. Download your parking or shuttle reservation before arrival: there is no cell service or Wi-Fi at or around Muir Woods.
Driving and parking
If you arrive by personal vehicle, a parking reservation is required. Keep the 30-minute arrival window in mind when planning your drive, and download the reservation before you lose mobile access. From Francisco Bay Inn, Aquatic Park Historic District is about a 10-minute walk; you could pair a separate city-side visit there with the Golden Gate Bridge visitor guide.
Shuttle from Larkspur
The Muir Woods Shuttle connects Larkspur Ferry Terminal and Muir Woods during its operating season. In its usual seasonal pattern, it runs from early spring through September on Fridays through Sundays and federal holidays, then on Saturdays and Sundays in October. The exact last departure varies by season.
Shuttle reservations are required for both the outbound and return rides. The round-trip fare is $4 per adult; children age 15 and younger ride free. Shuttle riders do not need a Muir Woods parking reservation. Arrive at Larkspur Ferry Terminal 15 minutes before departure.
The terminal connects with Larkspur Ferry, Marin Transit Routes 17 and 228, and SMART. Larkspur Ferry Terminal parking is free on Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays. At other times, passengers who arrive before 1:00 p.m. pay $2 to park.
Which walks can you take among the redwoods?
Muir Woods has nearly 2 miles of firm-surfaced, flat trails with frequent benches, usable by a range of visitors. The accessible raised boardwalk runs from the entrance area toward Founders Grove.
Beyond the boardwalk, some sections of the asphalt trail have potholes and severe cracks caused by heaving roots. Accessible resources include designated parking and restrooms, accessible trail segments, assistive-listening devices, Braille and large-print materials, and audio-described materials. Wheelchairs are available first-come, first-served at the visitor center.
Bicycles are not allowed on the trails or on or inside shuttle buses. Only service dogs recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act are allowed in the monument and on the shuttle; other dogs and pets are not allowed.
Can you combine the visit with Sausalito?
A shuttle trip to Muir Woods can be planned around the Larkspur Ferry Terminal, which is a connection point for the Muir Woods Shuttle and Larkspur Ferry. Shuttle reservations cover both the outbound and return rides, so arrange those before building the rest of your day around the terminal.
A separate on-call ADA-compliant van accommodates mobility devices on the shuttle; the shuttle operator advises booking this accommodation in advance.
Before you go: Hours, reservations, shuttle service and fares can change. Check the official site before you go; the National Park Service directs visitors to GoMuirWoods.com for shuttle schedules, costs and reservations.
FAQs
Do you need a reservation to visit Muir Woods?
You need a parking reservation if arriving by personal vehicle, or shuttle reservations for both shuttle rides. A taxi or rideshare does not require a parking reservation.
How much does Muir Woods admission cost?
The standard entrance pass costs $15 for each visitor age 16 and older. Visitors under 16 do not need a pass.
Is there an accessible walk at Muir Woods?
Yes. An accessible raised boardwalk extends from the entrance area toward Founders Grove. The monument also has accessible trail segments and wheelchairs available first-come, first-served at the visitor center.