Muir Woods Nationwide Monument provides the uncommon likelihood to stroll amongst old-growth redwoods with no lengthy drive into distant areas of California. We visited the giants from San Francisco, which was solely 12 miles away.
Lots of the redwoods attain heights of 250 toes or extra, with ages starting from 500 to over 1,000 years. Muir Woods is without doubt one of the few coastal redwood forests that survived the extraordinary logging period of the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The path into the forest begins simply steps from the doorway, which implies you’re feeling the shift into quiet, shaded air nearly instantly. That first second of trying up on the redwoods offers you a way of scale that pictures won’t ever be capable to seize.
Trails That Let You Select Your Personal Path
Muir Woods Nationwide Monument
(Wander Worthy)
One of many issues we appreciated most was the choices for various skills. The primary path runs alongside Redwood Creek and makes use of a large boardwalk for the primary half mile. This makes it accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, or anybody who prefers a flat stroll.
For a fast go to, the Bridge 2 loop is lower than a mile in size, making it a round-trip distance of lower than a mile. Strolling farther to Bridge 3 or 4 provides solely mild elevation and takes about an hour.
For an extended route, you may take the Cover View, Fern Creek, or Ben Johnson trails to loop above the principle grove. These hikes climb into greater floor, providing a special view of the forest and extra effort.
A Quiet Zone That Feels Virtually Sacred
Muir Woods Nationwide Monument
(Wander Worthy)
Cathedral Grove is without doubt one of the most memorable areas at Muir Woods Nationwide Monument. Indicators ask guests to enter quietly to guard the environment. The request is straightforward, but it surely adjustments all the expertise.
Voices drop, steps soften, and also you hear the creek, birds, and wind extra clearly. The timber listed below are among the tallest and oldest within the park. The quiet provides weight to their presence.
You are feeling the age of the place on a deeper degree when the noise fades. It turns into a uncommon second of stillness, particularly so near a significant metropolis.
A Creek That Nourishes Extra Than Simply the Timber
Muir Woods Nationwide Monument
(Wander Worthy)
Redwood Creek runs the size of the principle path and offers habitat for coho salmon and steelhead trout. These fish have struggled in lots of components of California on account of habitat loss, however Muir Woods stays a protected spawning space.
The creek additionally helps banana slugs, amphibians, and birds. Northern noticed owls dwell within the forest as properly. Watching the water transfer by means of the grove reinforces the interconnectedness of every a part of the ecosystem, highlighting how every factor depends on the others.
The creek carries vitamins, helps fish, and nourishes the roots that maintain the soil in place. With out it, the redwoods wouldn’t have endured.
A Customer Expertise Constructed Round Respect
Muir Woods Nationwide Monument
(Wander Worthy)
Muir Woods has clear tips that shield the forest with out making guests really feel restricted. Trails are properly marked. You’re requested to not go away the trail, contact the timber, or choose up sticks, flowers, or moss. Canines usually are not allowed.
These guidelines could appear strict, however they protect the grove for future generations. You are feeling that intention whereas strolling. There aren’t any meals distributors, loud crowds, or open areas for picnics contained in the monument. It retains the give attention to the forest, not the facilities.
The result’s a spot designed to be skilled, not consumed.
How Shut It Is to Extra Locations Price Visiting
Sausalito, CA
(Wander Worthy)
After leaving Muir Woods, vacationers can proceed the day in Mill Valley, Sausalito, or the Marin Headlands. Mount Tamalpais State Park is close by, and Stinson Seaside sits on the opposite facet of the mountains.
Level Reyes is inside vary for an extended outing. Muir Woods works properly as a half-day anchor round which you’ll construct a broader journey.
Spend the morning within the redwoods, then discover the coast, seize lunch in a small waterfront city, or absorb views of the Golden Gate from above.