Muir Woods Nationwide Monument gives 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 ft or extra, with ages starting from 500 to over 1,000 years. Muir Woods is likely one of the few coastal redwood forests that survived the extreme logging period of the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The path into the forest begins simply steps from the doorway, which implies you are feeling the shift into quiet, shaded air virtually instantly. That first second of trying up on the redwoods offers you a way of scale that pictures won’t ever be capable of seize.
Trails That Let You Select Your Personal Path
One of many issues we appreciated most was the choices for various talents. 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 primary grove. These hikes climb into larger floor, providing a unique view of the forest and extra effort.
A Quiet Zone That Feels Nearly Sacred
Cathedral Grove is likely one of the most memorable areas at Muir Woods Nationwide Monument. Indicators ask guests to enter quietly to guard the ambiance. The request is straightforward, nevertheless it modifications the complete expertise.
Voices drop, steps soften, and also you hear the creek, birds, and wind extra clearly. The bushes 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 serious metropolis.
A Creek That Nourishes Extra Than Simply the Timber
Redwood Creek runs the size of the primary path and gives habitat for coho salmon and steelhead trout. These fish have struggled in lots of elements of California as a result of habitat loss, however Muir Woods stays a protected spawning space.
The creek additionally helps banana slugs, amphibians, and birds. Northern noticed owls reside within the forest as effectively. Watching the water transfer by means of the grove reinforces the interconnectedness of every a part of the ecosystem, highlighting how every component 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 has clear tips that shield the forest with out making guests really feel restricted. Trails are effectively marked. You might be requested to not go away the trail, contact the bushes, or decide up sticks, flowers, or moss. Canines should 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 deal with 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
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 aspect of the mountains.
Level Reyes is inside vary for an extended outing. Muir Woods works effectively 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.
Journey Journalist, Digital Writer, Creator
Alexandrea Sumuel Groves is a Journey Journalist, Yahoo! Creator, MSN Associate, Society of American Journey Writers and North American Journey Journalists Affiliation member, and the founding father of Wander Worthy. She covers trip locations, journey information, and tourism developments.