Muir Woods National Monument
Mill Valley, CA
Old-growth coast redwoods in a narrow canyon below Mount Tamalpais, with flat boardwalk loops. A parking or shuttle reservation is required; the access roads are steep and narrow, so leave large RVs elsewhere.
Muir Woods sits in a narrow valley at the foot of Mount Tamalpais, about 12 miles (19 km) north of the Golden Gate Bridge, and protects one of the last old-growth stands of coast redwoods in the Bay Area. William and Elizabeth Kent bought the valley in 1905 and gave it to the federal government; on January 9, 1908, President Roosevelt declared it a national monument, named for John Muir at Kent's request. A tree that fell in Cathedral Grove in 1996 was about 800 years old and roughly 200 feet (60 m) tall.
Three mostly flat loops along Redwood Creek take about half an hour to an hour and a half, and there are around 6 miles (10 km) of trails in all. It is quieter on weekdays and in the morning. Arriving by car requires a parking or shuttle reservation (as of October 2026); on foot or by bicycle you do not need one, but bikes are not allowed on the trails. There is no cell service, so download your booking beforehand. Vehicles on Highway 1 are limited to 35 feet (about 10.6 m), and the lots have no spaces for RVs or trailers.
- Nearest town
- Mill Valley, CA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 37.8970, -122.5811
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–April and October–November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Steep Ravine Environmental CampgroundCampsite3 mi from Muir Woods National MonumentTentsDrinking waterToilets
- Haypress CampgroundCampsite3 mi from Muir Woods National Monument
- Five Brooks Horse CampCampsite12 mi from Muir Woods National Monument
- Candlestick RV ParkMotorhome stopover17 mi from Muir Woods National MonumentMotorhomesWi-Fi
- San Francisco RV ResortMotorhome stopover18 mi from Muir Woods National MonumentMotorhomesWi-Fi
- Enroute CampingCampsite25 mi from Muir Woods National MonumentCaravansDrinking waterToilets
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Muir Woods National Monument?
Muir Woods National Monument is in Mill Valley, CA, at GPS 37.8970, -122.5811. It is about 3 mi from Stinson Beach.
Can you camp near Muir Woods National Monument?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Pantoll Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 40 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Muir Woods National Monument?
Muir Woods National Monument is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Sonoma and Mendocino coast on Highway 1.
What is there to see near Muir Woods National Monument?
Places worth a stop nearby: Battery Spencer Overlook (7 mi), Point Reyes Lighthouse (25 mi), Bodega Head (39 mi) and Goat Rock Beach (48 mi).
When is the best time to visit Muir Woods National Monument?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–April and October–November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)