Things to Do in Muir Woods National Monument
To hike, to take a lazy stroll or revel in the nature while amidst century old trees, visit the Muir Woods National Monument. Muir Woods National Monument is located about 9 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge. When you leave early, you get excellent view of the City of the Bay as well as the Alcatraz Island on the bridge, provided you pick a clear day. Go further north and get on to highway 101 and then to the adrenaline pumping hill drive to reach Muir Woods. It is home to the giant Californian trees.
About Muir Woods National Monument
U.S. Congressman William Kent and his wife purchased about 611 acres of land just north of San Francisco, home to the redwood and sequoia trees and the only area which did not witness the effects of logging industry. In the year 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt declared the land a national monument. The national monument was named after naturalist John Muir who led environmental campaigns demanding preservation of these trees. Today, it is one of the major tourist attractions in San Francisco Bay Area.
Muir Woods is open from 8A.M until sunset on all days including the holidays. To avoid the crowds and have the best time, visit the park before 10 in the morning or at 4 in the afternoon. Apart from nature trails and breathtaking views, has a cafeteria, visitors' center and a gift shop to keep the crowd entertained.
Hiking
Many trails from Muir Woods to Mount Tamalpais are narrow, steep and long. Hence, they are great for hiking. It has 6 miles of trails that suit both beginner and advanced hikers. You can take any of the trails to reach the Mount Tamalpais. While the trails in Muir Woods are asphalted, the canyon walls trails are furrowed, narrow and adventurous.
Walking
Walking in the trails of Muir Woods amongst the tall, old trees is a magical experience. They are wooden paths that begin at the park headquarters,which goes along the streams, overlooking the trees and ferns. The park has guided tours that highlight the history of the park and the red wood trees. The Bohemian and Cathedral grove are easy trails that are made wheel-chair accessible. If you are looking for a little challenge and want to revel in the beauty of nature, take the Dipsea Trail.
Muir Beach
A lesser explored beach, the Muir beach is 3-miles from the Muir Woods and is home to water plants, shore birds and fishes. The beach is a part of wetland that is being restored. In the autumn, the grove in the beach can be found adorning the trees. Also the Muir beach overlooks along the park coast offers a great view of whales when they migrate during the winter season.
Tips
* Wear warm clothes, carry a jacket or wind breaker as you will find the trails windy and wet.
* Pets and smoking is not permitted within the Muir Woods National Monument.
* Good, sturdy shoes that are suitable for narrow steep trails and can withstand damp lands are a must.
About Muir Woods National Monument
U.S. Congressman William Kent and his wife purchased about 611 acres of land just north of San Francisco, home to the redwood and sequoia trees and the only area which did not witness the effects of logging industry. In the year 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt declared the land a national monument. The national monument was named after naturalist John Muir who led environmental campaigns demanding preservation of these trees. Today, it is one of the major tourist attractions in San Francisco Bay Area.
Muir Woods is open from 8A.M until sunset on all days including the holidays. To avoid the crowds and have the best time, visit the park before 10 in the morning or at 4 in the afternoon. Apart from nature trails and breathtaking views, has a cafeteria, visitors' center and a gift shop to keep the crowd entertained.
Hiking
Many trails from Muir Woods to Mount Tamalpais are narrow, steep and long. Hence, they are great for hiking. It has 6 miles of trails that suit both beginner and advanced hikers. You can take any of the trails to reach the Mount Tamalpais. While the trails in Muir Woods are asphalted, the canyon walls trails are furrowed, narrow and adventurous.
Walking
Walking in the trails of Muir Woods amongst the tall, old trees is a magical experience. They are wooden paths that begin at the park headquarters,which goes along the streams, overlooking the trees and ferns. The park has guided tours that highlight the history of the park and the red wood trees. The Bohemian and Cathedral grove are easy trails that are made wheel-chair accessible. If you are looking for a little challenge and want to revel in the beauty of nature, take the Dipsea Trail.
Muir Beach
A lesser explored beach, the Muir beach is 3-miles from the Muir Woods and is home to water plants, shore birds and fishes. The beach is a part of wetland that is being restored. In the autumn, the grove in the beach can be found adorning the trees. Also the Muir beach overlooks along the park coast offers a great view of whales when they migrate during the winter season.
Tips
* Wear warm clothes, carry a jacket or wind breaker as you will find the trails windy and wet.
* Pets and smoking is not permitted within the Muir Woods National Monument.
* Good, sturdy shoes that are suitable for narrow steep trails and can withstand damp lands are a must.
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