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Introducing Muir Woods National Monument
Walking through an awesome stand of the world’s tallest trees is an experience to be had only in Northern California and a small part of southern Oregon. The old-growth redwoods at Muir Woods (415-388-2595; admission $3; 8am-sunset, 8am-5pm in winter), just 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, is the closest redwood stand to San Francisco. The trees, of course, were initially eyed by loggers, and Redwood Creek, as the area was known, seemed ideal for a dam. Those plans were halted when Congressman and naturalist William Kent bought a section of Redwood Creek and, in 1907, donated 295 acres to the federal government. President Theodore Roosevelt made the site a national monument in 1908, the name honoring John Muir, naturalist and founder of environmental organization the Sierra Club.
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Muir Woods can become quite crowded, especially on weekends. Try to come midweek, early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when tour buses are less of a problem. Even at busy times, a short hike will get you out of the densest crowds and onto trails with huge trees and stunning vistas.
Last updated: Mar 2, 2009
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