The Muir Woods National Monument is a must-see destination on any visit to the San Francisco Bay Area

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Enter the Redwood Forest

Walk among old growth coast redwoods, cooling their roots in the fresh water of Redwood Creek and lifting their crowns to reach the sun and fog. Federally protected as a National Monument since 1908, this primeval forest is both refuge and laboratory, revealing our relationship with the living landscape. What will you discover in Muir Woods?

History & Culture

In May 1945, Muir Woods was host to a very special international event. United Nations delegates meeting in San Francisco traveled to Muir Woods to honor the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt with a special memorial in a grove of redwood trees. Please visit the United Nations Memorial Service for President Roosevelt at Muir Woods page for more information.
 
historic image of men & women gathering among a tall stand of redwood trees
The United Nations Memorial service in Muir Woods, May 19, 1945
photo courtesy of Save the Redwood League
 
Old black & white photograph of William Kent (donor & benefactor of Muir Woods) & Stephen Mather (1st Director of the National Park Service) standing next to a large boulder with a plaque about Gifford Pinchot. The redwood tree they are leaning on was dedicated to Gifford Pinchot, The redwood tree name as the Pinchot Tree may be seen today.
W. Kent and S. Mather standing at the base of the Pinchot tree at Muir Woods National Monument.
Muir Woods has a rich and varied history, from its use by the Coast Miwok people, to its early days of tourism and the Mount Tamalpais Mill Valley Scenic Railway, to an era of conservation, to modern preservation. In each era, the forest has been affected by the actions of humans, for better or for worse.
Explore our history pages to learn more about the people and timeline!
See a synopsis of the Proclamation declaring Muir Woods a National Monument or learn the complete history of Muir Woods National Monument, by downloading the Muir Woods Historic Resource Study (25MB, PDF file).

Operating Hours & Seasons

To improve your experience and better protect the park, the National Park Service has launched a parking and shuttle reservation system. To book your trip to Muir Woods visit GoMuirWoods.com or call 1-800-410-2419.
There is NO cell phone service or WiFi at or around Muir Woods National Monument. Download your parking reservation or shuttle ticket in advance.
 
Muir Woods Parking and Shuttle Reservations Now Required
Parking and Shuttle Reservations Now Required
November 5, 2017 - January 27, 2018 
Muir Woods is open 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

January 28, 2018 - March 10, 2018 
Muir Woods is open 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

March 11, 2018 - September 15, 2018 
Muir Woods is open 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Septmeber 16, 2018 - October 13, 2018 
Muir Woods is open 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

October 14, 2018 - November 3, 2018 
Muir Woods is open 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

November 4, 2018 - January 26, 2019 
Muir Woods is open 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • The Visitor Center closes 30 minutes before Muir Woods.
  • Muir Woods Trading Company Gift Shop and Cafe close one hour before Muir Woods.
  • Muir Beach, Muir Beach Overlook, and Stinson Beach close one hour after sunset.

Special Park Use Permits

Thank you for your interest in having your event in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Information on this page is for land administered by the National Park Service including Muir Woods National Monument, Fort Point National Historic Site, Alcatraz Island, Crissy Field, the Marin Headlands, Ocean Beach, as well as other sites. 

For permit information with the following jurisdictions please contact: Presidio Trust, Mt. Tamalpais, Angel Island, San Mateo County Parks, San Francisco Recreation and Parks (for Marina Green and Golden Gate Park, etc.), Fort Mason Center and other surrounding parks.

As a unit of the National Park Service, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area must balance preserving the resources with allowing for a variety of visitor uses. While several types of activities such as weddings, picnics, marathons and filming are allowed in the park, many uses are prohibited.

When your application is under review, the Office of Special Park Uses will look at multiple criteria, including whether or not there is a meaningful association between the park and the event, and how the event contributes to visitor understanding of the significance of the park.

Please note that 10 business days is the minimum amount of time required for processing most permit applications, and applications for large or complex activities may take longer.
 

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