Muir Woods National Monument protects an old-growth coast redwood forest in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, north of San Francisco. From the Presidio of San Francisco, a car-free visit can combine the ferry from San Francisco to Larkspur with the Muir Woods Shuttle when it is operating; plan around reservations, seasonal service and the entrance pass.
- From San Francisco: Golden Gate Ferry connects the city with Larkspur, where you can connect to the shuttle.
- Shuttle pattern: Seasonal service generally runs on weekends and federal holidays, with a different pattern in October.
- Entrance pass: $15 per person age 16 and older; children under 16 do not need one.
- Trail access: Nearly 2 miles of firm-surfaced, flat trails have frequent benches.
What to expect at Muir Woods
Muir Woods National Monument is an old-growth coast redwood forest, with trails passing among the trees. The park is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
The National Park Service says the monument is open every day except when inclement weather or hazardous conditions require a closure. Hours vary with daylight: standard hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though seasonal hours can extend later. The visitor center opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes 30 minutes before the park.
Nearly 2 miles of firm-surfaced, flat trails with frequent benches are usable by a range of visitors. The raised boardwalk runs from the entrance area toward Founders Grove. Past the boardwalk, some asphalt sections have potholes and severe cracks caused by heaving roots.
How do you get from San Francisco to Muir Woods without a car?
The car-free connection is a ferry from San Francisco to Larkspur followed by the Muir Woods Shuttle when the shuttle is in service. The Larkspur Ferry Terminal is at 101 E Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Larkspur, CA 94939.
Visitors starting in Civic Center can use the Civic Center San Francisco transit guide to plan their trip across the city to the ferry.
The shuttle’s usual seasonal pattern is early spring through September on Fridays through Sundays and federal holidays, then Saturdays and Sundays in October. Its exact final departure varies by season. You need reservations for both the outbound and return shuttle rides, and shuttle passengers do not need a Muir Woods parking reservation.
At Larkspur, shuttle connections include the ferry, Marin Transit Routes 17 and 228, and SMART. Shuttle passengers are asked to arrive 15 minutes before departure. Parking at the ferry terminal is free on Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays; at other times, passengers arriving before 1:00 p.m. pay $2 to park.
If you are staying at European Hostel, Muir Woods is about 12.4 miles from the hostel. The trip itself still requires planning around the ferry and seasonal shuttle connection.
The shuttle’s Larkspur connection makes the ferry terminal an important link in a car-free trip to the monument.
The Golden Gate Bridge from Civic Center guide covers routes and viewpoints around the bridge.
Reservations, shuttle fares and access
Reserve parking or shuttle travel in advance if you are arriving by personal vehicle or the Muir Woods Shuttle; those reservation fees are separate from the entrance fee. Parking reservations include a 30-minute arrival window, and visitors in standard-sized vehicles may stay as long as they like.
The shuttle fare is $4 round trip per adult. Children age 15 and younger ride free. A separate on-call ADA-compliant van can accommodate mobility devices on the shuttle; book this accommodation in advance.
The standard entrance pass costs $15 for each visitor age 16 and older. Visitors under 16 do not need a pass. The $45 annual entrance pass is valid for 12 months and admits the pass holder plus three people age 16 and older.
Download parking or shuttle reservations before setting out: there is no cell service or Wi-Fi at or around Muir Woods. Accessible resources include designated parking and restrooms, accessible trail segments, assistive-listening devices, Braille and large-print materials, audio-described materials, and wheelchairs at the visitor center on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bicycles are not allowed on the trails or on or inside shuttle buses. Only service dogs recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act are allowed in the monument and on the shuttle; other dogs and pets are not allowed.
Choosing a trail and combining the visit with Sausalito
For a flatter walk, the nearly 2 miles of firm-surfaced trails have frequent benches. The raised boardwalk from the entrance toward Founders Grove is accessible; beyond it, expect sections of asphalt with potholes and severe cracks from heaving roots.
You can pair a Muir Woods visit with time in Sausalito as part of a ferry-based day, but the shuttle connects Muir Woods with Larkspur Ferry Terminal. Build your plans around the shuttle’s seasonal operating pattern and allow for the required reservations on both rides.
Hours, fares, reservation requirements and shuttle operations can change. Check the official site before you go. The National Park Service directs visitors to GoMuirWoods.com for shuttle schedules, costs and reservations.
FAQs
Do you need a reservation for Muir Woods?
Parking or shuttle reservations are required for visitors arriving by personal vehicle or the Muir Woods Shuttle. Reservation fees are separate from the entrance pass.
How much is admission to Muir Woods?
The standard entrance pass is $15 per person age 16 and older. Visitors under 16 do not need an entrance pass.
Can you take a dog to Muir Woods?
Only service dogs recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act are allowed in Muir Woods and on the shuttle. Other dogs and pets are not allowed.