Muir Woods National Monument

Marina Motel Tour Muir Woods History

Muir Woods. The Muir Woods National Monument, located 12 miles north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, celebrates a majestic forest of old growth Coast Redwoods. The Coast Redwood is the tallest tree on earth. It can reach unparalleled heights of over 386 feet. The tree’s base diameter has been measured at over 30 feet. A visit to Muir Woods National Monument offers a humbling introduction to Nature’s phenomena. More than just the tallest and widest trees on earth, Coast Redwoods are among the oldest living things on the planet. At Muir Woods National Park, you will walk through a forest of giants, many of which are over 1,000 years old.

Muir Woods History. In the 1800s, Northern California was home to a bustling logging industry thanks to thick forests of giant Coast Redwood trees that spanned the coastline. The area just north of San Francisco was no exception. An ancient stand of redwoods growing along Redwood Creek was spared from logging because it was too difficult to access. In 1905, Congressman and Mrs. William Kent purchased over 600 acres of land in this area to preserve it for future generations. The couple donated 295 acres to the Federal Government and, in 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt declared the forest a national monument. At Congressman Kent’s urging, the monument was named after conservationist John Muir.

Visitors Information on Muir Woods. Muir Woods National Monument is open daily and is accessible to all ages and physical abilities. Six miles of hiking trails wind their way through the giant redwoods and numerous other species of trees and plants. Hiking trails are well-maintained and range in difficulty from easy to challenging. A paved, flat 1.5-mile trail provides easy access to visitors with strollers, wheelchairs, or mobility challenges. Picnics, bikes, dogs, and camping are not permitted at Muir Woods. Muir Woods is managed by the National Parks Service.  [Top]