Cathedral Grove holds some of the tallest and oldest coast redwoods at Muir Woods and is set aside as a silent preserve where visitors are asked to keep quiet. It lies along the main trail north of the visitor center.
Details
- Type
- Point of Interest
- Accessibility
- Limited accessibility
Overview
Cathedral Grove is managed as a silent preserve, with signs asking visitors to lower their voices and move through quietly. The grove contains coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) among the largest in the monument, with trunks up to about 22 feet across and heights reaching roughly 380 feet.
How Redwoods Stand
These trees have no deep taproot. Roots reach only about 10 to 13 feet down but spread 60 to 80 feet outward, interlacing with the roots of neighbors. That shared network helps the tall trunks resist wind and stay upright.
Know Before You Go
The grove sits on the main loop and can be reached on the firm, level trail from the visitor center. A path loops around the grove. Keep noise low out of respect for the preserve and other visitors.