The Muir Woods Main Trail is a 2-mile walk along Redwood Creek through the heart of the old-growth coast redwood grove, gaining only 30 feet on boardwalk, asphalt, and packed dirt. The redwoods begin immediately at the visitor center and line both sides of the creek for the full length of the trail.
Overview
Muir Woods protects one of the last old-growth coast redwood groves in the Bay Area. The Main Trail is the primary route through it — following Redwood Creek on both sides of the stream, crossing several bridges that allow you to shorten or vary the route. The canopy overhead reduces light significantly; the forest floor stays cool and damp year-round, which is what the redwoods depend on.
What to Expect
The trail is flat and firm throughout — boardwalk and asphalt in the main corridor, packed native soil further in. The full 2-mile route takes 1–2 hours at a normal pace. Shortcut options are available by crossing at the second or third bridge to return without completing the full loop. Fern Creek junction, further along the trail, has a water station.
Tips & Logistics
Parking requires an advance reservation — do not show up without one, as walk-up access is extremely limited. Reservation fees and details are on the park website. The monument is open year-round; hours vary by season. Dogs are not allowed on the Main Trail. Weather shifts quickly even on sunny days — the canyon creates its own fog and wind patterns, and temperatures drop noticeably inside the grove. Poison oak is present off the trail edges.