Most Peaceful Place Near San Francisco
Have you ever heard the sound of silence?
We have…in Muir Woods National Monument, a seedbed of inspiration, a safe haven located only seventeen miles from the chaos of downtown San Francisco.
During our last visit, we paused for a few minutes on the Hillside Trail just to listen to the forest. The mountain behind us blocked the breeze from blowing through the trees and it created the perfect environment for absolute stillness.
It was peaceful and completely silent.
The world came to a stop and everything was listening.
After a few moments, we all turned to each other in awe of it—we’ve never heard the absence of sound (or knew it) before this incredible day hike in Muir Woods.
Keep reading below for our practical tips for your own day trip to Muir Woods National Monument.
Plan Your Visit in Advance
Muir Woods Reservations
As we mentioned before, depending on traffic, Muir Woods National Monument is only about a forty-minute drive from the city, however you still need to plan your visit in advance.
Reservations are now required for all parking and shuttle rides. We visited the park on a week day so we were able to make our reservation right before our visit (and also lucky that the lot wasn’t already sold out), but if you’re planning your visit on a weekend or the high season, we suggest either making your parking reservation at least a few days before or perhaps taking an Uber in.
The park also offers shuttles from nearby public parking, but that too requires a reservation. You can read more about the details (including fees) and make your reservations here.
Admission to Muir Woods is a fee in addition to the reservation, but if you’re the proud holder of the Interagency Annual Park Pass (for entrance to all U.S. National Parks and Monuments) then you’re good to go.
Side note: The Interagency Annual Pass is only $80.00. Some parks are $20-30 (Muir Woods is $15/person) just for a visit—so if you’re planning an entire California road trip or plan to visit Yosemite, Death Valley, Sequoia, or any other National Parks/Monuments (or even fee areas) within the same year, then it’s worth it to purchase this pass. Our favorite benefit is that pass holders are always able to bring three adult guests with them free of charge. If you already have a pass (or will be the guest of a pass holder), you can always make an extra donation at the park to help support it and its conservation efforts. If you’re interested in learning how to partner in protecting any of our public lands, we wrote about it in this post: Grand Teton National Park Engagement-
Best Time of Day to Visit Muir Woods
As the Muir Woods forest lies in a canyon the between the mountains of Mount Tamalpais State Park, a lot of it is shadowed from the sun. In fact, there are places along the forest floor that never receive direct sunlight! This is why shade foliage like fern, mosses, mushrooms and other fascinating fungi can thrive here.
That being said, early morning and evening are darker and, in our opinion, not the best times for photography. We recommend a trip in the middle of the day. On the day of our visit, we went to Point Reyes National Seashore for the sunrise/morning (you can check out our sunrise experience here) and then came to Muir Woods after lunch. As it was the beginning of February, visiting between 2:00pm and 4:00pm was the perfect time for light. It was a sunny day, but a rainy day would make it vibrant too. Every type of weather can create a fascinating and stimulating environment.
If you’re visiting during the summer, obviously, there are more daylight hours and the sun is higher in the sky, so the best photography times will vary. However, unless you’re hiking in from Mount Tamalpais, Muir Woods is only open for visitors between 8am-5pm in the winter, but as late at 8pm in the summer.
Muir Woods Hiking Trails
Muir Woods National Monument contains 6 miles of trails, most are very easy, but a few go up the mountain above the forest and connect to the trail system in Mount Tamalpais State Park. For the best experience of these majestic groves of giants, we recommend taking the longest Main Loop Trail + the Hillside Trail. This will give you the best of both perspectives.
In gob smacked gaze upward, on the Main Loop Trail you’ll find yourself strolling slowing along the crystal-clear Redwood Creek and entering each grove with childlike wonder in your heart.
Our favorite grove was the Cathedral Grove. As you come closer to it there’s a sign that says, “enter quietly.” Two words, one command, and a rushing shiver sent down the spine—the peace gave us chills; and as it was this very place that inspired these words, we finally understood the experience of John Muir in his famous quote:
“And into the woods I go to lose my mind and find my soul.”
Places like this reminds us the importance in slowing down, and taking time to rest our ears and mind—
silence isn’t lonely. Like light, it finds its way through the cracks, watering where chaos wilted, helping us grow, gentler in strength.
(keep reading, trail map below)
We continued our quiet walk to the end of the loop trail and then decided to return by taking the Hillside Trail back.
The Hillside trail gives you the ability to look down on the trees (yet most will still tower over you!). Redwoods are the tallest living things on earth. How could you not take time to experience their grandeur?! Pause and take a deep breath. The fragrance of the trees mixed with the damp forest floor is one of the most refreshing aromas to take in—definitely a welcomed escape from the smog of the nearby bustling city.
Click here for a detail map of the hiking trails.
(keep reading below)
Muir Woods is perhaps the most accessible National Natural Area in California
Muir Woods has been federally protected as a National Monument for 112 years, but the old growth within is dated to be over 800 years old! Although not the oldest or largest living Redwoods in California, they are the most easily accessible; even in the sense that there is wheelchair accessible trails, which are also perfect for families with strollers. Compared to the remoteness and ruggedness of Redwood National and State Parks, Muir Woods nearness to San Francisco make a visit for anyone possible. This park belongs to the people—these woods are yours!
If you have any additional questions or are interested in our Bay Area elopement and intimate wedding photography, perhaps even an elopement in Muir Woods, feel free to reach out in the form below. We can’t wait to hear from you!