Muir Woods National Monument protects an old-growth coast redwood forest within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. For a day trip from the Presidio of San Francisco, arrange transport and any required reservation before setting out; parking and shuttle access work differently, and both are separate from the entrance fee.
- Personal vehicles and shuttle riders need reservations.
- The standard entrance pass is $15 per person age 16 and older; children under 16 do not need one.
- The shuttle’s usual seasonal schedule runs from early spring through October, with days varying by month.
- Nearly 2 miles of firm, flat trails have frequent benches.
Choose a way to reach the monument
You can reach Muir Woods by personal vehicle, seasonal shuttle, taxi or rideshare. The right choice depends on the reservation you can secure and, for the shuttle, its operating schedule.
Drive and park
If you arrive by personal vehicle, reserve parking in advance. Your reservation includes a 30-minute arrival window, and standard-sized vehicles can stay as long as they like. The parking reservation fee is separate from the entrance pass.
Take the shuttle
In its usual seasonal pattern, the Muir Woods Shuttle runs from early spring through September on Fridays through Sundays and federal holidays, then on Saturdays and Sundays in October. The exact last departure varies by season.
Shuttle riders need reservations for both the outbound and return trips, but do not need a parking reservation. The fare is $4 round trip per adult; children age 15 and younger ride free.
The shuttle connects Muir Woods with Larkspur Ferry Terminal. The operator lists Marin Transit Routes 17 and 228, Larkspur Ferry and SMART as connections there. Golden Gate Ferry provides a connection from San Francisco to Larkspur; if you are planning that route, check how a Sausalito day trip from San Francisco works for related ferry planning.
Use a taxi or rideshare
The National Park Service says you may take a taxi or rideshare to Muir Woods without a parking reservation. This is another way to avoid driving and parking, but it does not remove the separate entrance-pass requirement.
Reserve parking or shuttle access
Reserve parking or shuttle access before you travel, because reservations are required for both personal vehicles and shuttle riders.
Download your parking or shuttle reservation before arrival: there is no cell service or Wi-Fi at or around Muir Woods. If you are taking the shuttle, arrive at Larkspur Ferry Terminal 15 minutes before departure. The terminal is at 101 E Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Larkspur, CA 94939.
Shuttle schedules, costs and reservations are handled through GoMuirWoods.com, as directed by the National Park Service. Shuttle operations follow a seasonal pattern, and the exact schedule changes, so check the official site before you go.
Plan time on the trails
Muir Woods has nearly 2 miles of firm-surfaced, flat trails with frequent benches, offering options for a shorter or more extended walk among the redwoods.
The accessible raised boardwalk runs from the entrance area toward Founders Grove. Beyond the boardwalk, some asphalt trail sections have potholes and severe cracks caused by heaving roots. Take that change in surface into account when choosing how far to walk.
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 permitted.
Check facilities and accessibility
Muir Woods provides designated accessible parking and restrooms, accessible trail segments, assistive-listening devices, Braille and large-print materials, and audio-described materials.
Wheelchairs are available at the visitor center on a first-come, first-served basis. If you need a mobility-device accommodation on the shuttle, a separate on-call ADA-compliant van is available; the shuttle operator advises booking this accommodation in advance.
The monument’s visitor center opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes 30 minutes before the park. Standard park hours are 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., though seasonal hours can extend later. The park is open every day except when inclement weather or hazardous conditions require closure, and hours vary with daylight.
Review park details before setting out
Check current opening hours and access details with the National Park Service before your visit. The park may close because of hazardous conditions, and its hours vary seasonally. For a broader view of local transport connections, you can also read how to get around San Francisco from the Civic Center area.
The standard entrance pass costs $15 per person age 16 and older; visitors under 16 do not need a pass. A Muir Woods annual entrance pass costs $45, is valid for 12 months and admits the pass holder plus three people age 16 and older. These entrance passes are separate from parking or shuttle reservations.
From Bay Hotel, Muir Woods is about 12.1 miles away; the hotel’s guest rooms are in San Francisco.
FAQs
Do you need a reservation to visit Muir Woods?
You need a parking reservation if you arrive by personal vehicle and a shuttle reservation if you ride the shuttle. Shuttle riders need reservations for both directions; taxi and rideshare arrivals do not need a parking reservation.
How much does Muir Woods admission cost?
The standard entrance pass costs $15 per person age 16 and older. Visitors under 16 do not need a pass.
Can you visit Muir Woods without a car?
Yes. You can take the seasonal shuttle from Larkspur Ferry Terminal or use a taxi or rideshare. Shuttle service and reservations follow a seasonal schedule.