Muir Woods National Monument

On our short stroll along the paved trail following Redwood Creek we saw some redwood trees nearly 250 feet tall and 13 feet in diameter. Impressive indeed, but redwood trees get even larger as you head north. I liked other squiggly trees too like the coastal live oak and the straight-branched California bay-laurel with its aromatic leaves. The crowds were not bad either for this weekday, even in this small canyon of paved trails. If you wander past bridge four, which is less than a mile along the trail, you start to feel dirt beneath your feet and the crowds turning back. Perhaps you might spot a black- tailed deer early in the morning or a slimy banana slug crossing your path.

Muir Woods includes 560 acres of public land in addition to a radius of trails leading to other parks such as Mt. Tamalpais State Park, Marin Headlands or to Muir Beach, less than 5 miles away. In fact, the entire Golden Gate National Recreation Area is worth exploring because it offers an excellent mosaic of day hikes around Marin county and even excellent backpacking opportunities only 1/2 hour drive from San Francisco (see "important information"). Muir Wood is only a small part of this mosaic.

Within and around Muir Woods, we were told about several hiking options. Try the Oceanview Trail, an excellent loop trail starting in Redwood Canyon and rising above the grove of people to eventually return via Fern Creek (3 miles). Or venture farther along this trail to Camp Eastwood for a picnic where tables and restrooms are provided. Or try the Dipsea Trail if you want a view of Mt. Tamalpais, the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco, then return via the Ben Johnson Trail (4 miles). To clarify these day hikes, you can buy an interpretive trail guide & map of "hiking trails around Muir Woods" from the visitor center for $1.

Muir Woods is a good stopping point if you want to see redwoods and take a retreat from the city despite the crowds. I discovered it is a pristine oasis of beauty and offers much more hiking opportunities than I had ever expected. But we were on our way to Pt. Reyes that day for a beautiful drive along the California coast like so many other sightseers who just get a glimpse of Muir Woods.

Best parts: ancient redwood trees & lush vegetation, extended trail options, open year round, near urban area