Muir Woods is one of America’s national treasures. Explicitly conserved to help maintain an area of beautiful and natural tranquility, Muir Woods is renowned for many of its striking qualities. But, what exactly is Muir Woods famous for?
Muir Woods is one of the best-preserved redwood forests in the U.S. It is the first national monument created by a land donation from an individual. Congressman William Kent gave the land to the United States on condition that it be named for John Muir, the father of the national parks.
Muir Woods National Monument is famous for more than its provenance. It is also valued as one of the most beautiful and well-conserved redwood forests remaining in the land.
Containing spectacular natural landmarks such as Cathedral Grove and the famed fairy rings, Muir Woods offers a truly remarkable way to experience the American West. Read on to learn more about this superlative monument.
What is so Special About Muir Woods?
In the days before Europeans colonized the west, scientists believe that the Pacific coastline hosted more than 2 million acres of redwood forest. Loggers harvested vast quantities of this untouched forest, and by the early 1900s, not many redwood stands remained.
Worried about deforestation, Congressman William Kent and his wife Elizabeth purchased 611 acres of redwood forest for conservation. In 1907, a local water utility attempted to use eminent domain to force the Kent’s off their land; Kent outmaneuvered them by donating the contested lands, which amounted to 295 acres, to the federal government.
Shortly after that, President Theodore Roosevelt declared the land a national monument; Kent insisted that the monument be named after John Muir.
Located in Mill Valley, Muir Woods sits about 17 miles north of San Francisco and showcases exceptionally rare and ancient woods; development and logging have consumed much of the previously existing redwoods. The 560-acre parcel containing the monument is surrounded by Mount Tamalpais State Park.
Muir Woods is an ideal place for people who want to experience the deep forests without needing to embark on a full-scale camping trip. Clocking in at about two miles, the loop trail through the Woods is an easy trip and a fantastic opportunity for everyday people to experience some of nature’s most majestic creations. The park contains restrooms, a cafe, a gift shop, and an interpretive center in addition to the hiking trails.
The forest is the main attraction to Muir Woods National Monument. Even for those who live in the Bay Area, redwood trees might not be a regular sighting. The scale of these gigantic trees is enough to boggle the mind. Visitors can see California bay laurel trees and bigleaf maples as well as the stars of the show.
The species of tree that Muir Woods is famous for is the coast redwood, Sequoia Sempervirens for the botanists in the crowd. The redwood trees are massive on a scale most of us do not experience every day. The highest tree in Muir Woods stands at 250 feet tall; scientists estimate that it is about 784 years old – it would have sprouted in the year 1237.
While it may be famous among conservationists and nature enthusiasts, Muir Woods has also appeared in Hollywood productions. Technically, it has been depicted in Hollywood. Alfred Hitchcock’s 1958 thriller Vertigo has a scene in the park, and the park is a recurring location in the Planet of the Apes franchise. However, Hitchcock’s scene was filmed in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, and the Planet of the Apes movies were filmed in British Columbia.
Why is Muir Woods called that?
The full and formal name of Muir Woods is Muir Woods National Monument. The monument was named after the famed conservationist and naturalist John Muir, who was instrumental in developing the United States National Park System. It was Muir’s writing and petitioning that drove Congress to establish Yosemite National Park.
When Congressman Kent donated his land to the federal government, President Roosevelt wanted to name the national monument after Congressman Kent. Kent demurred and insisted that the monument be named for Muir, as Muir’s writings and philosophy had been highly influential to him.
John Muir was also a founder of the Sierra Club, an organization dedicated to preserving our natural environment. He authored 12 books and hundreds of prominent articles and essays. His work is influential even to this day.
Bay Area Answers Fun Fact: In 1903, John Muir brought President Theodore Roosevelt to Yosemite National Park. Muir used this opportunity to engage with Roosevelt and explain the need for federally managed land conservation – all while back-country camping in the wilds of Yosemite.
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Can You Walk Through Muir Woods?
Muir Woods is easily walkable. The 2-mile loop known as the Main Trail begins near the visitor’s center and winds through Muir Woods. Visitors will walk among the trees, dwarfed by the trunks of these magnificent giants. Portions of the trail are paved, but mostly it is a dirt trail, and visitors should bring sturdy shoes and prepare for moderate exercise.
Parts of Muir Woods cross paths with hiking trails extending into nearby Mt. Tamalpais State Park, so if you want to stay in Muir Woods, be sure to stay on the Main Trail unless you’ve planned and researched a longer hike.
Will You See a lot of Animals in Muir Woods?
Muir Woods is home to many woodland creatures. However, the redwood forests are not home to foraging mammals like deer as there is not enough leaf to forage. Most of the animals in Muir Woods are small rodents such as chipmunks and squirrels. Bears are not common in the area, but sea otters have been spotted in nearby streams.
How Long Does it Take to Walk Muir Woods?
To walk through Muir Woods, simply head for the visitor’s center and follow the signs to the Main Trail. A walk along the Main Trail will take you about an hour, depending on your pace. You may wish to budget more time, as there are many interesting things to see in the woods. The walk is suitable for children and provides an excellent opportunity to expose them to nature.
What is There to Do in Muir Woods?
The major attraction of Muir Woods is the woods themselves. The hike through the forest is an unforgettable and unique experience. After hiking the woods, visitors can get food at the cafe or shop for souvenirs, books, and other memorabilia in the gift store.
Visitors should also stop by the Visitor Center, which displays a series of permanent and transient exhibits to educate visitors on redwoods.
Can I Bird Watch in Muir Woods?
Yes, bird watching is an excellent way to engage with nature and experience the forest. However, the composition of the redwood trees drives away insects, and the shade of the canopy minimizes the number of fruit-bearing plants in the undergrowth, reducing available food sources. Despite this, more than fifty bird species call Muir Woods home. Sharp-eyed persons might spot a Northern Spotted Owl or a Pileated Woodpecker out in the trees.
Do I Need a Reservation?
Yes, you need a reservation to enter Muir Woods. The National Park Service charges an entry fee of $15 per person and charges $8.50 for vehicle parking or $3.25 to ride a shuttle to the woods. Shuttle buses run on weekends and holidays or busy weekdays; visitors can catch the shuttle in Sausalito, Marin City, or Mill Valley.
Is Muir Woods ADA accessible?
Yes, Muir Woods is ADA accessible and offers visitors with disabilities a 0.5-mile loop from the Visitors Center through a portion of the woods and then back. Please note that the entire 2-mile loop trail is not ADA accessible.
Can I Bring my Dog Along to Muir Woods?
No, pets are not allowed at Muir Woods. Visitors with service animals should contact the National Park Service for more details on their specific policies.
Can I Camp in Muir Woods?
No, Muir Woods is a day-use facility, and camping in the Woods is not allowed. However, intrepid visitors will find plentiful camping available at adjoining Mt. Tamalpais State Park. Conveniently, Mt. Tamalpais State Park offers visitors splendid hikes through scenic trails and is a beautiful place to visit on its own.
The Muir You Know
The final question we might ask about Muir Woods is, what would John Muir think? Muir was famed for his almost spiritual relationship with the natural world. He is renowned for relating to nature as an entity in itself as well as a home for flora and fauna. Indeed, he often referred to the nearby Sierra Nevada as his true home and felt a deep and genuine connection with the land.
Thinking about Muir Woods this way, the monument exists to help everyday people – people who might not have the time or expertise to climb the Sierras or hike deep into the wilderness – experience a place that Muir believed to be his spiritual home. Muir Woods National Monument is truly a wonderful place.
