The park was named after naturalist John Muir, who advocated for the preservation of the forest.
The forest was saved from logging in the early 20th century by Congressman William Kent and his wife, Elizabeth Thatcher Kent, who donated the land to the federal government.
It is one of the few remaining old-growth redwood forests in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Fog drip from the redwood canopy provides up to 30 percent of the forest's water supply during the dry summer months.
Coast redwoods are the tallest living things on Earth, capable of growing over 380 feet in their native range.
The monument features an experimental 'Redwood Creek Restoration' project aimed at improving salmon habitat.
Muir Woods National Monument protects an old-growth coast redwood forest located in the Santa Cruz Mountains of Marin County. The monument preserves trees that can reach heights of over 250 feet and ages exceeding 1,000 years. A network of boardwalks and trails traverses the forest floor along Redwood Creek. The site is a unit of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It was established as a national monument in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt. The forest ecosystem supports diverse wildlife, including Coho salmon and northern spotted owls. Native vegetation includes coast redwoods, tanbark oak, and Douglas fir. Visitors access the monument through a narrow canyon floor carved by mountain streams.
The arched wooden footbridge spanning Redwood Creek near the main entrance.
Parking reservations are mandatory for all vehicles and must be secured online before arriving.
Cell service is non-existent within the canyon; download maps and information in advance.
Wear layers, as temperatures in the shade of the redwoods remain significantly cooler than the surrounding area.
Attempting to visit without a pre-booked parking or shuttle reservation, as vehicle entry will be denied.
Open daily year-round, though parking is strictly managed by reservation system.
Stay on marked trails to protect the shallow root systems of the redwoods; no pets or bicycles allowed on trails.
