Gaze in awe at the majestic towering redwood trees at this National Park, less than an hour’s drive from downtown San Francisco, yet a world away.
Muir Woods is a 222-hectare redwood paradise, full of awe-inspiring trees that reach as high as 79 metres above the forest floor. Immerse yourself in nature and watch the sunlight dancing between the branches of these living giants that have survived for centuries. Some of the trees are believe to be at least 1200 years old.
Northern California’s coastal valleys were once carpeted with redwoods, but many were lost to logging. If it hadn’t been for Congressman William Kent and his wife, who bought the land and donated it to the federal government, Muir Woods would have suffered the same fate.
The park was named after naturalist John Muir, for his part in helping to establish the national park system. It was also declared a national monument by president Theodore Roosevelt in 1908.
There are 10 kilometres of walking trails of varying difficulty. Some are paved and easy to navigate, and about 2.4 kilometres is wheelchair accessible. Download a map from the National Parks website or pick one up from the Visitor Centre and take your pick. You can see the woods in about an hour if you like but this place has so much more to offer and it’s worth taking more time to explore. Its calm tranquillity among so much beauty and nature will literally feed your soul. Stop for a while and take in the sights and sounds of nature while enjoying the peace.
In this little piece of paradise, you won’t believe you’re only 27-kilometres’ drive away from downtown San Francisco. During the summer, the woods can be crowded, particularly at weekends, so if it’s serenity you’re after, the best time to visit is on a weekday, or early or late at weekends.
The park is open every day throughout the year. The shady environment tends to be cool and damp, so it’s best to bring something warm to wear. Visitor’s aren’t allowed to picnic in the woods either, but there’s a café in the park that has a selection of fresh sandwiches and healthy salads, all at reasonable prices.
