Bucket list experience:
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)
Part of California’s 82,116 acre Golden Gate National Recreation Area (which also includes Alcatraz and San Francisco’s Presidio), 558-acre Muir Woods is a forest of towering old-growth Redwood trees, some more than 150 years old.
Named after John Muir, ‘Father of the National Parks’, this Endor-like landscape became the country’s 10th national monument in 1908, and the first one to be created solely from land donated by an individual – in this case congressman William Kent.
Here you can stroll among giants in the forest’s Cathedral and Bohemian groves, where you can actually reach out and touch some of these ancient behemoths.
Outstanding walking trails and hiking paths wind through the forest. Trails range from an easy 0.8-mile Main Trail that follows along the park’s Redwood Creek (stroller and wheelchair accessible), to the Dipsea Trail, a strenuous 16.1 km out-and-back hike that climbs through redwood forest and offers sweeping views of the Pacific before descending onto its shores at Stinson Beach.
There’s plenty of wildlife too. Look out for black-tailed deer, bobcats and banana slugs.
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Destination Guide >It’s located on a remote section of Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County, just north of San Francisco.
Many come by bicycle (though the roads are steep, narrow and winding and for serious cyclists only) or via car, a scenic 27km drive from the city. The latter requires an advanced parking reservation.
Another option is to access the monument via shuttle. Round-trip shuttles depart from Larkspur Landing in Marin County’s Larkspur on weekends as well as downtown Sausalito daily. Reservations for a specific departure time are required with each.
Maps of Muir Woods and its hiking trails are available to download on its National Park Service website, or you can also pick one up at the visitor centre. The centre also has informative displays and exhibits about old-growth coastal redwoods – worth a look before exploring.
There’s a small café at the entrance selling sandwiches and drinks.
Muir Woods is open all year round, seven days a week. Midweek, early mornings and late afternoons tend to be less crowded overall.
To get away from the crowds, access one of the longer hiking trails like the Dipsea or the Ben Johnson trail and start climbing. You’ll find relative solitude in no time.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[10.3 miles]
Well-rounded resort spectacularly set at the Golden Gate Bridge’s base, across the Bay from San Francisco – ideal for a quieter visit away from the crowds.
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An exquisite right three-story boutique property in the heart of the beautiful Presidio Park, next to the Golden Gate Bridge.
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East meets West at this Japantown Hotel that offers a different view of San Francisco: one more neighbourhood-oriented than touristy. Expect clean lines and cosy aesthetics, as well as free internet.
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San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[18.1 miles]
The city’s iconic grand dame hotel, perched enviably atop Nob Hill, with easy access to cable cars, Union Square, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
California, United States of America (USA)
Beautiful bayside city with home-grown authenticity, charmingly unique neighbourhoods and excellent locally-driven food.
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