Giant redwoods at Muir Woods [hiking]

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.