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HikingGuy · Nov 9, 2023

Muir Woods Main Trail Guide

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Cris Hazzard · HikingGuy

Muir Woods

Reviewed August 2026

The Main Loop Trail at Muir Woods National Monument is a must-visit for just about anyone and everyone. This iconic trail meanders through the heart of the ancient redwood forest, providing an awe-inspiring experience of towering trees that have stood for centuries. The Main Loop Trail offers a manageable and family-friendly hiking experience, with multiple distance options and a stroller and wheelchair friendly trail.

Distance
2 mi

Difficulty
Easy

Total Climbing
140 ft

Time
1–2 hrs

Gear Fitness clothes or light hiking gear is fine here. Bring a minimum of 0.5L of water. You can see all the gear I use on a hike like this here.

In This Guide

Video

Muir Woods National Monument Must-Do Hikes

Trailhead

Muir Woods Map
Although Muir Woods National Monument is only 12 miles away from downtown San Francisco, getting there can be a challenge.

Muir Woods is not an easy place to visit.

  • The roads there can be windy and narrow.

  • There is limited parking, and you must get a timed parking permit to use the lots.

  • Public transportation is limited.

  • Private tours can be arranged, but you don’t have a lot of flexibility.

If you have a car, I’d recommend first visiting the parking and public transportation website at GoMuirWoods.com. Try to get a permit as early as possible. They also have information on the shuttle that runs from the ferry terminal with a limited schedule.

Your other option is to ride-share there, and then taxi back. The problem is that there is no cellular service at the park. But you’ll find a payphone at the visitor center (bring coins). I’d write down the number of a taxi company, or even try to book one before-hand.

Muir Woods Park Entrance
In addition to the parking or transportation costs, there’s also an entry fee for Muir Woods. I recommend the America the Beautiful Pass which gets you into any park or federal land.

Maps

Muir Woods Main Trail Path
The first half of this hike is all on boardwalk or hard-packed surfaces, making it ideal for wheelchairs and strollers.

Directions

Muir Woods Main Trail Directions 01
Start the hike by going through the iconic Muir Woods sign.
Muir Woods Main Trail Directions 02
At the first big intersection, go straight.
Muir Woods Main Trail Directions 03
And right after that, hike past the tree cross-section.
Muir Woods Main Trail Directions 04
Go straight, passing the Canopy View Trail on the right.
Muir Woods Main Trail Directions 05
For the full hike, keep going past Bridge 2 (on left).

Info

If you want to do a ½ hour, ½ mile hike, cross Bridge 2 and simply return.

Muir Woods Main Trail Directions 07
Keep hiking straight past Bridge 3.

Info

If you want to do a 1 mile hike, cross Bridge 3 and return.

Muir Woods Main Trail Directions 08
Keep straight past the Fern Creek Trail junction.
Muir Woods Main Trail Directions 09
Then pass the Camp Eastwood Trail junction.
Muir Woods Main Trail Directions 10
When the main trail ends and the rugged Bootjack Trail begins, make the left and cross Bridge 4.
Muir Woods Main Trail Directions 11
Cross Bridge 4 and hike up the stairs.

Info

If you are in a wheelchair or have a stroller, simply backtrack from here to Bridge 3, cross over, and return to the start.

Muir Woods Main Trail Directions 12
After walking up the stairs, make the left onto the Hillside Trail.
Muir Woods Main Trail Directions 13
Follow the Hillside Trail back toward Bridge 2.
Muir Woods Main Trail Directions 14
When the Hillside Trail ends at Bridge 2, simply make the right turn and hike the short distance back to the start.

Next Steps

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