On a recent trip out West I had the opportunity to visit a special park in Northern California. Muir Woods National Monument is a “Tree Lover’s Monument” as John Muir said in the early 1900s when he bought the land. He would later donate it to the newly established National Parks System.
It is normally $7 to enter the park, but I was there on a free weekend.
Wear/bring shoes that are appropriate for slippery, muddy, wet, and potentially long uphill trails (more on that later).
We left San Francisco and arrived at Muir Woods about 25 minutes later. We arrived early and it was a good thing we did.
The limited parking lots fill up quickly. You are probably going to have to park some distance away and hike up to the park.
It’s worth it.
Pictures don’t really do the park justice and I’m not nearly a good enough writer to come close to describing the sites and sounds.
It was a little difficult to take pictures. My GS4 did not like the odd lighting of the park.
And here’s one with people for a reference to the size of some of these trees.
Now, for the helpful hints part of the post. The ocean view trail is long, narrow, muddy, rocky, steep, and a great challenge. Enter at your own risk. Don’t blame me if/when you make it to the top and realize it’s too foggy to actually see the ocean. 🙂
Exploring Texas State Parks 