This post contains logistics, prices, and everything you need to know about the Muir Woods shuttle reservation system.
- Why Visit?
- Plan Your Visit
- How to Take The Shuttle
- Alternatives and Tours
- Camping in Muir Woods
- Tips From Locals and Travelers
WHY VISIT MUIR WOODS
The Muir Woods National Monument is just a short scenic drive north of San Francisco in Marin County, California.
The Muir Woods is famous for its beautiful coast redwood trees, which can reach a staggering height of more than 300 feet (92 meters) and live for over 1,000 years!
The tallest tree in Muir Woods is 258 feet (79 meters) tall and an astonishing 1,200 years old. Sure enough, these are among the tallest living things in the entire world!
There are 6 miles (10 km) of trails throughout Muir Woods National Monument, allowing visitors to choose from several hiking routes.
If you are torn between Muir Woods or Redwood National Forest, consider the following:
Both feature old-growth coastal redwood forests full of massive, ancient 1,000-year-old trees (Sequoia sempervirens).
However, Muir Woods is much closer to San Francisco at just a 40-minute drive. If time is a factor, then Muir Woods is for you.
Redwood National Forest is more than 300 miles north of San Francisco, but is much larger and has fewer visitors. If you want a true escape, Redwoods National Forest is a better choice.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
This section gives you on your reservation and how to plan your day.
Entry Fees
There is a $15 entrance fee to Muir Woods for those 16 and older. Those under 16 years old are free.
This fee is in addition to what you will pay if you take the shuttle or what you will pay for parking.
On these days admission is free:
January 15, 2024 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
April 20, 2024 - Start of National Park Week
June 19, 2024 - Juneteenth
August 04, 2024 - Great American Outdoors Day
September 28, 2024 - National Public Lands Day
November 11, 2024 - Veterans Day
TIP: Admission to Muir Woods is free for all US Veterans and Gold Star Families. Fourth Graders can also visit for free!
Park Open Hours
Muir Woods is open 365 days a year from 8:00 am until approximately sunset (time varies by season)
The only exceptions are for emergency closures, including weather, air quality, power outages, and other safety risks.
every day from 8 am to 5 pm (or 8 pm per the time of year). In every season, it closes at sunset.
For the most up-to-date information, check the National Park Service website.
What is the best time to visit?
The best time to go to Muir Woods is early in the morning or late in the afternoon on weekdays.
As for the time of year, May to October is good. Read more about the weather in Muir Woods.
June, July, and August see the most visitors, so be prepared for afternoon crowds.
Pets
Unfortunately, pets are not permitted in Muir Woods. Service dogs are permitted.
Hiking
There are dozens of trails throughout Muir Woods National Park, and while all of them are great, some are better and more noteworthy than others.
Depending on which trail you choose, you can expect to see sites such as Cathedral Grove, Bohemian Grove, Muir Beach Overlook, and more.
If you're trying to figure out which path to take once you get to the park, read our post, The 8 Best Muir Woods Hiking Trails.
Visitors Center
The Muir Woods Visitor Center is located at the entrance to the park and is open from 8 am to 30 minutes before the park closes.
Here you can find maps of the area, brochures for tours and other activities, weather information, trail conditions, and more.
Before you discredit the idea of grabbing a map, keep in mind that there is no cell service in Muir Woods, so it might be a good idea to get one!
There's a cafe and gift shop nearby, allowing you to grab something to eat before entering the park.
Must I make a reservation to go to Muir Woods?
If you take the Shuttle, you will need to reserve a spot. We go over this below.
If you drive, you will need to reserve a parking spot. Read more about Muir Woods Parking Reservations.
If you arrive by foot, bicycle, or tour bus, you do not need to make a reservation.
Tip: During the summer travel season shuttle tickets and parking reservations can sell out many days in advance. Make your reservations as soon as you know your travel dates.
Can you take an Uber to Muir Woods?
It is possible to take an Uber to Muir Woods, but it can be expensive (about $50 to $80 one-way from San Francisco) and hard to find a ride back.
We recommend a tour bus or other transport instead.
How long will the whole trip take?
Muir Woods is only 16 miles from the center of San Francisco proper and the Muir Woods shuttle takes approximately 30-40 minutes from the drop-off locations to get to the park entrance.
Most park guests spend 1 - 2 hours exploring and walking the trails. If you enjoy browsing gift shops, tack on another 30 minutes.
Keep in mind - during busy summer months, there may be a wait to get on a return Muir Woods shuttle.
In total, it might take 4 - 5 hours to leave San Francisco proper, enjoy your time at Muir Woods, and return to San Francisco.
HOW TO TAKE THE SHUTTLE
The Muir Woods shuttle is a seasonal service that takes visitors from several off-site locations to the Muir Woods National Monument.
It’s the easiest way to get to the park outside of driving your car or taking a guided tour.
Tickets
The round-trip fare for adults is just $3.75 and free for children aged 15 and under. All riders must reserve a spot.
There is NO cell phone service or WiFi at or around Muir Woods National Monument. Download your shuttle ticket in advance.
Tip: You must reserve your shuttle ticket in advance. You cannot purchase tickets onsite.
Note that you will still need to purchase the park entry fee.
The park entry fee is $15 per adult (16 years and older) and free for children (15 years and younger).
With the shuttle ride and park entry fee, your total cost is $18.75 for an adult (16 years and older).
Is the shuttle ADA or wheelchair accessible?
Yes. All shuttles can accommodate wheelchairs through lifts or ramps.
Additionally, service dogs are allowed on the shuttle and within Muir Woods itself. No other dogs or pets are allowed on the premises.
Where are the Muir Woods shuttle stops?
There is no direct Muir Woods shuttle from San Francisco but the two shuttle pick-up and drop-off locations are easy to reach.
Larkspur Landing
101 E Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Larkspur, CA 94939
Ticket reservations for this shuttle stop are made for your exact departure time. See below for shuttle schedules.
Arrive 15 minutes early or more.
Free parking is available. Reservations are not needed.
Public Transport:
- Marin Transit: Route 17, Route 29, Route 228
- Larkspur Ferry
- SMART
Sausalito Ferry Terminal
Bay & Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965
Ticket reservations for this shuttle stop are made for your exact departure time. See below for shuttle schedules.
Arrive 15 minutes early or more.
Parking is not available.
Public Transport:
- Sausalito Ferry from San Francisco Proper: Golden Gate Ferry, Blue & Gold Fleet
- Marin Transit: Route 17, Route 61
- Golden Gate Transit: Route 30
If you want to spend time in Sausalito before or after your visit to Muir Woods, see our Guide to Visiting Sausalito.
When Does the Shuttle Run?
Shuttle to Muir Woods
The shuttle from Larkspur Landing runs on weekends and holidays from early spring through October.
Additionally, the Sausalito Ferry Terminal shuttle runs on select summer weekdays.
The first shuttle departure from Larkspur Landing is 8:00 am and from Sausalito at 8:30 am.
The last shuttle departure time varies by season but may be as late as 4 pm. Check the reservation schedule for availability.
Shuttle departure frequency is every 15 minutes to 45 minutes.
Return shuttles
You do not have to choose a time in advance. But the last buses of the day from Muir Woods fill up early so get on the line way before the departure time or you will be stuck there.
The return shuttle runs at different frequencies depending on the time of year. A detailed schedule can be found on the Marin Transit website for the Route 66 and Route 66F buses.
Making Shuttle Reservations
Reservations for the shuttle or car parking can be made up to 90 days in advance on a rolling basis through the official Muir Woods website or by calling 1-800-410-2419.
Tickets are automatically made available at 9:00 am Pacific Time.
The reservation system accommodates advance and day-of reservations (dependent on availability).
While the system does allow for same-day reservations, demand is high, so we recommend you book as far in advance as possible.
If you are making last-minute plans and want to try your luck, Muir Woods does hold a small number of reservations to be released five (5) days in advance.
All shuttle passes are electronic and will be checked before entering the shuttle.
If you reserve your spot online you will get an email confirmation.
If you reserve your spot over the phone you will receive a confirmation number and can give your email address to receive the pass. You may bring a printed copy with you on the day of.
If shuttle tickets for your chosen day are sold out, you can join an inclusive tour and let the tour company handle all the travel logistics.
ALTERNATIVES AND TOURS
There are several ways to get to Muir Woods without using their shuttle service.
You can travel via public bus routes, inclusive tours, and with your car.
Since there are no bike paths on the winding road up to the Muir Woods entrance, we suggest you do not walk or ride a bicycle.
Public Bus
As the Muir Woods shuttle only operates seasonally, guests who hope to visit the forest via public transportation might find the trip to be rather long and confusing during the winter months.
The trip takes roughly 2 hours on public transportation from downtown San Francisco to Muir Woods National Monument.
Click here to see precise routes and timetables.
By Car
1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941
Driving to Muir Woods National Monument will give you the most freedom to take your time on the trails.
If you drive, you must make a parking reservation in advance.
It is a 40-minute drive to Muir Woods from San Francisco but heavy traffic can significantly add to your travel time.
Reservations for vehicles up to 17 feet are $9.50 and can be purchased up to 90 days before your travel date.
Read more about Muir Woods Parking Reservations.
Google Maps.
GUIDED TOURS OF MUIR WOODS
Each of the following companies offers tours to Muir Woods.
San Francisco Skyline Sightseeing, Gray Line, and Tower Tours lead combination tours that include tours of Sausalito, Sonoma, and/or highlights of San Francisco.
Most tour companies spend between 1.5 to 2 hours in the forest.
As noted below, some companies (such as Skyline Sightseeing and Gray Line) are more transportation services rather than tours, as there is limited guided commentary off of the coach.
Prices range from $50 to over $100 per adult, depending on what other activities are combined with the trip to Muir Woods.
Skyline Sightseeing Tours (formerly City Sightseeing)
Skyline Sightseeing Tours are classic hop-off-hop-on bus tours that take visitors to several different tourist destinations.
They offer several options that include Muir Woods, including the option to add-on a return ferry to San Francisco (Pier 41), for those who want to spend more time in Sausalito then is included in the tour.
While on the ferry, you'll pass by Alcatraz Island and get a chance to see this historic site from afar. You'll also enjoy excellent views of the waterfront around Fisherman's Wharf!
This outfit offers complimentary hotel pickup.
Tours to Muir Woods National Monument with Skyline Sightseeing receive generally positive reviews, with many guests praising the ease of transportation.
Some guests found the tour pick-up/drop-off schedule to be somewhat restrictive, however, this is a common complaint among all organized tours to Muir Woods.
Overall, visitors who traveled with Skyline Sightseeing found the experience very enjoyable and straightforward.
Muir Woods and Sausalito (with optional Ferry back to San Francisco)
- Standard Ticket (without ferry): $82 Adults / $58 Children
- Departs daily at 9 am and 1 pm from San Francisco with multiple departures from Sausalito daily
- Duration: 4-6 hours
- More info and to book.
Muir Woods and 1 Day City Hop-on-Hop-Off Ticket
- Standard Ticket (without ferry): $129.99 Adults / $84.99 Children
- Departs daily at 9 am and 1 pm from San Francisco with multiple departures from Sausalito daily
- Duration: 4-6 hours
- More info and to book.
Muir Woods and Wine Country Tour
This is a 9-hour tour that combines some of Sonoma's best wineries with a stop at Muir Woods. It operates daily at 9 am year-round.
Be sure to read our post on Sonoma and Napa Valley wine tours.
- $159.99 - Adult
- $115.99 - Child
- More info and to purchase.
Read more about their hop-on-hop-off city, and Alcatraz tours.
Dylan's Tours
Dylan’s Tours offer intimate, guided bus tours of San Francisco and the surrounding area, including some trips that will take you to the Muir Woods.
Their main service is a combo tour which includes both Dylan’s Famous Tour and a trip to Muir Woods.
During their San Francisco tour, you’ll visit sites such as Haight-Ashbury, Pacific Heights, and North Beach.
In addition to those options, this company also offers combo packages which include bike rides, a trip to Alcatraz, and more.
Dylan’s Tours is perhaps most well-known for its small group sizes and knowledgeable guides.
Their fleet of mini-buses allows for a more intimate experience than most of the other tour companies included on this list.
Reviews
A vast majority of guests give this tour company a full 5 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor. Dylan’s Tours is reported to be very well organized and always on time.
Guides are also complimented for their impressive knowledge and likability.
In fact, some guests liken the experience to a close friend driving them around for the day. Negative reviews are rare and usually the result of extenuating circumstances.
San Francisco, Muir Woods, and Alcatraz Tour
- $175 – Adults | $119 – Children
- Departs daily at 8:30 am
- Duration: 8 hours
- Purchase tickets or learn more.
San Francisco, Sausalito, and Muir Woods Tour
- $129 – Adults | $69 – Children
- Departs daily at 8:30 am
- Duration: 7 hours
- Purchase tickets or learn more.
Golden Gate Bridge Bike Ride + Muir Woods Tour
- $105 per person
- Departs daily at 8:15 am
- Duration: 6 hours
- Not currently available as of December 2022.
Gray Line Tours
There are 3 different tours to Muir Woods National Monument offered by Gray Line Tours:
- (1) Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour
- (2) San Francisco City Tour & Muir Woods
- (3) Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Bay Cruise.
As each of these tours to Muir Woods includes a visit to a second location, time is inevitably limited at each stop.
You can expect the tour of San Francisco to include several stops in the Fisherman's Wharf area, Chinatown, and beyond!
The seaside town of Sausalito is a great place to visit if you want to find some of the best boutiques, cafes, and restaurants in the Bay Area.
All tours include admission to Muir Woods and hotel pick-up/drop-off during the morning tour.
Reviews
The Gray Line Tour reviews are very positive, as many compliment the quality of the guides and the ease of transportation.
Some guests complain about the confusion regarding the hotel pick-up location, so be sure to check your confirmation email ahead of time.
Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour
This tour brings guests to Muir Woods for 75 minutes and then to Sausalito for another hour.
Guests can choose to extend their stay and pay for their own ferry ride back if they wish. (4-hour tour).
This ticket includes the $10 adult admission fee to the park, so as it stands, it's a better value than Skyline Sightseeing's similar tour.
- Without Ferry Ticket: $89 Adult | $69 Child (5-11) | Free for under 5
- With Ferry Ticket: $105 Adult | $79 Child (5-11) | Free for under 5
- Departs daily at various times (4-hour tour)
- More info or to book.
San Francisco City Tour & Muir Woods
This tour spends a large majority of the tour in the city in neighborhoods such as Fisherman's Wharf rather than in Muir Woods.
In some instances, guests who chose to depart in the late afternoon were not able to visit the Muir Woods because of its early seasonal closure.
- $139 - Adult | $96 Child (5-11) | Free for under 5
- Departs daily at 8:40 am
- Duration: 8 hours
- More info or to book.
Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Bay Cruise
Finally, guests may take the Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Bay Cruise, which allows visitors to enjoy three sceneries: the woods, the water, and the quaint city of Sausalito.
- $110 Adult | $80 Child (5-11) | Free for under 5
- Departs daily at various times (5.5-hour tour)
- More info or to book.
Tower Tours
In addition to their many other tours, Tower Tours also offers a tour of Muir Woods, which departs 3x daily and can be combined with other attractions:
- (1) Muir Woods Tour
- (2) Muir Woods Tour + Sausalito Ferry
- (3) Muir Woods Tours + Aquarium of the Bay
- (4) and Muir Woods Tour + Golden Gate Bay Cruise.
Like the CitySightseeing tour to Muir Woods, this tour is more of a transportation service than a guided tour.
Guests are allowed "up to 1.5 hours" in the forest, though traffic may affect the allotted time.
They too offer complimentary hotel pick-up from most hotels.
Reviews
The Muir Woods Tour by Tower Tours is a highly-rated tour with excellent reviews.
Though this company maintains a 4-star rating on TripAdvisor, most of the reviews for their Muir Woods Tour are 5 stars.
Muir Woods Tour
- $85 - Adults | $55 - Child
- Departs daily at 9 am
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- More info and to book.
Muir Woods Tours + Aquarium of the Bay
- $119 - Adults | $79 - Child
- Departs daily at 9 am
- Duration: 5 hours
- More info and to book.
Muir Woods Tour + Golden Gate Bay Cruise
- $125 - Adults | $85 - Child
- Departs daily at 9 am
- Duration: 5 hours
- More info and to book.
Muir Woods Tour + Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
- $145 - Adults | $105 - Child
- Departs daily at 9 am
- Duration: 6 hours
- More info and to book.
Muir Woods Tour + Sausalito + Wine Country
- $175 - Adults | $105 - Child
- Departs daily at 9 am
- More info and to book.
Extranomical Tours
Extranomical has perhaps the largest selection of tours of any bus company in the San Francisco Bay Area.
They offer several trips to Muir Woods, most of which are combined with other tourist destinations such as Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, and Sausalito.
Guests are allowed up to 2 hours to explore Muir Woods on their own, during which time they can also buy lunch or hike a particular trail.
Their tours include free pick-up and drop-off at almost any hotel in San Francisco, making the door-to-door service very convenient.
Reviews
With a 4 ½ star rating on TripAdvisor and a 4-star rating on Yelp, it’s safe to say that most guests of Extranomical Tours have a great time.
Most of the negative reviews seem to be centered around scheduling conflicts, but sometimes it’s impossible to foresee issues such as these.
If the only issues with this service are a few random, unforeseen problems with their schedule, that’s a pretty good sign.
Almost every other similar service has received complaints about the bus either being late or broken, so it’s worth noting that Extranomical does not appear to have these problems.
Muir Woods Expedition
- $89 - Adult | $65 - Child (11 and under)
- 4 hours
- Departing daily @8:15 am and 1:20 pm
- More info and to book.
Muir Woods Expedition & San Francisco Ferry
- $104 - Adult | $79 - Child (11 and under)
- 8 hours
- Departing daily @9:30 and 1:20 pm.
- More info and to book.
Muir Woods and Wine Country (Sonoma and Napa Valley)
- $169 - Adult | $122 - Child (10 and under)
- Visit Muir Woods and 3 wineries.
- 8 hours
- Departing daily @8 am.
- More info and to book.
Tom Martell's Famous Muir Woods Tours
Tom Martell's Famous Muir Woods Tours is a small company owned and run by Tom Martell, a naturist and experienced Muir Woods guide.
Tom's tours are fully escorted and aim to inform guests about the flora and fauna of the area, the Redwoods themselves, Indian customs, park and local history, and folklore.
Tom promises that he is "here to give you a glimpse into the life of the forest, not to steer you to the gift shop or hurry you along."
The tour covers 2-4 miles and includes water, snacks, fruit juice, and complimentary pick-up at your San Francisco hotel and drop-off at the Sausalito Ferry.
NOTE: Tom is currently running private tours only.
HOW TO SAVE ON TOURS
GoCity San Francisco Pass
This company sells 2 different money-saving tourist attraction passes that sometimes include tours to Muir Woods:
The All-Inclusive Pass is valid for a 7-day period during which guests are allowed to visit all attractions included on their list.
The Explorer Pass allows you to pick the specific activities you want rather than paying one flat price for everything.
The latter option is more expensive but does give guests access to many more sites.
NOTE: As of December 2022, these passes no longer include a trip to Muir Woods, but that may change in the near future.
Groupon, Living Social, and GoldStar
There are several other websites such as Groupon and LivingSocial, that periodically offer discounted tours to Muir Woods.
These companies update their deals regularly, so be sure to check each website to learn more about what special discounts are on offer.
CAMPING IN MUIR WOODS
Camping within the boundaries of Muir Woods National Park is not allowed, but there are two nearby camping locations.
Bootjack Campground
Bootjack Campground is located on the north side of Mount Tamalpais, just a short drive from Muir Woods.
The fee for a campsite is $25. These campgrounds are first-come first-serve, and they don’t accept reservations. As such, you might want to consider arriving early.
The campground is open year-round, but it can get crowded during the summer months.
The campground features 49 sites, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Each site has a picnic table, a fire pit, and a grill.
There are restrooms and drinking water available, but there are no showers.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding in the nearby Mount Tamalpais State Park.
Good to know: Dogs are permitted on all trails past the Bootjack campground. Just keep in mind you won’t be able to take your dog into Muir Woods.
Steep Ravine Campground (Mount Tamalpais)
Steep Ravine Campground is located on the east side of Muir Woods, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
It is a secluded camping spot that offers stunning views of the coast. The campground features 9 sites
The fee for a campsite is $25. They also have cabins for $100 per night.
Reservations are required. Call (800) 444-PARK (7275) for more details.
Each site has a picnic table, a fire ring, and a food locker.
There are no showers or flush toilets, but there are vault toilets and drinking water available.
The campground is open year-round, but it can be challenging to reach during the rainy season.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and beachcombing in the nearby Mount Tamalpais State Park and Stinson Beach.
Good to know:
Dogs aren’t allowed on the Steep Ravine trail, so if you’re planning to visit with your pup, it will be important to consider staying at Bootjack Campground instead.
Tips for Camping Near Muir Woods
If you plan to go camping near Muir Woods, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Make reservations early. Steep Ravine Campground is very popular and fills up quickly, so it's essential to book your site in advance.
- Bring warm clothing. The temperature can drop significantly at night, even during the summer months.
- Store your food properly. There are bears and other wildlife in the park, so it's crucial to store your food in a secure food locker.
- Leave no trace. Muir Woods is a protected natural area, so it's important to pack out everything you pack in and leave no trace of your visit.
- If you are coming by RV, camping in the lower Pantoll parking lot between the hours of 6 pm - 9 am.
