Directions

Muir Woods is a popular tourist desination that can be challenging to access if you don't plan ahead. Please enjoy - and plan ahead for - no cell phone service in Muir Woods, with limited public WiFi available at the Visitor Center. Parking spaces are limited and visitors who drive must make a parking reservation at GoMuirWoods.com. Shuttles only run certain times of year and public buses are infrequent. Roads are steep with sharp turns that limit the size of buses permitted into the area and can be challenging for bikers.
But remember: if this area was easy to reach, it wouldn't exist! Most of the local redwood forests had been cut down by the early 1900s - but the steep mountain slopes surrounding our park delayed logging efforts here. As you journey to Muir Woods, think of all the effort taken to protect this special place.

Below, you'll find more information about taking rideshares and taxis, shuttles, public transit, charter buses, or private tours to Muir Woods.

 

Rideshares & Taxis

If you are taking a taxi or rideshare service into the park, you may hail a taxi to get out using the payphone at the visitor center, which takes cards or quarters. We discourage scheduling a rideshare pickup in advance because you will likely be unable to contact the driver in the case that they cancel or are not able to find you.

Address: 1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941

 

The Muir Woods Shuttle cruises down lower Muir Woods Road. Photo by Frank Morse NPS

Ride the Muir Woods Shuttle

Our shuttle provides seasonal service to Muir Woods National Monument from local ferry terminals. This is an alternative way to get to Muir Woods instead of driving. Shuttles are a good option for people without cars, who are uncomfortable driving narrow, twisting roads, or who are unable to make a parking reservation.
The shuttle runs from different locations throughout the year and on different days of the week. Regrettably, it does not run year-round. For more information including a shuttle schedule, cost, and to make a reservation, visit GoMuirWoods.com.
Pro tip: check out the Golden Gate Ferry schedule if you're coming from San Francisco. You may be able to take the ferry to the shuttle to the woods for a truly whimsical journey!

 

Public Transit

The closest public transportation route to Muir Woods - Marin Transit route 61 - involves a 1.3-mile hike down into the valley and then 1.3-miles back up some steep terrain at the end of your visit. It also involves checking the bus schedule to be sure a bus will arrive to pick you up at the end of your day.

Take the 61 Bolinas bus line Westbound from Sausalito or Mill Valley. Get off at the Panoramic Highway and Ridge Avenue stop, cross Panoramic Highway, and connect with the Panoramic Trail. It will take you to the Canopy View Trail, which you can take down the valley into Muir Woods for a total of ~1.3 miles walking.

You can find information on the 61 bus line including a timetable and stop locations at the MarinTransit website: https://marintransit.org/routes/61.

 

Charter Buses

For large groups, please note that no vehicles longer than 35ft are allowed to access Muir Woods according to California Highway Patrol (CHP). Only buses under 30ft may take Muir Woods Road between Panoramic Highway and the Muir Woods National Monument entrance. Buses over 30ft but smaller than 35ft are only allowed into the park via Highway 1 by taking Frank Valley Road from the west.

 

Private Tours

A number of companies offer private tours to and from Muir Woods. These often pair travel to our park with visits to other areas. Often, their stop at Muir Woods is limited. NPS staff cannot recommend specific services, individuals, or companies.
Note that only rangers may deliver tours in the forest itself and tour guides may not present information beyond the park entrance. Ranger programs occur every day and are open to the public. For a complete calendar offering of ranger programs on a given day, please look at our calendar.

 

Biking to Muir Woods

While strenuous, it is possible to bike here. The park has racks in the entry plaza for you to use with your own bike lock. As a biker, you will not need to make a reservation for parking but will pay an entry fee or use an annual pass when you arrive. We are not able to charge e-bikes.
Bikers typically take either Muir Woods Road down from Panoramic Highway or Frank Valley Road via Highway 1. These routes do not have dedicated bike lanes, so share the road and be aware of passing cars. Anticipate steep terrain and sharp turns.
No bikes are permitted on Muir Woods trails. The only biker-friendly trail in the immediate area is Deer Park Fire Road. This runs parallel to the Dipsea Trail toward Pantoll Ranger Station in Mount Tamalpais State Park.