Name: Hillside Loop
Rating: 4.7

“Enjoy a loop around the world’s most visited redwood park under towering old growth Coastal Redwoods”

— Phil DiGirolamo

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

Visiting Muir Woods National Monument is on most every list for visitors of the San Francisco Bay Area. As iconic as the Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods is an incredible assemblage of old growth Coastal Redwood trees, which have become increasingly rare. This incredible monument is so close to such a large urban area that you won't want to miss it! Go early, parking fills up fast!

Description

From the visitors center, head out on the Redwood Creek Trail. This route along the valley floor is flat and mostly on a boardwalk, which makes the stroll through the Old Growth Stand easy on the legs. The ease of travel enables visitors to take their time gazing up into the incredible canopy of the Redwoods.

The most scenic section of the monument is located beyond Bridge 3. The Redwoods are at their densest here, and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy these incredible giants. Continue on up beyond Bridge 4 over towards the Hillside Trail to loop back. This is a small climb that gives one a bird's eye view into the branches of a redwood tree and down onto the valley floor.