Muir Woods

After returning to Hwy 101, continue on to the Mill Valley exit. Circle under the freeway and follow signs for Hwy 1 north. As the two-lane road leaves the town behind and winds up through the trees, watch closely for a sharp right turn to Muir Woods. The road takes you high above open fields and down a steep ravine to the Muir Woods entrance and car park where a park volunteer gives out a map and information. Near the park entrance a cross section of a trunk of one of the stately giant coastal redwoods gives you an appreciation of the age of these great trees. Notations relate the tree’s growth rings to significant historical occurrences during the tree’s lifetime: 1066—the Battle of Hastings, 1215—the Magna Carta, 1492—the discovery of America, 1776—the Declaration of Independence. But this tree is only a baby—some date back over 2,000 years. Your brochure guides you on the walk beneath the redwoods or you can take a guided tour with one of the rangers. Allow about an hour for the park, longer if you take a long walk or just sit on one of the benches to soak in the beauty.