Just a few miles north of the Bay Area is one of the top outdoor attractions not just in Northern California, but in the country. In our articles here at Only In Northern California, we often focus on the hidden gems and the lesser known areas of our state. However, credit should definitely be given to the one place in our region that attracts thousands upon thousands of tourists all year long. If you haven't seen the breathtaking Muir Woods National Monument yet...well, you better get on it!
Muir Woods National Monument is one of the most epic landscapes in the state. Situated within a canyon, the park features 1,000-year old redwoods towering up to 260 feet tall. It's one of Northern California's top outdoor attractions which brings hundreds of visitors a day, and yet the forest's atmosphere is incredibly serene.
Redwoods are a uniquely iconic feature of Northern California, and therefore Muir Woods is the pinnacle of the beauty that our region has to offer. This stunning park is truly the crown jewel of the state, and a must-visit for any Californian.
The monument was initially established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt. It was aptly named after John Muir, the famed naturalist who advocated strongly for the preservation of our country's pristine wilderness areas.
The park contains six miles of hiking trails which boast views of the tallest living trees on earth—old-growth coast redwoods. Strolling through the park, you can't help but notice the extreme sense of peacefulness. Despite being one of the most popular parks in the country, you feel as if there's something almost spiritual about this place.
You could (and will) spend hours exploring the forest. Many of the trails within the monument actually connect to Mount Tamalpais State Park trails. It's easy to get lost, but being lost in a place like this really doesn't seem all that bad (do bring a map with you, though).
The monument even offers guided ranger-led tours of the park. The"Climate Intensive" guided program is a 90-minute tour where visitors learn all about redwood forest climate and current threats to the forest. The program is great for engaging with the importance of incredible natural areas like this one.
Biking, camping, horseback riding, and pets aren't allowed in the park. If you've visited Muir Woods, you know it's not your typical park. When visiting the monument it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of natural beauty.
You never know what you'll come across while examining every nook and cranny of this breathtaking wonder. It's truly like being transported to a different world.
If you've been lucky enough to see this awe-inspiring monument in person then you'll probably agree that this place absolutely must be experienced by everyone at least once in their lifetime. The monument is simply too incredible for words. Go see it.
Keep in mind that due to the park's popularity, parking often fills up quickly. Get there early, or consider taking a shuttle. For more information about the park's current conditions, you can visit their website here.
What's your favorite outdoor attraction in Northern California? Check out our list of the 15 Best Natural Attractions In Northern California and see how many you've been to!
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