Muir Woods Entrance - A Forest Saved by a Gift

A stop on Muir Woods, a free self-guided tour.

Before you walk under the trees, picture this canyon a little over a century ago. Most of the Bay Area's redwoods had already been cut, and this valley survived mostly because it was so hard to reach.

In 1905, William and Elizabeth Kent bought the canyon to protect it. When Elizabeth worried about the cost, William reportedly told her that saving the trees would be worth it even if they lost all their money. Two years later a water company moved to take the land for a reservoir on Redwood Creek. The Kents' answer was to give the forest to the nation. On January 9, 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed it a national monument, and Kent asked that it be named for the naturalist John Muir.

Long before any of that, this was the homeland of the Huimen, a Coast Miwok people. Grab a map at the visitor center, check today's ranger programs, and head for the trail.

Getting here: Arrive by reserved parking or shuttle and walk to the visitor center beside the entrance; check nps.gov for current reservation rules and shuttle schedules.

Did you know?: Muir Woods was the first national monument created from land donated by a private individual.

Photo op: Frame your group under the wooden entrance sign with the first redwoods rising behind; early morning light and fewer people make the cleanest shot.

Nearby: Restrooms, the visitor center and the Muir Woods Trading Company cafe and gift shop are at the entrance; there are no food services farther along the trail.

More on Wikipedia: Muir Woods National Monument · William Kent · Elizabeth Thacher Kent · Coast Miwok

Muir Woods Entrance - A Forest Saved by a Gift

Stops on this tour