Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley

Just a short drive north of San Francisco, Muir Woods National Monument protects a pristine area of about 97 hectares (240 acres) of old-growth redwood forest. Walk among the giant trees, which are some of the tallest living things on the planet. You can choose from several trails, ranging in length and difficulty. For an easy hike through a grove of trees nearly a millennium old, take the short main trail loop. If you feel a little more adventurous, put on pair of good hiking shoes and take the 3 km (2 mi) trail to the top of "Cardiac Hill," which offers unobstructed views of San Francisco and the Pacific Ocean. To visit Muir Woods National Monument and other attractions in Mill Valley, use our Mill Valley trip planner.