Muir Woods Entrance Fee & Reservations: 2026 Guide
Current entrance fees, parking reservation costs, and the rules you need to know before visiting Muir Woods National Monument in 2026.
Muir Woods Entrance Fee
Muir Woods National Monument charges an entrance fee for all visitors ages 16 and older. Children 15 and under enter free. The entrance fee helps fund trail maintenance, visitor services, and habitat restoration within the monument.
- Individual (16+)$15
- Children (15 and under)Free
- Muir Woods Annual Pass (U.S. residents only)$45
- America the Beautiful Pass (2,000+ federal sites; holder + 3 adults)$80
The entrance fee is collected at the park entrance. If you book a guided shuttle tour, your entrance fee is typically included in the tour price.
Do You Need a Reservation?
Yes. Muir Woods requires advance reservations for both personal vehicle parking and shuttle access. Walk-in entry without a reservation is not guaranteed, and the parking lot is small with very limited spots.
Reservations cap daily visitor numbers and reduce traffic congestion on the narrow road in.
How to Make a Parking Reservation
Parking reservations can be made through GoMuirWoods.com or by calling 1-800-410-2419.
- Standard (under 17 ft)$10
- Medium (17–22 ft)$30
- Large (22–35 ft)$45
- Electric Vehicle (with charging)$13
Reservations open 90 days in advance. Standard, accessible, and EV reservations include a 30-minute arrival window; medium and large reservations are limited to a 1-hour-45-minute total stay. Weekend and holiday slots sell out quickly, often within days of opening, while weekday mornings tend to have the most availability.
For complete parking details and tips, see our Muir Woods Parking Guide.
Alternatives If Parking Is Sold Out
Can’t get a parking reservation? You still have options:
- Book a guided tour from San Francisco. Small group van tours include park admission, a Sausalito stop, and a local guide. See our Muir Woods tours guide.
- Take the Marin Transit shuttle. $4 round trip; kids 15 and under free. Reserve with your park entry at gomuirwoods.com. See our shuttle guide for the current schedule.
- Rideshare drop-off. Uber and Lyft can drop you off, but coordinating pickup is difficult due to limited cell service in the canyon. Arrange a return time with your driver before they leave.
When to Visit for the Best Experience
Your entrance fee gets you the same redwood forest year-round, but timing matters for crowds.
- Best months for fewer crowds: November through February
- Best days: Weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday
- Best time of day: Early morning (park opening) or late afternoon (after 3 p.m.)
- Busiest times: Weekend afternoons from May through October
For a detailed seasonal breakdown, see our Best Time to Visit Muir Woods: 2026 Seasonal Guide.
What Your Entrance Fee Supports
Your $15 entrance fee directly supports Muir Woods National Monument by funding trail maintenance and boardwalk repairs, habitat restoration for salmon spawning in Redwood Creek, ranger-led programs and educational initiatives, visitor center operations, and protection of old-growth coast redwood trees (some over 1,000 years old).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my National Parks Pass at Muir Woods?
Yes. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers the entrance fee at Muir Woods and 2,000+ other federal recreation sites. The pass covers the holder plus three accompanying adults (kids 15 and under are already free). You will still need a parking reservation if driving.
Is the entrance fee per person or per vehicle?
The entrance fee is per person (ages 16+). The parking reservation fee is per vehicle and is separate from the entrance fee.
Do shuttle tour passengers need a parking reservation?
No. If you arrive by shuttle tour, your tour operator handles park access. The entrance fee is typically included in your tour price.
Can I pay the entrance fee with cash?
Check current payment policies at the park entrance. Credit and debit cards are generally accepted.
What if I arrive without a reservation?
Entry is not guaranteed without a reservation, especially during peak times. If the parking lot is full, you may be turned away. Plan ahead or book a guided tour as a reliable alternative.
How far in advance should I book a parking reservation?
As early as possible. Reservations open 90 days in advance. Weekend and holiday slots during peak season (May through October) often sell out within days of becoming available. Weekday mornings are easiest to book.
Can I bring my dog to Muir Woods?
No. Pets are not allowed anywhere in Muir Woods National Monument, including on trails, in buildings, and in parking areas. Service animals are permitted. See our Pet Policy page for details.
Is Muir Woods wheelchair accessible?
About 1.5 miles of the main boardwalk trail is paved, flat, and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, extending past Cathedral Grove. Upper canyon trails are not accessible. See our Accessibility Guide for details.
How long does a typical visit take?
Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours at Muir Woods. The paved loop to Cathedral Grove and back takes 30 minutes to 1 hour at a normal pace. Longer hikes into the upper trails can take 2 to 4 hours. See our Trail Map & Hiking Guides for trail options.
Is there food available at Muir Woods?
The Muir Woods Trading Company Cafe and gift shop near the visitor center sells snacks, drinks, and light fare. There are no restaurants in the park. Pack a lunch if you plan a longer hike. For nearby dining options, see our Eating & Sleeping guide.
Is there cell phone service at Muir Woods?
No. There is no reliable cell phone service or Wi-Fi at Muir Woods. Download your parking pass, maps, and any directions before you arrive.
What should I wear to Muir Woods?
Dress in layers and bring a jacket even on warm days. The forest floor sits 5 to 15°F cooler than San Francisco year-round thanks to deep shade and marine fog. Closed-toe walking shoes are important — trails have exposed roots and can be damp and slippery. October through April, pack a waterproof shell. For a full month-by-month packing breakdown, see our Muir Woods weather and what-to-wear guide.
Can I take photos in Muir Woods?
Yes. Personal photography is welcome throughout the park. Tripods are allowed on trails as long as they don’t block other visitors. Drones are prohibited anywhere in the National Park System. Commercial photography or filming requires a special-use permit from NPS. See our Photography Guide for tips.
Are there restrooms at Muir Woods?
Yes. Restrooms are located near the visitor center at the park entrance and at Camp Alice Eastwood (reached via Camp Eastwood Road off the Dipsea Trail). There are no other restroom facilities within the park.
Is Muir Woods good for kids?
Yes. The flat, paved main trail is stroller-friendly and kids are drawn to the old-growth redwoods. The Junior Ranger program gives children activity booklets to complete during their visit. See our guide to visiting Muir Woods with kids.
What is the best way to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco?
You can drive (with a parking reservation), take a guided shuttle tour, or use rideshare. Driving takes about 30 to 45 minutes from downtown SF via Highway 101 and Highway 1. A guided tour is the easiest option because it handles parking and admission. See our Directions & Transportation page.