Awed by the Giant Redwood Trees in San Francisco

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How a Few Extra Hours on a Business Trip Led to Viewing the Famous Giant Redwood Trees in San Francisco at Muir Woods National Park


How often can I go to San Francisco and not visit Muir Woods National Park? Apparently, plenty. At least five is my best count.

A colleague on a recent business trip informed me that these giant redwoods were nearby here in San Francisco and that we should see them if we could. Over time, I have heard plenty about these great redwood trees, but I had yet to learn they were so close to the city.

After finishing work, we headed to Muir Woods National Park, named after John Muir, a famous conservationist and naturalist. Muir was instrumental in developing the United States National Park System. As many call it, Muir Woods is where the ancient coastal redwood trees live and are protected. They are also part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

A mere 20 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge, it’s a great thing to do in San Francisco. We drove there, but there is also a shuttle during certain times of the year. Remember, you need a parking reservation when you arrive at the park. If you do not have a reservation, you must return the way you came, back up the mountain, until you have phone service to reserve your spot online. (We had plenty of dead cell service on our way to Muir Woods.)

The trees were stunning. It is tough to recognize just how big and tall these trees are until you see them in person. The most significant tree rises to roughly 258 feet tall. They are also old. The average age of the coastal redwoods at the park is 600 to 800 years old. There is one that is at least 1,200 years old! The park service says they can live up to 2,200 years old.

Muir Woods is remote and has easy walking paths, with trails meandering through the trees and over Redwood Creek. While we were there, others were also walking the trails, but it wasn’t so crowded that we could not enjoy the peacefulness and awe of the redwood trees without interruption.

If on the California coast, take a moment to visit Muir Woods National Park and these giant coastal redwood trees at Golden Gate National Recreation Area near San Francisco.

Insterested in Hawaii? Read Part 1 of our girls trip to Hawaii, check it out here, The Big Island; Two Sets Of Sisters—Cousins, Explore The Big Island, Hawaii and Part 2, The Big Island, Hawaii. A Girls Trip to Hawaii.

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