Stats

8.61 Miles

1,594 ascent

1,644 descent

To park at the Bootjack Parking Lot it costs $8 and they only take cash, so come prepared.

*clicking the map of the hike will take you to my Garmin Page where you can find an interactive map. Garmin users can also download the course to their GPS devices.  

Hike Details

Getting permits into Muir Woods can be hard, but if you want to work for it, there's a much better way to visit the National Monument.

To do this loop into Muir Woods National Monument, first drive to the Bootjack Parking Area in Mt. Tamalpais State Park.  The Bootjack Parking Area should be found easily in any Google Maps or Apple Maps search.  Please note, the Bootjack Parking area has an $8 Day Use Fee for parking.

Immediately across the street from the parking area, you'll see signs for the Bootjack Trail.  Take this trail for about one-tenth of a mile until you reach a junction.  Follow the signs towards Muir Woods and Van Wyck Meadow.  After another two-tenths of a mile, you'll reach Van Wyck Meadow.  From here turn onto the T.C.C Trail and take it for about 0.8 miles.  After meandering along the top of the canyon, you'll reach the Stapleveldt Trail.  Turn left here.   The Stapleveldt Trail will become the Ben Johnson Trail after about 0.4 miles.  Take the Ben Johnson trail for approximately 1 mile before you reach Muir Woods and the Hillside Trail.  

This is where you'll start running into crowds of people who are visiting Muir Woods via the main entrance.  Take the Hillside Trail for about half of a mile, and you'll reach a place to cross Redwood Creek.  You have now reached the bottom of the hike and Muir Woods.  Enjoy the stroll along the boardwalk/paved Redwood Creek Trail.  After about half of a mile, you'll reach a junction with the Fern Creek Trail.  Continue along the valley floor until you reach the intersection for the Bootjack Trail, about one-tenth of a mile ahead.

From here you'll take the Bootjack Trail for 1.2 miles back to Van Wyck Meadow.  Be warned; this trail gets pretty steep in some sections.  From Van Wyck Meadow retrace your steps to your car.   

If you want to stop somewhere on the way home, I recommend Super Duper Burger in Mill Valley.  They have great burgers, shakes, beer, and garlic fries.  It may be a Bay Area chain restaurant, but it's great!