Hi Muir Woods, I’m on the List

If you’ve driven across the Golden Gate Bridge in gorgeous Marin County, chances are you’ve spotted an electric road sign emblazoned with “Muir Woods Lot Full” while coasting along the 101. This is a pretty regular weekend occurrence, given the national monument’s immense popularity with tourists and devoted locals alike. And what’s not to love … gorgeous old-growth redwood trees you can meander through in a romantic mix of sun and fog. A magical moment in nature for sure.

Well, moving forward you’re going to have to plan ahead to feast on all that alfresco magic. Guests are now required to reserve both parking, via car or shuttle, to enjoy the woods.

According to a story in 7×7, “The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) hopes the move will both help solve the all-too-familiar problem of circling to find parking, allowing visitors to spend more time frolicking in the woods, and protect Muir’s main draw, those precious old trees. Along with the growing influx of outdoor enthusiasts—Muir received 1.1 million people in 2016, a 30 percent increase over the previous year—there have been some cases of national park no-nos such as illegal parking and foot traffic along sketchy narrow roads. The new plan will reduce overcrowding while protecting and preserving the park’s natural resources.”

While a specific time will be provided for entry, there is no limit to the amount of time you can enjoy the monument. Drive-on parking will cost you $8 per car, and shuttle rides are $3 per adult. Visitors 16 and older will also need to pay an additional $10 park admission fee. Kids under 16 get in for free, but still require an RSVP to ride on the shuttle.

Be sure to plan ahead because you can expect heavy demand as the policy rolls out. Online reservations can be made at gomuirwoods.com or by calling 800-410-2419.