Restrictions and higher cost in visiting a popular Redwood forest, Muir Woods

San Francisco Chronicle/Carl Nolte, 1/21/16. " Muir Woods trail plan irks neighbors in Marin."

Forest trail

Back from the hike

"A group of Marin County residents who live near Muir Woods National Monument are raising major objections to a plan to rebuild and widen a 2.8-mile hiking and horse trail along a scenic creek that they say will lead to more visitors to the forest. .... The Park Service plan surfaced, the citizens group says, after the organization helped broker an agreement between Marin County, California State Parks and the Park Service to limit overcrowding to the area by restricting parking along the main road to Muir Woods and putting in a parking reservation system.

....  The Park Service plan surfaced, the citizens group says, after the organization helped broker an agreement between Marin County, California State Parks and the Park Service to limit overcrowding to the area by restricting parking along the main road to Muir Woods and putting in a parking reservation system.

....  The Park Service, Christopher Carr said, is under pressure to bring more people to Muir Woods to increase revenue from entrance fees and concession sales in the face of declining government funding. 'It’s a follow-the-money type thing,' he said."  Read article.

Best parking availability: shuttle bus

Related articles. Roots Rated/About/Summary.  "Hidden in the affluent community of Mill Valley, Muir Woods is a dreamscape of gentle giant trees and beauty you can only witness in person. This is a destination for everyone - casual hikers, photographers, weekend warriors, and serious trail runners." Redwood Hikes, "Muir Woods National Monument."  "With a million visitors per year, Muir Woods is the world's most-visited redwood park. Since it's just a 30-minute drive from San Francisco, visitors to the city can drive here, experience a little of California's unique natural beauty, and be back in time for lunch. The park is just as much a San Francisco icon as the Golden Gate Bridge or the cable cars. The downside of this popularity is the crowds. At its worst, with overflowing parking lots forcing a long walk to the entrance and crowds of tourists jamming the wide boardwalk, Muir Woods can feel a little like a theme park. Even the trails that climb the steep hills around the Main Trail are surprisingly busy. To avoid the worst crowds, arrive before 9 am."

Reference.  Muir Woods National Monument  (U.S. National Park Service).  Wikipedia.  Plan Your Visit.  TripAdvisor

Note Muir Woods National Monument photographs. From the related articles above:  Hiking entry to Muir Woods National Monument from Roots Rated; Redwood campground walkway from Redwood Hikes.  Shuttle Bus from National Park Service.

Posted by Kathy Meeh