So friends, I was in San Francisco a couple of weeks ago visiting my awesome brother who just moved there. I’ve been to the Bay Area a million times, but I’ve never had enough time to go see the wonder that is Muir Woods and I was sooooo happy my bro and I had some time to explore this really magical place.
I would definitely put Muir Woods in the HIGHLY recommended places to visit if you’re in the Bay Area. It is truly spectacular and peaceful. The air smells sweet and there’s all these delightful small noises that nature makes, trees creaking, branches breaking, the rippling of the stream…it’s really amazing.
There’s several trails you can take in the woods, fair warning: not all are okay for weak knees. My bro and I decided to take the Van Wyke because, we’s from NY 🙂 and there’s a Van Wyke Expressway here, so I thought it was the most aptly named route for us. Little did we know we’d be walking about 5 miles! Whoops! We were so thankful I brought my water bottle.
If you do end up going to Muir Woods I will warn you the Van Wyke trail is a little steep and it got super muddy, BUT soooooo worth it! The trail follows the stream to its end so you are walking by the water the whole time.
What I love most about Muir Woods, besides the sheer beauty, is the forest really shows nature at so many stages in life. Trees that were once majestic now cut in half, the fresh green moss from the rain, small new red woods just growing, these things are just so so beautiful and it really made me feel like I was seeing time pass. It’s totally totally magical.
Make some time and visit Muir Woods on your next trip to the Bay Area, you will NOT regret it! I honestly can’t wait to go back and explore another trail!
How beautiful! The trees are really big! I’ve been to a place in Sacramento before that reminds me of Muir Woods (the trees were even larger there believe it or not!) but I can’t remember the name. I was a little kid when we went but if I think of it I’ll have to tell you. Maybe I could find some pictures!
Oh, I loooove Muir Woods! I went to San Francisco ten years ago (feelin’ old) when my sister was attending a summer intensive program at Alonzo King’s LINES ballet and on a weekend we went to Muir Woods and Sausalito. The woods were my favorite, it felt like something out of Tolkien! Completely agree, there’s so much of nature to take in. It inspires some deep and wonderful feels!