Click on a questions to be taken to the answer.

Where exactly is Muir Woods National Monument?
Monument? I thought we were talking about a Redwood forest.
Is this tour suitable for children under 12? No is the short answer.
How do we get to Muir Woods park?
How do we get back?
What's included in the $70.00 price?
How does your Muir Woods walking tour differ from others?
What time does the walking tour of the Redwoods begin?
Does your Muir Woods Tour operate Rain or Shine?
How long is the Muir Woods walking tour?
How do I book a Muir Woods walking tour?
I have mobility issues. Can Muir Woods Park accommodate me?
I have a big family. Can you accommodate more than 6 people?
Which is cooler? The Muir Woods or San Francisco?
Do we need special footwear to walk in the Muir Woods?
Are the dirt trails that we walk on in the Muir Woods muddy?
Are there many bugs, insects or mosquitoes in the Muir Woods?
Will we be eaten by bears in the Muir Woods?
Can we bring our pet to the Muir Woods?
Can we just meet you at Muir Woods National Monument?
Can we ride our rental bikes to Muir Woods?
What is not allowed in Muir Woods Park?
Is smoking allowed in Muir Woods National Monument?
What is the best season to visit Muir Woods?
Who was John Muir?
Are there adequate washroom facilities at the Muir Woods?
Will my cell phone work at Muir Woods National Monument?
Are we allowed to take pictures at Muir Woods?
Can we camp at Muir Woods National Monument?

Where exactly is Muir Woods National Monument?
The Muir Wood National Monument is located West of Mill Valley across the Golden Gate Bridge. But not to worry, Tom will take you there. Click the map icon (top right) for a larger, printable map.

Monument? I thought we were talking about a Redwood Forest.
We are. The United States Government refers to sites of National Historic Interest as Monuments. Here is the official Definition:
national monument n. A natural landmark or a structure or site of historic interest set aside by a national government and maintained for public use.

Is this tour suitable for children under 12?
No, We're sorry but experience has shown that this tour is not suitable for children under 12.

How do we get to Muir Woods Park?
You will be picked up from your hotel at 8:00AM and taken to the Muir Woods national Monument. The tour price includes tolls.

How do we get back?
At the end of the tour you will be dropped off at the Sausalito Ferry Terminal. Before taking the ferry back to San Francisco you may wish to look around Sausalito, shop in the local stores or have a pint at one of the many great spots. But if you just want to get back, the first ferry will have you back in San Francisco by 1:00PM. While your ferry ticket is not included in the tour price, it's a beautiful scenic ride and you get a bus or trolley ticket to anywhere in the city as part of the ferry ticket price. - Cool and good for the environment!
Optionally, you can request to be driven back to your hotel for $20.00

What's included in the $70.00 price?
The $70.00 tour price includes pick up from your hotel, tolls, lunch, the tour and drop off at the Sausalito Ferry Terminal. The ferry ticket is not included, but at time of printing, it was only $9.25 for adults, $4.50 for seniors and children and it includes a bus or trolley ride to anywhere in San Francisco. It's a glorious ride with beautiful and sometimes foggy vistas, often featuring harbor seals, sea lions, and pelicans.

How does your Muir Woods walking tour differ from others?
We're glad you asked! Tom, your guide, will first and foremost give you a view into the life of a Redwood forest. he will not steer you to the gift shop. You will get to walk on the natural dirt trails, away from crowds, for three full hours. Tom serves a picnic lunch. Tom shares his combined knowledge, garnered from 30 years of leading hikes and researching Muir Woods and area history. Tom walks with you all the way through the park, at your pace, pointing out every fascinating facet and aspect of the park, it's inhabitants and the magnificent Redwood trees that have survived here for hundreds of years. AND, its a very small group tour. Simply put, Tom is the most qualified person on earth to guide you through the Muir Woods. He is committed to your enjoyment of the area and the ecology of the trees.

What time does the walking tour of the Redwoods begin?
We want to be at Muir Woods, ready to walk, as close to 8:30AM as possible. You REALLY want to see this forest in the cool and still of the morning - especially before other visitors arrive. What a treat! That means that if you are taking advantage of Tom's free door to door service, you will need to be ready for pick up from your hotel at 8:00AM.

Does your Muir Woods tour operate rain or shine?
The walking tour of the Muir Woods will proceed rain or shine. Tom won't shrink in the wet, although he sometimes wishes he might!

How long is the Muir Woods walking tour?
The walking tour of the Muir Woods will last about 3 hours. (None of it in the gift shop!) By taking the first ferry back, you will be in San Francisco by 1:00PM.

How do I book a Muir Woods walking tour?
We're not as high tech as we look! Please call us at (800) 909-WALK (9255) or if you're in the area, call (415) 264-6235 and a real person will be pleased to make arrangements for your booking and transportation.

I have a big family. Can you accommodate more than 6?
Pick up and Drop off is done in a 7 passenger vehicle. Tom cannot carry more people than allowed by law. Keeping the groups small is also important to the overall experience. 6 visitors to one guide is a good ratio. Tom wants to be able to provide everyone with equal time for questions and interaction. We can accommodate larger groups with enough notice but we prefer to walk in smaller groups ideally no more than 6. Additional guides help out with larger groups. Contact us in advance so that we can make special arrangements.

I have mobility issues. Can Muir Woods Park accommodate me?
Tom's Muir Woods Tours cannot accomodate individuals with mobility issues. The tour consists of a three hour walk over off-road terrain, making it difficult at best and dangerous at worst for people with mobility issues. However, the park does have a few loaner wheelchairs that will allow you to visit the park independantly and enjoy the parks paved paths if you wish to visit on your own.

Which is cooler? The Muir Woods or San Francisco?
The Muir Woods by far... oh you meant temperature... The Muir Woods Forest is slightly cooler in the morning.

Do we need special footwear in the Muir Woods?
Nope, just comfortable walking shoes.

Are the dirt trails that we walk on in the Muir Woods muddy?
Some of the more adventurous trails in the Muir Woods can get muddy after a rain but the main trails rarely become muddy and Tom might even have a pair of comfortable shoes to loan you if you need.

Are there many bugs, insects or mosquitoes in the Muir Woods?
This is one of the fascinating features of the area the Muir Woods is located in. There are very, very few bugs (insects) in the Muir Woods! Tom will tell you why on the tour.

Will we be eaten by bears in the Muir Woods?
There is no chance that you will be harmed by a bear in the Muir Woods while walking with your very experienced guide, Tom Martell.

Can we bring our pet to the Muir Woods?
Pets are not permitted according to the National Park Service. (NPS) The only exception is service dogs. We need to protect the wildlife, the other visitors, and your pet. However, pets on leash are permitted in some nearby areas, such as Muir Beach, the Coastal Trail, and some trails in the Marin Headlands.

Can we just meet you at Muir Woods National Monument?
Sure, Tom will meet you at the gate but try not to be late as there may be others joining us. Please let us know in advance if this is your desire and we will offer you a discount.

Can we ride our rental bikes over to Muir Woods?
Is your name Lance Armstrong? No? Then we strongly recommend against it. The roads are winding and there are some steep hills and traffic along the way. On the map, it looks like a short distance as the crow flies but the distance is deceiving. Most of the people we talk to who tried cycling from San Francisco were completely tuckered out when they arrived - not the condition you want to be in to start a walk. And you sure won't want to ride back!

What is not allowed in Muir Woods Park?
Pets, smoking and camping are not permitted at Muir Woods National Monument. And for your safety we ask that you remain on established trails while visiting the Park. Poison oak and stinging nettles are common. By staying on the trails you will not only prevent your exposure to poison oak and stinging nettles but you also help us preserve an old growth forest ecosystem that these coastal redwood trees need to survive.

Is smoking allowed in Muir Woods National Monument?
There is no smoking allowed anywhere at Muir Woods National Monument.

What is the best season to visit Muir Woods?
Every season is great but January and February can be rainy. But that's okay, Tom even provides rain gear if you need!

Who was John Muir?
See photo at right and Tom will tell you more when you arrive at the Muir Woods!

Are there adequate washroom facilities at the Muir Woods?
We think so. One at the beginning of our stroll, one in the middle and one at the end. And, they are all flush toilets!

Will my cell phone work at Muir Woods National Monument?
Boy, we hope not - we want you to enjoy your serene surroundings - but it depends on your phone. Some people get good reception, some not. Now, if you have an iPhone...

Are we allowed to take pictures at Muir Woods?
Absolutely! And Tom is thoughtful about giving you time to get the perfect shot - And since he has carried his wife's camera gear for many years he will also be able to point out some of the best vantage points for composing your photos. Why, he will even take your picture if you want to pose with one of these magnificent trees.

Can we camp at Muir Woods National Monument?
Camping & overnight parking are not permitted according to NPS.