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Muir Woods National Monument: fees, hours, camping and when to visit
Muir Woods National Monument is a unit of the National Park System in California[4]. NPS lists an entrance fee of $15 per person, and parking or shuttle reservations are separate and required for all vehicles and shuttle riders[5].
Entrance fees and passes
Fees as listed by the National Park Service. Fees change, so confirm on the park's official fees page before you go.
The America the Beautiful pass is accepted here[7].
America the Beautiful passes cover entrance fees at national parks and other federal recreation sites.
| Pass | Who can get it | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Annual Pass[8] | US citizens and residents | $80 |
| Non-Resident Annual Pass[8] | Non-US residents | $250 |
| Senior Annual Pass[8] | US citizens and residents 62+ years old | $20 |
| Senior Lifetime Pass[8] | US citizens and residents 62+ years old | $80 |
| Military Annual Pass[8] | Current US military and dependents | Free |
| Military Lifetime Pass[8] | Gold Star Family members and veterans | Free |
| Access Pass[8] | US citizens and residents with permanent disability | Free |
| 4th Grade Pass[8] | US 4th graders | Free |
| Volunteer Pass[8] | Federal recreation site volunteers with 250 service hours | Free |
When to visit and hours
NPS says the monument opens daily, though bad weather and hazardous conditions can cause exceptions[9]. Core winter hours are 8 am to 5 pm, and the monument stays open later in spring, summer and fall as daylight grows[9]. In 2025 the busiest month was July with 101,723 visits, and the quietest was October with 12,824[1]. NPS describes the forest as cool, with temperatures from 40 to 70 F, so layers are a good idea[10]. From late October to early May, NPS says to expect cool weather and possible rain[10]. Mornings can bring heavy fog that burns off in the afternoon[10].
Show visits by month
| Month, 2025 | Recreation visits |
|---|---|
| January | 49,498 |
| February | 42,281 |
| March | 62,690 |
| April | 70,120 |
| May | 79,326 |
| June | 87,719 |
| July | 101,723 |
| August | 89,783 |
| September | 69,843 |
| October | 12,824 |
| November | 49,860 |
| December | 40,906 |
Pets and dogs
The national NPS pet rule says that where pets are allowed, they must be crated, caged or on a leash no longer than six feet at all times[11]. Pets are not allowed in public buildings, on public transportation or on designated swimming beaches, with service animals excepted[11]. Of the 3 things to do NPS lists here, pets are permitted on 1, the Whale watch from Muir Beach Overlook[12]. The park can close more areas to pets, so check the official page[11].
Before you go
- Reserve parking or shuttle tickets at GoMuirWoods.com, where NPS says you can also pre-pay entrance fees[13].
- Reservation fees are separate from entrance fees[5].
- The monument accepts the America the Beautiful pass for entrance[7].
- Fees and hours change, so confirm them on the official NPS park page before you go.
Questions people ask
- How much does it cost to enter Muir Woods?
- NPS lists a $15 per person entrance fee for visitors 16 years of age and older[5]. Parking or shuttle reservation fees are separate[13].
- Do I need a reservation for Muir Woods?
- NPS says every vehicle and shuttle rider needs a parking or shuttle reservation[5]. NPS points visitors to GoMuirWoods.com to reserve[13].
- Can I use an America the Beautiful pass at Muir Woods?
- Yes, NPS says the monument accepts the America the Beautiful pass for entrance[7]. NPS lists the Resident Annual Pass at $80[8].
Facts and sources
- NPS recreation visits by month, 2025 (chart on this page). NPS Visitor Use Statistics
- NPS recreation visits per year: 2021: 657,722, 2022: 798,625, 2023: 809,697, 2024: 792,494, 2025: 756,573. NPS Visitor Use Statistics
- Visitor centers listed by NPS: 1 (Muir Woods Visitor Center). National Park Service
- Muir Woods National Monument is a unit of the U.S. National Park System (designation: National Monument) in California. National Park Service
- Entrance fee, Per Person: $15. National Park Service
- Annual Entrance - Park: $45. National Park Service
- Muir Woods National Monument accepts the America the Beautiful (interagency) pass for entrance. National Park Service
- America the Beautiful pass prices (table on this page). NPS Passes
- Operating hours, Muir Woods National Monument: Muir Woods is open every day of the year, with exceptions for inclement weather and hazardous conditions. Our core winter hours are 8 am- 5 pm; in the spring, summer, and fall we are open later based on... National Park Service
- NPS weather and seasons overview for Muir Woods National Monument. National Park Service
- National Park Service rule 36 CFR 2.15: where pets are allowed they must be crated, caged or on a leash no longer than six feet at all times, and pets are not allowed in public buildings, on public transportation or on designated swimming beaches (service... eCFR, 36 CFR 2.15
- NPS lists 3 things to do at Muir Woods National Monument: Muir Woods Birdwatching, Whale watch from Muir Beach Overlook, Hike the Main Trail at Muir Woods. Pets permitted on 1 of them (Whale watch from Muir Beach Overlook). Reservation required for 1. National Park Service
- Parking or transportation fee note from NPS: Parking/shuttle reservation fees are separate from entrance fees and are required for all vehicles and shuttle riders. Visit GoMuirWoods.com to reserve parking/shuttle tickets and pre-purchase entrance fees. National Park Service