You know what they say . . . if its good enough for the United Nations its good enough for me. Cathedral Grove in Muir Woods, besides being the place where the United Nations was founded, provides breathtaking views of trees that are taller and wider then anything you will find elsewhere except for parks further north along the coast like the Redwood National Park. I highly recommend going here if you are in San Francisco or touring the Napa and Sonoma Valleys.

My husband and I stopped by the Muir Woods on a recent visit to the Bay Area, we wanted to see big trees without driving far and found what we wanted. The forest is so serene to be so close to the city and the trees are awe inspiring. We only allowed ourselves a couple hours to enjoy the area and that was a mistake. If you like hiking, being outside, quiet spots you need a lot longer. We went on a President's Day in the morning and did not have large crowds. Our only regret is making plans to go elsewhere that afternoon and not having time to do any hiking in the area.

Pros: almost everything - great views, nice redwoods (although not the largest), very peaceful, and trails for almost everyone to enjoy. Everyone was friendly and the trails were perfectly clean. Lots of place for pics. Cons: be sure to get there early on a weekend or your walk to the forest will take you quite a while - there isn't enough parking for all of the visitors. Luckily we got there early but I felt bad for the latecomers! The drive up was a little curvey for a bunch of Okies, so be prepared if your a flatlander.

Muir Woods, time stands still in this breath taking forest of ancient redwoods where ferns,multi colored mushrooms and many other plant life along a gentle stream make you forget about lifes problems. take the time to sit on a bench and soak it all in.

This was my first visit to the muir woods and i will say that I made perfect decision. If you are hiking lover or even not you can enjoy the beauty of the redwood forests which makes this forest unique. I took the Ocean view trail which forms a loop. The trials are little confusing, so better take the map. This is how you loop back from the ocean view. Follow the Ocean View Trail for 1.5 miles, then turn right where it intersects the trail parallel to the Panoramic Highway. After a short distance, turn off onto Redwood Trail, a level path that curves around the canyons, maintaining an elevation of 800 feet. Catch the views of the Pacific Ocean and Muir Woods. After 1.7 miles on Redwood Trail, you'll reach the Tourist Club, established in 1912. Although a sign at the Tourist Club directs you toward Muir Woods, the route is steep, dangerous and an erosion problem. Instead, take the Sun Trail loop 0.7 miles, cross Muir Woods Road and catch the Dipsea Trail back to Muir Woods. Next visit will be bootjack :)

We loved it. I was in awe! I have always wanted to take a walk amoung the Redwoods, and we did it for our 18th Anniversary. It's was so serine and tranquil. I loved every minute of it. The walking trail was clean and rustic, and the atmposphere was so peaceful. We enjoyed this walk, looking at all the Redwoods and of course taking pics and video, then it became into this really cool mellow hike. Not recommended to me for the yougsters still in strollers, and the older Sr's. Make sure you were either hiking boots or a really good pair of tennis shoes. You can slip on the rocks, they are kind of slippery if you catch one on mistake. But I loved every minute of it especially if you love to walk. I now want to make it a tradition to explore all the other Redwood Parks through out California. Way Thumbs Up!!

If you want to catch a glimpse of the towering redwood trees without travelling too far from San Francisco, the locals will instantly tell you that Muir Woods is the place to go. This forest is only less than 45 minutes drive, yet far enough, from the hustle and bustle of the City by the Bay. The hike through the forest is cooling (even during the summer), relaxing and educational. I truly enjoyed it. The trees may not be the biggest, but they are still a marvel to gawk at. You have to drive another 6 hours north to Redwood Forest if you want to see its bigger and taller cousins.

Wear good walking shoes, take a good camera, and prepare your heart for one of the most beautifully peaceful places on earth. I live in the Midwest (nowhere close to CA), and I have been there twice, and cannot wait to go back. While not as thick as the Sequoias you will find in parks like Yosemite, the Redwoods of the Muir National Monument are taller, and the woods thicker, darker and quieter. The walk in the valley is not very difficult. It only costs a few bucks to get in. Best of all, it is only 40 minutes or so from Downtown San Francisco. There is a peace and solitude about that place that is miraculous, uncanny. If you are like me, you will love it.

The redwood trees are actually quite small and thin. Don't visit

Amaze yourself with the splendor of ancient nature...take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city...get there early and get in for free and avoid the crowds. Pack a lunch and some good hiking shoes...excellent souvenir shop