The Drive from San Francisco
Muir Woods lies about 12 miles north of San Francisco in Marin County; the road distance is often quoted as 16 to 17 miles. Every private vehicle needs a parking reservation booked in advance at gomuirwoods.com, with a 30-minute arrival window. The last miles of road are narrow and winding, with significant drop-offs.
DistanceAbout 12 miles north, 16–17 by road
Parking reservationRequired every day
Arrival window30 minutes
Oversized vehiclesNPS advises against
Parking reservations are not sold on site, and the confirmation has to be downloaded or printed before leaving because there is no signal at the entrance. The reservations page explains the system, and the parking page covers what to do when no slots are left.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Muir Woods from San Francisco?
About 12 miles north; the road distance is often quoted as 16 to 17 miles.
Do you need a reservation to drive to Muir Woods?
Yes. Every private vehicle needs a parking reservation made in advance, seven days a week, year-round. See the reservations page.
Can you drive an RV to Muir Woods?
The NPS advises against oversized vehicles on the narrow, winding road. The getting-there page lists the other ways in.