MUIR WOODS CATHEDRAL REDWOODS TO HIDDEN RIDGES

MUIR WOODS CATHEDRAL REDWOODS TO HIDDEN RIDGES

Hike Date:  Saturday, February 7, 2026

Leader:  Stan Yu | extstanley@gmail.com  | 917-293-3672

Carpooling Meeting Times:  9:15 AM from SF;  9:00 AM from Rockridge, departing shortly afterwards.

Please only show up at the carpool meeting place if you've arranged to meet your ride or driver there.

Rating: Level 4

Mileage:  8 miles

Elevation Gain: 1900'

Description: Join us for a diverse and scenic loop hike that offers a full-spectrum Muir Woods experience — from shaded, cathedral-like redwood forest to quiet ridgeline paths and back through lush creekside trails. Starting near the historic Mountain Home Inn, this route explores quieter backcountry access into Muir Woods, taking in towering old-growth groves, shaded canyons, sweep­ing forest vistas, and varied terrain throughout. We’ll meet in the parking area across from Mountain Home Inn and begin on the Ocean View Trail — climbing steadily through Mount Tamalpais State Park toward more open forest ridges with filtered views.  From Ocean View, we’ll transition to Canopy View Trail, gaining shade beneath towering redwoods before descending more than a couple hundred steps on the Lost Trail. These sections wind through lush mixed forest and ferns — a tranquil contrast to the ridge above. Next we’ll link onto the Sierra Trail, heading toward the back side of Muir Woods. This stretch provides a gentle climb with glimpses of forest and hillside landscapes before dipping back toward Troop 80. We’ll move onto the Troop 80 Trail, descending steadily with glimpses of creekside vegetation and quiet woods. Soon we’ll join the Bootjack Trail, which leads deeper into the classic redwood grove of Muir Woods itself, giving us a chance to walk among some of California’s oldest trees.  Once in the heart of the monument, we’ll follow the Redwood Creek Trail — the storied path alongside Redwood Creek — completing the loop  on the Canopy View Trail, as we return to Mountain Home Inn.

Bring / Wear: Please bring plenty of water, lunch/snacks, sunscreen, and sturdy hiking shoes. Trekking poles are recommended for the sustained climbs and descents. Dress in layers — shaded forest sections can be cool and damp while ridge portions may be sunny and breezy.

Weather Policy:  Check with hikeleader in the event of questionable weather.

Trailhead Meeting Place:  Heading up to Mt. Tam from either Hwy. 1 or Mill Valley, you'll come to a large 4-way intersection.  Take the only uphill option to Mt. Tam.  You'll eventually get to a parking lot on your left and Mountain Home Inn on your right.  The lot will almost definitely be full.  The best parking option will be on Gravity Car Fire Rd.  Pass the Inn going straight ahead (not following the road left).  You'll see a dirt road on the right with cars parked all along it.   Google Maps Link

Trailhead Meeting Time:  10:00 AM

Trailhead Departure Time: 10:15 AM

Total driving distance, there and back: 35 miles from SF; 71 from Rockridge.

Passenger Carpool Fees from SF:  $7  From Rockridge BART: $10

(I will inform you of carpooling arrangements by late Thursday or early Friday.)