RV rental Muir Woods National Monument, CA: Motorhome rentals, camper van rentals and more

Although Muir Woods National Monument is a smaller one, clocking in at just over 600 acres, the upside is it’s one of the last untouched old-growth woods in the Bay area. Stating that redwood trees are massive doesn’t quite hit home until you see them with your own eyes. Measuring anywhere between three and six feet across in diameter, these trees also dwarf other trees in height. The tallest tree in the Muir Woods National Monument measures, as of 2018, 258 feet, and it’s still growing. To put that in perspective, that’s about 18 stories. There are a few miles of trails, a few of which are either boardwalk paths or asphalt. The remainder is dirt, though, and because of the tree roots which run across the path, it can be challenging for some people to navigate. Biking and horseback riding are strictly prohibited, as is going off-trail. Heads-up: due to limited parking and popularity, the National Park Services have implemented a new (as of 2018) system. All visitors must make reservations to park and also purchase shuttle tickets. No one without advance reservations will be permitted. The park is in a part of the Bay area in which there is no WiFi nor cell service, and it’s recommended that visitors download or print their reservations in advance. Muir Woods National Monument is surrounded by Mount Tamalpais State Park, which is a significantly larger park. A couple of trails in Muir Woods National Monument connect to trails in Mount Tamalpais State Park. There are over 60 miles of trails, many of which are multi-use. Local lore says that mountain biking was invented in Mount Tamalpais State Park in the 1960s and 1970s, and though this claim often is contested, this much is true. Many biking trails are both scenic and challenging, making the excursion a fun one for an intrepid biker. Water-related recreational activities are also popular. An access trail leads to the Steep Ravine Beach at which fishing, scuba diving, swimming, and windsurfing are enjoyed by many. Alternatively, take to the air. Jump off one of the vantage points along the cliffs and glide on thermals for as long as you can in a hang glider. All hang gliders must sign in at the Pantoll ranger station.