Muir Woods via Bootjack and Ben Johnson Loop

This loop is generally considered a moderate to difficult hike and takes approximately 4 to 6 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery. The total distance is about 6.5 miles (10.5 km).

The terrain is quite varied. Within Muir Woods, some sections might be paved or boardwalked. However, as you extend into Mount Tamalpais State Park, the trails are often dirt, narrow, steep, and can be rutted with tree roots. You should be prepared for significant elevation changes, with both climbs and descents. It can also be muddy or slippery during winter or the rainy season.

A common starting point for this loop is the Pantoll Ranger Station in Mount Tamalpais State Park. There is an $8 parking fee at Pantoll. Starting here allows you to bypass the mandatory parking or shuttle reservations and entrance fees typically required for direct access to Muir Woods National Monument.

No, dogs are generally not allowed on the trails within Muir Woods National Monument, including this loop. This is a common regulation in national parks to protect wildlife and natural resources.

While you don't need a specific hiking permit for the trail itself, if you start from the Pantoll Ranger Station in Mount Tamalpais State Park, you will pay an $8 parking fee. This approach allows you to enter Muir Woods National Monument without needing the advance parking or shuttle reservations that are otherwise required for direct entry into the monument.

The trail is beautiful year-round, but spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and lush scenery. Winter can be magical with potential waterfalls and fewer crowds, but be prepared for muddy and slippery conditions. Summer can be warm, but the redwood canopy provides significant shade. Visiting on a weekday can also help avoid crowds.

You'll experience diverse scenery, from towering old-growth redwoods in the Cathedral Grove of Giant Redwoods to rainforest-like canyons with flowing creeks. The United Nations Theodore D Roosevelt memorial is also along the way. The Ben Johnson Trail portion offers views looking down at the increasingly thick old-growth redwoods, and you might even spot banana slugs! You'll also pass through Van Wyck Meadow.

This loop is rated as moderate to difficult due to steep climbs, descents, and uneven terrain. It's not typically recommended for beginners or families with very young children who are not accustomed to longer, more challenging hikes. Hikers should be prepared for significant elevation changes and a duration of 4-6 hours.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several other trails. You'll spend a significant portion on the Bootjack Trail and the Hillside Trail. It also passes through sections of the TCC Trail and the Dipsea Race route.

To experience the grandeur of Muir Woods while often avoiding the heaviest crowds, start your hike from the Pantoll Ranger Station in Mount Tamalpais State Park. This allows for a 'backdoor entry' into Muir Woods National Monument, letting you enjoy the core redwood groves as part of a longer, quieter loop, rather than dealing with the main visitor center's congestion.

While large mammals are shy, you might spot various bird species, deer, and the iconic banana slug, especially after rain. The lush environment supports a rich ecosystem, so keep an eye out for smaller creatures and diverse plant life.