Muir Woods Now Requires Reservations for 2018

It’s about to get a little more expensive to visit Muir Woods. To help maintain control over crowds, beginning January 16, 2018, visitors who wish to park their private vehicle at Muir Woods or ride the shuttle will be required to have a paid reservation. 

Parking costs $8 per vehicle (increasing 50 cents every two years). Shuttle reservations are $3 roundtrip (increasing 25 cents every two years) – This is in addition to the $10 admission fee to the park.

Your last chance to visit for free? January 15, 2018 is a “Free Entrance Day” for MLK Jr.’s Birthday – the final day where parking/shuttle reservations aren’t required.

And a super important tip is that there’s no cell services or WiFi at the park so you should download your reservations in advance.

Make Your Muir Woods Reservation – The new reservation system kicks off on January 1, 2018 and you can book reservations up to 90 days in advance.

2018 Park Fees
– Parking Reservation – $8.00 per privately owned vehicle
– Shuttle Reservation – $3.00 per adult round trip ticket (16 years and older) Kids 15 and under free
– Park Entrance Fee – $10.00 per adult (16 years and older) / Free – child (15 years and younger)

We’re told that this new reservation is also in affect on the “fee free days” at Muir Woods – you will still have to pay for parking or the shuttle. We’re not sure how it will affect certainly early Sunrise tours that in the past were free. 

Muir Woods FAQs from the National Park Service

To whom does this reservation requirement apply?
This requirement applies to those who wish to park a private vehicle at Muir Woods National Monument, and those who wish to ride the Muir Woods Shuttle.

Reservations are not required for those arriving at Muir Woods by bike, on foot, or with a tour operator.

Reservations will be required beginning on what date?
Jan. 16, 2018. From that date forward, reservations will be required seven days a week, year-round.

How do I reserve a parking spot or a seat on the Muir Woods Shuttle?
Visit www.gomuirwoods.com or call 1-800-410-2419, starting on Jan. 1, 2018.

How much does it cost?
The parking reservation fee is $8 per vehicle in the first year, increasing $0.50 every two years.

The shuttle reservation fee is $3 roundtrip, per person (age 16 and up) in the first year, increasing $0.25 every two years.

Although visitors under 16 years of age can ride the shuttle for free, a reservation is still required.

Will I still have to pay an entrance fee for Muir Woods?
Yes, the admission fee remains $10 for each visitor, age 16 and up. You may purchase the entrance fee in advance, when you make your reservation.

How far in advance can I make a reservation?
The system will be available starting Jan. 1, 2018, and visitors can make reservations up to 90 days in advance, on a rolling basis. A limited number of reservations will be held and released five days in advance, to provide access for visitors who were unable to plan their trip further in advance.

Nevertheless, demand is expected to be extremely high, so plan ahead and book a reservation well in advance.

Can I make parking reservations onsite?
No, parking reservations will not be sold onsite. However, visitors can make day-of reservations (subject to limited availability)—if made off-site, in advance of arrival at Muir Woods. Nonetheless, visitors are strongly encouraged to plan ahead.

How many parking spaces will there be?
Under the new reservation system, approximately 232 parking spaces for private vehicles will be made available.

What about ADA parking spaces? Will those require reservations?
Yes. Reservations will be required for the eight ADA spaces.

Do I reserve a specific spot in the parking lots?
No, your reservation is for a specific window of arrival—not a specific parking space. Upon your arrival at Muir Woods, parking ambassadors will help guide you to available parking spaces.

How does the system work?
For online reservations, you will receive an email confirmation, followed by a parking or shuttle pass with a unique barcode. For phone reservations, you will get a confirmation number, and may also opt to have the parking/shuttle pass emailed to you.

Download the pass on your mobile device (download in advance, as there is no Wi-Fi or cell service at or near Muir Woods), or print a hard copy of your pass. Present the pass when boarding the shuttle or entering the parking area. A parking manager will be on-site to answer questions, and shuttle hosts will be available at the shuttle stops to assist visitors.

How long does my reservation last?
You may stay until the end of regular park hours on the day of your reservation, regardless of your scheduled arrival time.

Can I cancel/change my reservation?
Yes. A full refund will be provided for cancellations made at least 72 hours in advance of the reservation time. A 50% refund will be provided for cancellations made between 48 to 72 hours in advance of the reservation time, and no refund will be provided for cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice.

Can I just show up at Muir Woods and try my luck, looking for an empty parking space?
No, visitors who wish to park at Muir Woods must have a reservation, and parking reservations will not be sold onsite.

What if I don’t park in the designated lots? Can I just park along Muir Woods Road?
Parking at Muir Woods will be by reservation only. Parking along Muir Woods Road and Frank Valley Road will be illegal without a reservation and permit, beginning January 16, 2018. This will be strictly enforced, and violations will be subject to a $99.00 fine.

Where and how do I catch the Muir Woods Shuttle?
The Muir Woods Shuttle (ADA accessible) can be picked up at the Pohono Street Park & Ride Lot, the Sausalito Ferry Terminal, and the Marin City Hub.

Beginning January 20, 2018, the shuttle will run on all weekends and holidays, year-round.

Additionally, the shuttle operates on weekdays during certain summer dates, from June 18 to August 10. You will only be able to make a shuttle reservation for a date and time when the shuttle is operating. Visit gomuirwoods.com for all the details.

What about commercial vehicles, i.e., for tour operators?
There will be 12 large-vehicle parking spaces, made available for commercial carriers. They will be required to make reservations through a separate system, beginning in late spring 2018.

Do other national parks have parking reservation systems?
Yes. Similar programs are in place at Haleakalā National Park in Hawai’i (parking reservations required between 3 and 7 am for sunrise viewing) and Yosemite National Park (visitors can reserve parking spots on four peak weekends).

What if I have more questions about the new reservation system?
Visit gomuirwoods.com for full details.