Near Hillside Loop
Muir Woods
Near Hillside Loop
Muir Woods
Near Hillside Loop
Tall trees
Near Hillside Loop
Big trees are great all over in Muir Woods.
Near Hillside Loop
Redwood Creek in Muir Woods.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

Hillside Loop

4.7 (52 Ratings)
Enjoy a loop around the world's most visited redwood park under towering old growth Coastal Redwoods
2.4
mi
Distance
226
ft
Gain
easy
Difficulty
BirdingFamily FriendlyRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
2.36mi
Distance
226ft
Elevation Gain
226ft
Elevation Loss
55%
Max Grade
264ft
High Point
127ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
From the visitors center, head out on the Redwood Creek Trail. This route along the valley floor is flat and mostly on a boardwalk, which makes the stroll through the Old Growth Stand easy on the legs. The ease of travel enables visitors to take their time gazing up into the incredible canopy of the Redwoods. The most scenic section of the monument is located beyond Bridge 3. The Redwoods are at their densest here, and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy these incredible giants. Continue on up beyond Bridge 4 over towards the Hillside Trail to loop back. This is a small climb that gives one a bird's eye view into the branches of a redwood tree and down onto the valley floor.
History & Background
Named after John Muir, founder of the Sierra Club and profound environmentalist.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Mount Tamalpais from Muir Woods

Hike Route

Mount Tamalpais from Muir Woods

Less Crowded
strenuous
8.47 mi
+2,509 ft
Panoramic Loop

Hike Route

Panoramic Loop

Views
moderate
4.48 mi
+1,077 ft
Muir Woods via Deer Park Fire Road

Hike Route

Muir Woods via Deer Park Fire Road

Less Crowded
moderate
4.13 mi
+1,082 ft
Dipsea Trail and Ben Johnson Loop

Hike Route

Dipsea Trail and Ben Johnson Loop

Views
extreme
10.64 mi
+3,162 ft
Mt Tamalpais via as Many Stairs as Possible (via Dipsea Stairs & Muir Woods)

Hike Route

Mt Tamalpais via as Many Stairs as Possible (via Dipsea Stairs & Muir Woods)

Views
extreme
12.98 mi
+3,344 ft
East Peak via Hogback + Fern Creek Trail

Hike Route

East Peak via Hogback + Fern Creek Trail

Views
moderate
4.1 mi
+1,610 ft
Contributors
Phil DiGirolamo