Muir Woods National Monument

10/10/2026

Join us on October 24th for United Nations Day! Muir Woods has a long history as a place of peace and refuge - both for the animals who call this forest home and for people the world over. The forest played host to an early gathering of the United Nations at its founding because it was seen as a "temple of peace" where the participants could get a "perspective and sense of time" better than anywhere else.

United Nations Day is an international holiday celebrating the official creation of the United Nations in 1945. Join Muir Woods rangers for a contemplative walk through the forest. We'll be reflecting on efforts here to add a designated quiet area to the woods to bring peace and quiet to Cathedral Grove, the history of Muir Woods and the United Nations, and the power of peace in all of our lives.

Program details:
🌎United Nations Day Ranger Tour
📆October 24, 2026
🕓4PM-6PM
🌲Meet at the Entry Archway

This program is free, but visitors must make a parking reservation and pay park entry at GoMuirWoods.com.

Photos: NPS

10/09/2026

The Muir Woods Night Tour is changing!

Just like the forest changes with the seasons, so too does our tour. Registration for the Muir Woods Night Tour is now hosted on https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/10113459/ticket/10113460 .

The next tour is October 30th at 4:30PM. 25 tickets will be released at 8 AM PDT two weeks before the tour (10/16/26) and 5 more tickets will be released at 8 AM PDT two days before the tour (10/28/26). There is a $1.00 nonrefundable reservation fee. Registration will close once the tour is full.

This is the last night tour of the year, so if you’re interested in registering, we recommend creating your Recreation.gov account ahead of time and having payment information connected to your account. Each registration can include up to 4 people, and this tour typically fills up fast.

We look forward to you joining us to explore what keeps the redwood forest awake when we go to sleep. Step outside your comfort zone and into the ancient, nocturnal setting of Muir Woods for this two-hour, two-mile walk, now accessible through Rec.gov.

Photo 1: NPS
Photo 2 & 3: KQED/ Beth Laberge

10/05/2026

Today’s homework: thank a teacher.

National parks are places where students can learn about history by standing where it happened, explore science by observing nature, and discover stories that help us better understand the people and places that shaped our world.

Behind those experiences are teachers helping students ask questions, make connections, and learn about the world around them.

On World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the educators who inspire curiosity, encourage exploration and remind us that learning can happen just about anywhere. (Including places with a really good view.)

Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/teachers/index.htm

NPS Image

10/05/2026

Every day from October 12 to November 5, 2026, visit Mission San José's granary during park hours (9am-5pm) to view the mission descendant community's family ofrendas.

Ofrendas are an essential part of Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead. The word ofrenda means offering in Spanish. They are also called "altares" or altars, but not for worship. These altars are not only full of family pictures, but of symbols and meaning, honoring the ancestors who have passed, and offering them items of the celebration such a "pan de mu**to" and marigold flowers.

NPS Photo

10/04/2026

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” — Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables

And we’re rather glad there are national parks to experience them in. Fall is a great time to get outside and enjoy the spectacular spectacle (say that five times fast) of changing leaves. There is plenty of room for imagination when you find yourself surrounded by forests painted in brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. In our experience, you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will. So consider this your invitation to find a little wonder, a little enchantment, and perhaps a kindred spirit among the trees.

Forests, woods, and shrublands in national parks put on their autumn colors from September through December. There’s a whole world of beauty waiting to be explored!

Image 1: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Image 2: Great Smoky Mountains NP
Image 3: Great Sand Dunes NPP
Image 4: Rocky Mountain National Park
Image 5: TheodoreRooseveltNPS

10/03/2026

“On October 3rd, he asked what day it was.” — Cady Heron

It’s October 3rd.

October is kind of a big deal around here. The autumn months splash many national parks with a rich array of fall colors, while cooler temperatures have wildlife getting ready for winter. Some are migrating. Some are gathering food. Some are putting on extra layers.

Same, honestly.

So whether you’re here for the foliage, the wildlife, or simply to judge the leaves on their color palette, national parks are a pretty fetch place to experience fall. Fetch? We’re making it happen.

And if you want to keep up with what’s happening in parks this season, you can find more ways to connect with your national parks at the link below.
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/fall-season.htm

Image: Red Osier Dogwood leaves stand out against aspen trunks at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. NPS/Patrick Myers

10/02/2026

10/02/2026

Wherever military life takes you, there’s likely a park adventure nearby.

Active-duty military members, Veterans, and Gold Star families can get a free America the Beautiful Pass, providing access to national parks and federal recreation sites across the country.

Active-duty military families can also find free events, nearby outdoor opportunities, and resources for exploring national parks, public lands, and waterways through the Military Families Outdoors Program, wherever military life takes them. Visit: go.nps.gov/mfo

Whether you’re PCSing, exploring near your duty station, or looking for a weekend adventure, your next park visit may be closer than you think.

NPS Photo: Rangers at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park recently teamed up with Blue Star Families and community partners for a day of fishing, outdoor fun, and family time at Fletchers Cove.

Blue Star Families Defense Public Health

10/01/2026

Fat Bear Week has officially lumbered to a close.

What a week. As they say, a journey of roughly 3,000 to 4,500 calories begins with a single salmon. Something like that. There might be some steps involved too.

In the end, 16 bears entered. Bear 89 “Backpack” became champion. Talk about the hunger games. And several ate their way into our hearts. Figuratively. And thousands of us humans spent an unreasonable amount of time judging bears for being excellent at being, well, bears.

It was a week of big bellies, bigger appetites, and absolutely no regrets. We shared some science, learned about the Alaskan ecosystem, stood around for hours watching large mammals eat, and found multiple way to incorporate “chonk” in everyday vocabulary.

Now the bears have more important things to do, such as eating then sleeping, a bit more eating, sleeping, and finally preparing to sleep after eating. As for the rest of us, we all return to our regularly scheduled programming.

Must we?

We must.

We will miss you, Fat Bear Week. Until next year: stay chunky, stay hungry, and remember: there’s always room for one more salmon.

NPS Images

10/01/2026

10/01/2026

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, it's time for Chunky Puppy Day! Tune in to the Puppy Cam tomorrow, Thursday, October 1, at 2pm AK time to find out how big the America's Best Idea litter got this summer.

How much do you think they weigh now? Share your guesses in the comments below.

NPS Photo: Graupel from the Weather litter during a weigh-in last year.

09/30/2026

This is the ideal marmot body. You may not like it. You may not understand it. But this is what peak performance looks like.

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, we’re returning to our regularly scheduled programming: other fat mammals.

The tundra-dwelling yellow-bellied marmots have been preparing for hibernation for the last couple of months. Since marmots spend more than half their lives hibernating, they’ve developed some impressive adaptations for surviving the winter:

✅ First, they’ve been building up healthy fat reserves (sound familiar? Bears. Us too, but that’s another post) to sustain them for up to eight months. Basically, a nice winter savings account.

✅ When they finally enter hibernation, they become true hibernators, slowing their heart rate from around 200 beats per minute to as low as 30. It’s an impressive energy-saving strategy.

✅ Speaking of saving, they also save on utilities by cuddling up with the colony in a communal burrow. Because heating is expensive, and roommates are the answer. Was that on the lease?

NPS Photo: A rotund marmot standing on a rock at Rocky Mountain National Park

08/28/2026

Visit Muir Woods National Monument on Saturday September 12th to celebrate Latino Conservation Week! Explore the redwood forest and enjoy programs like ranger walks and tours. Also, become familiar with what conservation looks like by interacting with discovery tables and art workshops hosted by the conservationists who help protect your public lands.

NPS/Jace Ritchey

07/30/2026

Joey Chestnut has been real quiet since we posted this video…

We’re joking, of course, as this little critter is one of the slowest-moving animals on the planet! Covering an average of only 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) a minute, Banana Slugs (Ariolimax) are a great reminder for us to slow down and take a break when we need it. In this case – a snack break!
Banana slugs are decomposers, consuming dead plant and animal matter. They also indulge in the occasional mushroom or seedling treat, all with the use of their radula. Located at the front, underside of the slug, this tongue-like structure is composed of thousands of microscopic “teeth” that allow for grinding up food before it heads down the esophagus. This feasting satiates not only the slug, but redwood forest ecosystems like Muir Woods!...

Video: NPS/Riley Morris

Alt Text: up-close video of a banana slug eating a green leaf slowly on the forest floor

07/30/2026

♬⋆.˚ "This is my four-leaf clover..." ‧₊ ♪˚⊹..except it isn't. 😅

If you've ever wandered through Muir Woods thinking you found a lucky four-leaf clover, you've probably met redwood sorrel instead!

This native plant carpets the redwood forest floor, helping retain moisture, protect the soil, and provide habitat for all kinds of tiny forest creatures. It may not bring good luck, but it's a big reason our redwood ecosystem stays healthy.

So next time you spot a sea of "clovers," take a closer look...you've found one of the forest's quiet superstars.

Photo: NPS/Emily Mendez

Alt Text:
A side-by-side comparison of a four-leaf clover and redwood sorrel. The left panel features a four-leaf clover with the text, "What you think you found." The right panel features a patch of redwood sorrel with heart-shaped leaves and a small white flower, labeled, "What you most likely found." The graphic playfully explains that redwood sorrel is often mistaken for clover.

07/22/2026

Thanks to all the researchers, rangers, and VIPs who helped with smolt surveys this year! What’s your wish for the new generation of baby fish growing up in Redwood Creek this year?

07/02/2026

Happy Fourth of July weekend! As we prepare for one of the busiest weekends of the year, please plan like a ranger to not have any unexpected surprises. The forest is shaking things up a little!
🌲 The Hillside Trail is CLOSED due to a massive trunk causing significant damage to trail infrastructure (pictured). All other trails are OPEN. Big thanks to our dedicated trail crew for working hard to reopen this trail as soon as safely possible - everyone, please say "thank you, trail crew!"
🌲 Though National Parks have fee-free days Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, parking and shuttle reservations are ALWAYS required. These must be made at GoMuirWoods.com in advance of your visit, and no vehicles may park at Muir Woods without a reservation. The park is open from 8AM-8PM, and reservations are limited!
🌲 Note that on July 4th, the Golden Gate Bridge will be closed during the fireworks display. For more information, visit the Bridge website: https://www.goldengate.org/july-4-golden-gate-bridge-fireworks-show/

06/21/2026

It's officially, finally, and astronomically summer! Let's get outside 🌞

As the longest day of the year, the solstice marks the astronomical change from spring to summer in the Norther Hemisphere due to the earth's tilt. What are your solstice traditions - or is this the year you start a new one?

To celebrate the summer solstice this year, NPS rangers are partnering with local librarians to bring you a story walk to your neighborhood national park.

From today to 4th of July weekend (6/21-7/5), you'll find pages from How to Take a Walk by Sean Hipkin along the Tennessee Valley Trail in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Please anticipate crowds at the trailhead during this busy time of year. We encourage you to go early in the morning, later in the afternoon, or on weekdays when there are fewer cars and less traffic.

06/18/2026

The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year. At Muir Woods, fawns snooze in the redwood sorrel, butterflies flock to the buckeye in full bloom, and songbirds hunt for ripe berries. Celebrate the abundant light by painting your observations with us!

Program details:
🎨Watercolor in the Woods
📅June 21, 2026
⏲️11AM-1PM
🌲Bridge 2 @ Muir Woods

This FREE program is hosted by Muir Woods rangers and volunteers for visitors of all ages, though parking reservations are required for all vehicles. No painting experience or supplies required. All you need is a creative spirit - and the forest can help with that!

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day! What're your hopes for our planet - and how do you show the earth that you care?

Over the weekend, 100s of Junior Rangers flocked to Muir Woods to learn about the old growth redwood ecosystem and earn their coveted badges. If you missed out, don't fear - here're 5 lessons from the junior rangers themselves:

🎨 Making art in the park is a great way to slow down & notice details, like the different shades of green or the textures of trunks

🔥 Fire shows us how change can be scary but even forests need fresh starts. Thanks to Fire Safe Marin for teaching about fire safety at home & and the important role it plays in natural ecosystems

🍀 Plant bingo can help us learn about the plants in our park - so join our 1-hour tour at 11:00AM every Saturday & Sunday to play

🤠 There's no age limit to being a junior ranger - but you have to ✨earn✨ the badge & take seriously the responsibility of wearing it

🌲 Everyone belongs in nature, and we each have a role in protecting the planet

Thanks to everyone - junior ranger or not - who shows care to our parks and planet. How are you celebrating the 56th Earth Day?