Muir Woods

Question

We will be in SF the end of Dec., the 30th to Jan. 4. We're not renting a car & we'd like to visit Muir Woods on Friday, Jan. 3. We've been looking at the tours offered. Nearly all of them only give 90 min. in Muir Woods, which doesn't seem like much time, to wander, soak in the scenery and take pictures. The shuttle is not running since it's off season. We thought about taking an Uber to Muir Woods, but the problem is returning. Has anyone taken Uber there & then set a time for a pick-up, which seems a good option since there's no cell service at MW. We have the America the Beautiful pass for our admission. Our other choice is the tour, and it seems A Taste of SF Tours is the only one who offers an option of a tour that does not include admission. Their Muir Woods & Sausalito Basic Tour is the one we're considering. If we do that, we could stay longer in Sausalito and take the ferry back, using our pass on Clipper. Any comments & suggestions are greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Answer

Visiting Muir Woods without a car in the off-season can be a bit tricky, but it’s definitely manageable with some planning. Your main challenge is transportation, as the shuttle isn’t running and cell service is limited in the park, which complicates on-demand ride options like Uber or Lyft.

Uber/Lyft Considerations:

While it’s possible to take an Uber to Muir Woods, scheduling a return pick-up can be challenging due to poor cell reception inside the park. Some visitors have successfully pre-arranged a pick-up time with their driver, but it requires trust that the driver will arrive on time and may be more expensive than expected.
If you choose this method, it’s best to coordinate with the driver while still in an area with good cell coverage, and confirm the pick-up location—usually near the main entrance parking lot.
Plan a buffer in your time at Muir Woods so you’re not rushed and can still enjoy the scenery without worrying about the pickup.

Guided Tours Options:

The “Muir Woods & Sausalito Basic Tour” by A Taste of SF Tours is a convenient alternative. This option allows you to stay longer in Sausalito and return via ferry using your America the Beautiful pass for Muir Woods, giving more flexibility than tours with strict 90-minute limits.
Tour groups generally provide transportation to and from the park, eliminating the uncertainty of ride-hailing services.
Even though the tour includes a schedule, you often have a bit of flexibility within the park to wander, take photos, and enjoy the forest, especially if the tour group isn’t too large.

Other Practical Tips:

Arrive early to avoid crowds, particularly since your visit is just after New Year’s.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for forest trails, and bring layers—it can be chilly and damp at this time of year.
If you want the most relaxed experience, combining the guided tour with the ferry back from Sausalito is a good way to see more of the area without the stress of arranging your own return transport.

Overall, pre-arranged transportation via a tour or scheduling a dedicated Uber pickup are both viable, but the tour option tends to be safer and more reliable given the limited cell service. This approach also allows you to enjoy more time at Muir Woods and Sausalito without worrying about logistics.

Muir Woods

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