Stinson Beach to Muir Woods hike
Join us this weekend as we explore one of our favorite areas with some new trails, hiking to Muir Woods and back from Stinson Beach.
The hike will be challenging and take approximately 5 to 6 hours to complete, before stoppage times (note that this can vary slightly). It is long (13 to 15 miles) and has approximately 3,200 ft of elevation gain. We plan to move at a speed of 2.5 to 3 mph, even with this elevation change, so please assess your stamina before signing up.
At the time of publishing this event, we had one car and three open spots (we are carpooling; options for using public transit and cabs are available).
If you plan to bring a vehicle and can offer rides to others, please message us in the Pier 49 WhatsApp hiking group and add your name and/or vehicle to the spreadsheet (please refrain from modifying someone else's entry—honor code).
If the weather forecast changes unexpectedly, we may need to adjust our plans on Thursday or Friday.
What to Bring:
Two to three liters of water and electrolytes
Snacks
Comfortable hiking shoes with ankle support
Sun protection (some unshaded parts on the trail)
Wind cheater or extra layers (it'll be windy in some parts of the trail)
Hiking poles, if you have them
Solution for motion sickness if you get it on winding roads in the car (it will be a winding road to the trailhead)
What to Expect:
We will start from the Stinson Beach Parking Lot
Stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, lush forest, wildlife, changing sceneries, some clouds
A little windy weather when in the open
A partly cloudy and mixed of hot and cold weather across the trail a moderate-to-high UV index
May have bugs, poison oak, and wildlife on the trail
Dogs are not allowed on the trail
Total distance: Approximately 13 miles (expect it be about 15 miles in reality, as AllTrails underestimates the distance)
Elevation Gain: About 3200 ft elevation gain
Duration: About 5 to 6 hours of moving time on the trail
Parking: Parking Lot at the beach
Restrooms: One available near the parking lot, at least on the trail, and at Muir Woods National Monument
Water: a couple of water fountains on the trail
Hiking etiquette:
Bring everything you need—water, food, anything else—in a bag that you can carry
Have great treads on your hiking shoes soles, OR have hiking poles (ideally both)
Yield to people running on the trail
Yield to people going uphill while going downhill and vice versa
Where to Meet:
For people traveling from SF, we'll meet near the Marin Green Parking Lot at 7:00 a.m. We’ll only wait five minutes for latecomers and start promptly after that to stay on schedule. If you’re running late, let us know via our WhatsApp group chat—we’ll help you join the group at the parking lot or on the trail.
If you are joining us directly at the trailhead, please plan to arrive by 8:10 a.m.
By signing up, you agree to the carpool policy: We share the cost of fuel, tolls, parking, and any other fees for all cars across everyone who carpools. We believe that's the least we can do to assist the people bringing their vehicles to help us carpool.
Cancellation policy: If you sign up for the carpool and cancel less than 24 hours before the hike starts, we'll demote you to waitlist by default for the subsequent three hikes.
We’ll finish the hike back at the starting point. Those interested can join us for an optional late lunch or meal and hang out for a bit after the hike.