Trail Map of Muir Woods via the Bootjack Trail

Moderate: 8.9 miles, 1-3 hours

Overview: Every weekend during the summer months, signs on the main roads in Marin County start reading "Muir Woods Parking Lot Full," leaving those who crave a stroll among the wondrous Muir Woods redwoods two options: take a shuttle or try another day.

But there is a third option -- Muir Woods National Monument is only two miles by trail from the Pantoll Ranger Station at neighboring Mount Tamalpais State Park. The out-and-back hike along the Bootjack Trail, plus a couple miles of wandering at the Monument, should yield about six miles of heaven under the big trees. There's about 800 feet of elevation loss/gain on a steep, challenging path down to the Monument, so it might be too much for beginners, but it's no big deal for experienced hikers.

Tips: Save your strength for the return hike -- 800 feet in 1.3 miles is a stern ascent.

Go early in the day: Night falls fast in the canyon at Muir Woods, and you don't want to be on the trail after dark. Don't start this hike after 2 p.m.; there's more parking in the morning, too.

Dress in layers -- it can be very cool and moist at Muir Woods, even misty and rainy even while it's warm and dry at Pantoll.

What to bring:
Water and snacks, you'll need to stay hydrated and energized.
A Mount Tamalpais State Park trail map: The vast array of trails around Muir Woods makes it easy to get turned around; a good map will keep you on track.