California: Muir Woods

I think most readers are aware that we were on vacation in California recently. Thought you might like to see some of the sights!

We flew in to San Francisco with the goal of driving along State Route 1 along the Pacific coast south to Los Angeles, stopping at various points along the way over a week. To provide a quick summary, the trip was really fantastic, California is as heavenly as everyone says, and I only wish we’d had about 3-4 more days to spend. Anyway… on with the first stop: Muir Woods!

Muir Woods is a national monument just north of San Francisco. While we knew it be great to visit to see the forest of Coastal Redwood trees, Liam also requested this location because it was featured in the movie Rise of the Planet of the Apes. We spent the day hiking on a long trail that wound all through the forest. I didn’t take many photos in the woods part, so unfortunately have to show a blurry one, but you can see the impressive trees.

We got onto the Dipsea Trail and it soon took us out of the woods into a big clearing that led to the sea. This trail is the site of a race that must be quite grueling! We found it hard enough just walking. The trail is very up and down, and these Chicago legs that are not used to any kind of incline were aching afterwards! It was totally worth it though.

Interesting question posed along the way: What do I do when I’m grown up?

Liam touches the Pacific Ocean, first time from the continental US (excluding Australia and Alaska).

We had lunch in the little beach town at the end of the trail, and then took a bus back up to the top of the Dipsea trail. We then walked back down to our car and drove to Mill Valley for the night.