Parks as Classrooms – Muir Woods National Monument

Parks as Classrooms – Muir Woods National Monument includes historic inquiry, environmental science, inquiry-based park programs, classroom preparation, a national park field session, classroom assessments, and a self-guided inquiry-based journey. The program offers a self-guided experience called “Rings, Ripples and Echoes,” which is teacher-led using materials and activities curated and provided by the park’s education team. In “Rings, Ripples, and Echoes,” students navigate through the Redwood Creek Watershed of Muir Woods on a self-guided inquiry-based journey.

• Ages: 8–18 years old
• Schedule: Self-guided programs are available Monday through Friday for educational groups that qualify for the Academic Fee Waiver.
• Price: Muir Woods collects entrance fees for visitors that are 16 years of age and older. Children 15 years of age and under may enter for free.

Muir Woods National Monument provides Parks as Classroom programs designed to engage students in historic inquiry and environmental science. Educational Opportunities at Golden Gate National Recreation Area's Parks As Classrooms uses the Understanding by Design framework. These programs incorporate California Common Core Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies. Inquiry-based park programs can be timed to introduce concepts, reinforce understanding, or stimulate culminating projects within a teaching unit. Programs are typically structured in three parts: a classroom preparation, a national park field session, and classroom assessments. Teachers are provided with resources, including program curriculum and supporting materials.

The ranger-led program “Into the Redwood Forest” is for grades 3–4, and the ranger-led program “Forests for the Future” is for grades 11–12. Currently, the program is not accepting applications for “Into the Redwood Forest” and “Forests for the Future” for the 2025–2026 school year. Only buses under 30 feet may take Muir Woods Road between Panoramic Highway and the Muir Woods National Monument entrance. Buses over 30 feet but smaller than 35 feet are allowed into the park only via Highway 1 by taking Muir Woods Road (also known as Frank Valley Road) from the west, and no vehicles longer than 35 feet are allowed according to the regulation of the California Highway Patrol. There is a maximum of 20 vehicles per group, and groups are asked to plan to carpool with 2–3 people per vehicle at a minimum. Requests to exceed the 20-vehicle limit must include a written justification and receive prior approval.

Last updated June 14, 2026.