Hiking Through Centuries-Old Giants: Muir Woods National Monument 🌲🌿

Just a short drive from San Francisco lies Muir Woods , where towering coast redwoods—some standing for over 800 years—create a cathedral of green. Morning hikes here feel like stepping into another world. 🏞️ The Park’s Origin Story: Founded in 1908 after activists William and Elizabeth Kent bought the land for $45K to save it from a dam project. 💰➡️🌳 Donated to the federal government, it became a national monument under President Theodore Roosevelt. Named after John Muir, the legendary conservationist who shaped America’s national parks. 🌲 Meet the Trees: The tallest redwood here stretches 260 feet (~79m)—a "teenager" by redwood standards (they can live 2,500+ years!). Their rust-red bark is packed with tannins, making them fire- and pest-resistant. ♻️ Each tree acts as a natural water tower, absorbing 600+ gallons daily—a built-in fire suppressant! 💦 🎥 Pop Culture Cameo: Parts of Star Wars were filmed here! (Fun fact: George Lucas’ home and studio are nearby in Marin County.) 🥾 Trail Tips: Choose routes like the 2-Bridge or 4-Bridge Loop (we did the latter—worth every step!). Spot hollowed-out redwoods (perfect for tree-selfies 📸), ferns, and oak groves. No signal? Embrace the digital detox—but grab coffee before entering! ☕ #MuirWoods #RedwoodForest #CaliforniaHiking #NationalParks #AncientTrees #StarWarsLocation #OnlyInCalifornia #NatureTherapy 🌍📸