photo by Ben Carlson
Participate
Schedule
The next Circumambulations will happen:
June, 2025
(details and registration form will be available in May, 2025)
September, 2025
December, 2025
photo by Nicolas Smith
You can participate in and enjoy the Circumambulation without being an expert hiker. Each of the dozen stations along the route is an opportunity to briefly rest, with a longer rest at the lunch stop. Nonetheless the full route of almost 15 miles is long and moderately challenging, and to complete the route before dark requires that we maintain a certain pace (in the summertime, we take advantage of the longer daylight by lengthening the route slightly). The leader sets the pace, and a volunteer “sweep” hikes behind the rest of the group to provide guidance and assistance if needed. The leader and sweep cannot be responsible for your safety and welfare; you participate at your own risk. If you’re not confident about your ability to complete a hike of this scale, or if you don’t have time for an all-day hike, consider participating in the 6.2 mile Middle Circuit (see below).
photo by Ben Carlson
What to Bring
Layers to stay comfortable in a range of temperatures; it’s often chilly at the start and finish, but hot during our midday exertions — and it’s better to bring a layer you don’t need than to need a layer you don’t bring!
Shoes or boots that are suitable for hiking
Sun protection (both sunscreen and a hat)
Water to stay hydrated (the route includes three opportunities to replenish your water supply from spigots and two or three opportunities to replenish from a spring)
Lunch and snacks
Keep in mind that dehydration and low blood sugar can be dangerous consequences of inadequate hydration and food, so prepare accordingly!
Rain gear depending on the forecast (avoid cotton in rainy weather; it holds water)
Trekking poles if you’d like additional stability on steep and uneven terrain
A headlamp or flashlight is useful in the event that you’re still hiking after sunset; this possibility is more likely in December when sunset happens earlier
Leave a dry shirt and a pair of light shoes in your car for a comfortable change when you finish
Download the route map and chant sheet to your phone, or print them out (find them on the Resources page); the leader will bring a limited number of copies to share
photo by Bruce Byers
What to Expect
In keeping with tradition we recommend hiking in silence prior to lunch; if you and another participant choose to chat during that part of the Circumambulation, please give space to others
Dogs are not permitted on trails
The route is not wheelchair accessible
You’ll likely have no mobile phone service in Muir Woods; service is spotty along much of the route
Toilets are available at several locations along the route: the Muir Woods main parking lot (at the start and finish of the Circumambulation), the Pantoll Campground, the Rock Spring parking lot, the East Peak Visitor Center, and the Mountain Home parking lot.
photo by Nicolas Smith
Parking and Meeting Site for the Full Circumambulation
Park or get dropped off at the Muir Woods parking lot, 1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941. Parking must be reserved and paid for ahead of time at https://gomuirwoods.com/. You do not need to purchase a park entrance pass. And there’s no ticket or reservation needed to join the Circumambulation – just show up! Note that parking is not allowed on the roads in the vicinity of our starting point – only in the parking lots.
We begin at 8 a.m. Pacific Time, so please arrive by 7:45 a.m. or earlier so you have time to go to the bathroom if needed (bathrooms are adjacent to the main parking lot). At this time of day, the main lot is seldom full so you will likely be directed to park there, and you may see our group gathering there. Note that parking lot attendants may not have arrived to let you in earlier than about 7:30 a.m.
Shortly before 8 a.m., we’ll walk 100 yards southeast to the annex/overflow parking lot, then down a set of steps on the south side of that lot to Redwood Creek, the first of 12 stations that punctuate the Circumambulation. If you’re running late, you may find us at Redwood Creek as late as 8:15 a.m. [NOTE: during salmon spawning season, the plank wood bridge over the creek might be removed; in this case, we begin the hike where Frank Valley Rd. meets the Deer Park Fire Rd.]
photo by Nicolas Smith
Parking and Meeting Site for the Middle Circuit
The 6.2 mile Middle Circuit is an opportunity to join the Circumambulation as it’s already in progress and to participate in the middle portion of the route rather than the full route. Park at the Rock Springs Parking Lot around 10:45 a.m. Participants in the full Circumambulation will arrive there usually between 11 and 11:30 a.m. From there, we’ll proceed as a group to:
Station 6, Serpentine Power Point
Lunch at Rifle Camp (or at Potrero Camp during the Summer Circumambulation)
Station 7, Serpentine Cairn
From there, participants in the Middle Circuit will loop back to the Rock Springs Parking lot via the International Trail, Miller Trail, Railroad Grade Fire Road, and Rock Springs Trail.