Muir Woods or Roaring Camp? (San Francisco, Santa Cruz: appointed, 2013, hotel) - San Francisco - Oakland - California (CA) - City-Data Forum

Cloudship · 01-06-2018, 03:06 PM

I am going to be in the San Francisco area next weekend. Sunday I was thinking of heading out either to Muir Woods or Roaring Camp Railroad. Looking for suggestion on which. I will be staying downtown Saturday night, but may move to a hotel closer to the airport Sunday night. So I might pick up a car Sunday morning or not. If I go to Muir Woods it sounds like there are a lot of tours available.Any suggestions? I am only really interested int eh scenery and Muir Woods itself, not so much the history or shops.But it would be nice to have someone else drive so I can finally see the scenery. I want enough time in the woods, but I also don't want some guided hike trying to cover as much mileage as they can in one hour.

Also, what should i plan on for dress?I keep hearing how cold it can get, but then again I am at a point now where the teens are light sweater weather and 20s are downright balmy.

silverkris · 01-06-2018, 04:23 PM

Muir Woods is quite beautiful. However, be forewarned - its proximity to San Francisco means that parking can be very difficult. My understanding is that the National Park Service has now set up a parking reservation system for MW.

Alternatively, you can also take a shuttle to Muir Woods. I'd check out the Park Service website for details.

Roaring Camp is probably less impacted in terms of parking and visitors, but you'd be advised to also make plans in advance for which train time you want to do, to avoid being disappointed when you get there.

Ruth4Truth · 01-06-2018, 05:05 PM

You'll have to make reservations for the Roaring Camp train tour. Check their website to see if there are any spots still available for next Sunday. Buy your ticket online in advance. Give yourself plenty of time to drive down there and enjoy the view on the way, on Hwy 1.
https://www.roaringcamp.com

evening sun · 01-07-2018, 11:23 AM

If you do decdie on Roaring Camp, make sure you drive highway 1, the gps will want to take you on the freeway.

humboldtrat · 01-07-2018, 03:20 PM

I would go with Roaring Camp railroad. Next to it is Henry Cowell Redwood State Park. You can park in one place and walk around both Roaring Camp and take short trails through the redwoods. Henry Cowell Redwoods SP $10 to get into the park and park your car all day.

I would dress in layers for cool weather.

cachibatches · 01-08-2018, 03:50 AM

Go to Roaring Camp, but as others have said, make reservations.

Both are incredible places, but...

1)Muir Woods is so packed it is virtually impossible to enjoy. A walk in the woods there can literally feel like entering/exiting a stadium, the way you are just herding along with others.

2) The magic of the trains through the woods cannot be beaten.

3) The drive to Roaring Camp from SF is indescribable. Take the 1 and see the coastline, or go the 17 though the hills and woods. You can also take the 35 to the 9--the 9 is a tortuous lost highway of sorts, but it is worth it in and of itself to just for the magnificence of the drive.

4) Both have lots of other things to do when you are done. Muir Woods is by Sausalito and of course SF and the Golden Gate. Try to see Point Bonita Lighthouse while you are out there:

As for Roaring Camp, when you are done, push on to Santa Cruz, the most fun place on earth!

If you are not having a good time in Santa Cruz, you are probably already dead.

zitsky · 01-08-2018, 09:25 AM

I've been to both, but it's been maybe 15 years ago. I would recommend MW but not if you have to deal with parking traffic. I did the train but I don't remember it being that impressive. I do agree that the view from highway 1 is fantastic. Maybe stop in Davenport for lunch.

Cloudship · 01-08-2018, 11:17 AM

I have a big problem with heights. So driving those "skyline" type roads doesn't give me the opportunity to really do much sightseeing as I am usually clenching the steering wheel looking straight ahead. That is one of the reasons why I was initially thinking Muir Woods, as that means I can let someone else do the driving.

zitsky · 01-08-2018, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloudship

I have a big problem with heights. So driving those "skyline" type roads doesn't give me the opportunity to really do much sightseeing as I am usually clenching the steering wheel looking straight ahead. That is one of the reasons why I was initially thinking Muir Woods, as that means I can let someone else do the driving.

I understand. If i can see a steep drop, i get uncomfortable.

evening sun · 01-08-2018, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloudship

I have a big problem with heights. So driving those "skyline" type roads doesn't give me the opportunity to really do much sightseeing as I am usually clenching the steering wheel looking straight ahead. That is one of the reasons why I was initially thinking Muir Woods, as that means I can let someone else do the driving.

Maybe you should have mentioned this phobia in the Op, it makes a difference.