Muir Woods by Moonlight at Muir Woods National Monument in Mill Valley, CA

Once a month during the summer, Muir Woods National Monument north of San Francisco, California hosts an evening moonlight hike for visitors who want to enjoy the park's coastal redwoods during nighttime hours. The easy 1.5 mile walk is hosted by a park ranger who describes the redwoods along the trail and points out the differences between the park during daytime and nighttime. Children under 8 years old are not permitted, but older children are welcome. Visitors are encouraged to bring a flashlight and to dress warmly.

Muir Woods is part of the Golden Gate Recreational Area, one of the largest parks in the nation. Located about a half-hour north of San Francisco, Muir Woods is home to some of the rare coastal redwoods found in California and Oregon, and was named a National Monument by Teddy Roosevelt over 100 years ago. The entire Golden Gate National Recreation Area is a wonderful place to visit, as the park encompasses beaches, coastal nature preserves, mountains, city views, and of course, groves of coastal redwoods. The moonlight hikes are held once a month in the summer, on the nights where there is a full moon. Admission is free.