6 The Alternatives for

Muir Woods National Monument

Volume I: 297

NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE

OVERVIEW

Under the no-action alternative, Muir Woods National Monument would continue to be 

managed to protect the primeval redwood forest in the larger Redwood Creek watershed, 

and to interpret the monument’s natural history, as well as the establishment of the 

monument, which had a major role in the early American conservation movement. 

Muir Woods National Monument would remain a popular international destination and 

ecological treasure. With trees over 1,000 years old, it preserves a small yet towering 

vestige of the vast forests of Sequoia sempervirens that once graced the slopes and 

valleys surrounding San Francisco Bay. The monument also supports a diversity of flora 

and fauna. 

The park staff would continue to balance preservation of the redwood ecosystem with 

providing access to hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. For many visitors, Muir 

Woods would continue to provide their initial experience with the national park system. 

Key park objectives would include fostering a conservation ethic among visitors, 

preserving and restoring habitat for threatened and endangered species, preserving 

cultural resources such as the Dipsea Trail, supporting public transportation as a way to 

reduce congestion, and promoting a watershed perspective in land management that 

includes Mount Tamalpais State Park, two water districts, an organic farm, equestrian 

stables, and local communities. These are objectives for the entire watershed as well.

Overall management of the monument would continue to be guided by the 1980 general 

management plan. 

ARRIVAL

Today, most visitors arrive by personal vehicles and commercial tour buses. Since 2005, 

a pilot shuttle service has been used during the summer to help reduce traffic congestion. 

In the no-action alternative, parking areas would continue to be provided adjacent to 

Redwood Creek and very near the main concentration of redwoods. 

The entrance area would continue to be located at the edge of the redwood forest adjacent 

to Redwood Creek. It includes a parking area, restrooms, and a small visitor information 

station with a bookstore and fee collection booth. This area is a hub of activity with a mix 

of pedestrians, automobiles, and buses. Additional parking areas would continue to exist 

farther down along Redwood Creek and would continue to be used during periods of 

peak demand. Maintenance and some other operational functions would continue to be 

located in the Old Inn on the east side of Muir Woods Road. 
PART 6: THE ALTERNATIVES FOR MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

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REDWOOD FOREST AND REDWOOD CREEK

The main trail system would continue to exist as a series of loops running along 

Redwood Creek, crossing the creek four times on footbridges. Visitors would continue to 

have opportunities to stroll among the groves of ancient redwoods. A variety of 

interpretive waysides and scheduled interpretive programs would continue in order to 

support the visitor’s discovery of the monument’s resources. Intersecting with the main 

trail are other trails that would provide visitors with extended hiking opportunities to 

adjacent public lands. The Administration-Concession Building would continue to 

provide food, retail services, restrooms, and park offices. The current use of the nearby 

historic Superintendent’s Residence and associated structures would remain.

Since the monument was established, the National Park Service has increased its 

understanding of a healthy redwood forest ecosystem. Past practices of allowing visitors 

to drive, picnic, and camp within the forest have been phased out. Natural fires have been 

suppressed throughout most of the 20th century, but have been slowly reintroduced 

through the use of prescribed burns to restore more natural conditions, reduce fuel 

loading, and to enhance the health of the ecosystem. This land management practice 

would continue. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps lined portions of Redwood 

Creek with rocks as a means to stabilize and contain the flow of water within the existing 

channel. These actions may have protected selected redwood trees on the banks, but have 

also eliminated the natural meandering of the creek across a wider floodplain, 

constraining its role in sustaining a healthy ecosystem.

MUIR WOODS ADDITION (ALSO KNOWN AS CAMINO DEL CANYON, 

CONLON AVENUE, AND DRUID HEIGHTS) 

Over time, additional tracts of land have been acquired to support the administrative 

functions and visitor use of the monument. Properties in the area referred to as the Muir 

Woods Addition were acquired by the National Park Service between 1974 and 1984. 

These properties include the rustic buildings of historic Camp Hillwood (located up 

Conlon Avenue), Druid Heights (located at the end of Camino del Canyon), and other 

structures.

Some structures are used for park operations and a native plants nursery, while others are 

under special use permits, reservation of use and occupancy, or have been vacated and 

are scheduled for removal. These uses and planned actions would continue under the noaction alternative. The valuable wildlife habitat in this area, including habitat for northern 

spotted owl and salmonids, would continue to be protected. 

COST ESTIMATES

Cost estimates for the no-action alternative are identified in the table below. The costs 

shown here are not for budgetary purposes; they are only intended to show a relative 

comparison of costs among the alternatives. 
No-action Alternative

Volume I: 299

The alternatives describe the maximum potential capital improvements; lesser 

improvements may be implemented, or built in phases if necessary. The implementation 

of the approved plan will depend on future funding. The approval of this plan does not 

guarantee that the funding and staffing needed to implement the plan will be forthcoming. 

Full implementation of the actions in the approved general management plan could be 

many years in the future. Additionally, some of the future long-term funding needed to 

implement the various actions called for in the alternatives is anticipated to come from 

nonfederal partners, consistent with the park’s current practices.

Annual Operating Costs

The annual NPS portion of the Muir Woods National Monument shuttle cost is $340,000. 

Shuttle costs have been shared with local transportation agencies as a joint solution to 

alleviating traffic congestion on the State Route 1 corridor. 

Operating costs and staff numbers for Muir Woods National Monument are included in 

the table titled Summary of Costs Associated with the Implementation of the Alternatives 

for Park Lands in Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties. 

One-time Costs

The estimated costs of the no-action alternative reflect the continuation of current 

management. One-time costs for the no-action alternative are the costs for those projects 

that are currently approved and funded—any requested but unfunded projects are not 

considered in this analysis. Therefore, while the action alternatives contain estimates for 

20 years of proposed projects, the no-action alternative assumes no new projects would 

take place except those projects funded in 2009. Examples of currently funded projects 

include remodeling of the concession facilities, cyclic maintenance, and management of 

the fee collection program. Total funded one-time costs are $920,000. 

Table 21: Costs for the No-action Alternative for Muir Woods National Monument

SUMMARY OF COSTS FOR THE NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE

Annual Operational Costs

Shuttle Operations $ 340,000 

One-time Capital Costs

Total $ 920,000
PART 6: THE ALTERNATIVES FOR MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

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Volume I: 303

ALTERNATIVE 1: 

CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH THE PARKS

OVERVIEW

In this alternative, the park would offer visitors the opportunity to experience and enjoy 

the primeval forest ecosystem and understand the monument’s place in American 

conservation history through a variety of enhanced programs, facilities, and trails that 

access the forest and connect local communities to the park and surrounding open space.

While retaining much of the present system of trails through the forest, some existing 

facilities and use areas, such as the entrance area and parking lots, would be modified or 

relocated to reduce their impacts on the ecosystem and improve the park experience.

The monument would continue to welcome a diversity of visitors and support a range of 

experiences, better serving as a gateway or stepping stone to understanding the national 

park system.

An offsite welcome center for the shuttle system, with parking and visitor services, would 

be an important first point for orientation and key to providing sustainable access to the 

monument. 

Collaboration with other public land managers would continue to address watershed 

restoration and stewardship.

ARRIVAL

Offsite Welcome Center

To enhance the visitor experience and address congestion problems, permanent shuttle 

service to Muir Woods National Monument would be provided during peak periods 

throughout the year, supported by a new welcome center in the vicinity of State Route 1

and Highway 101, created in collaboration with Marin County, California State Parks, 

and Caltrans. Shuttles would travel a distance of about six miles to the monument. 

Express transit service from downtown San Francisco and improved connections with the 

regional ferry services would also be pursued. The welcome facility would provide 

necessary visitor services that could include parking, sheltered waiting areas, restrooms, 

and orientation to the monument and other regional park destinations. The facility would 

also connect visitors to other regional and local transportation systems.

Diverse Opportunities Zone

The monument’s existing entry area would be redesigned to enhance the visitor’s arrival 

experience, protect resources, and improve safety. Parking at the monument would be 

reconfigured or relocated using sustainable design practices to reduce impacts to the 

creek and other sensitive resources. Capacity would meet demand during off-peak 

periods. Pedestrian access would be improved to offer visitors a more natural experience 

transitioning into the redwood forest separated from roads and parking. 
PART 6: THE ALTERNATIVES FOR MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

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A modest facility would be provided to receive visitors arriving by different modes of 

transportation. The services provided could include shuttle dropoff, sheltered waiting 

areas, orientation, restrooms, food service, and a bookstore. The existing separate 

structures for fee collection, a bookstore, and restrooms could be replaced as part of the 

new facility. The goal of the design process would be to accommodate visitor’s needs 

while simultaneously minimizing the overall footprint of development within the old 

growth forest. 

Future use or removal of the Old Inn would be determined through more detailed site 

planning that would consider its utility for visitor services or operational needs in the 

redesigned entry area. To allow visitor parking to be reconfigured, the native plant 

nursery would be relocated to Lower Redwood Creek as part of a stewardship center. 

Realignment of portions of county-maintained Muir Woods Road would also be explored 

to improve operational safety and visitor access. 

In order to improve pedestrian safety and protect Redwood Creek, the park would 

collaborate with Marin County to restrict shoulder parking along Muir Woods Road in 

non-trailhead areas as alternative transportation becomes more readily available. 

REDWOOD FOREST AND REDWOOD CREEK

Scenic Corridor Zone (Redwood Creek corridor including the existing wooden arch, 

several existing buildings, and the main loop trails) 

This area would be managed to provide a national park experience within the primeval 

redwood forest setting. The Administration-Concession Building would transition to 

support stewardship, interpretive, and educational activities, providing a flexible 

classroom and program space in the woods. Experiences would immerse visitors in 

nature (the sights, sounds, smells of the forest) where quiet would be encouraged. 

Improved accessibility would ensure that all visitors could have these experiences. New 

restrooms and drinking water would be provided near Bridge 4 to protect resources and 

enhance visitor comfort. 

The historic Superintendent’s Residence and nearby structures would be used for 

administrative purposes. Other structures needed to support visitor uses or park 

operations would be rehabilitated. Nonhistoric or nonessential structures would be 

removed. 

Natural Zone (all areas beyond the Redwood Creek corridor) 

The majority of the monument would be managed to preserve and restore natural systems 

and contribute to the primeval forest setting. Visitors within this zone would have 

opportunities for self-discovery and challenge on trails in a more dispersed and wild park 

setting.

To provide a diverse continuum of experiences, visitors would be introduced to ways of 

accessing the adjacent landscapes and the recreational opportunities of Mount Tamalpais 

State Park, Marin Municipal Water District, and Golden Gate National Recreation Area. 

The Ben Johnson, Fern Creek, Redwood Creek, and Dipsea trails would provide access to 

a variety of day and overnight recreational experiences. 
Alternative 1: Connecting People with the Parks

Volume I: 305

MUIR WOODS ADDITION (ALSO KNOWN AS CAMINO DEL CANYON, 

CONLON AVENUE, AND DRUID HEIGHTS) 

Diverse Opportunities Zone (Conlon Avenue) 

Camp Hillwood and its immediate surroundings would be adaptively used for day use or 

overnight educational opportunities. The historic values of the camp would be preserved 

while the facilities would be adapted to contemporary uses.

All existing operational functions within this zone (maintenance and native plants 

nursery) would be relocated to the Lower Redwood Creek site (former Banducci flower 

farm) or in potential shared facilities with Mount Tamalpais State Park nearby at Kent 

Canyon. 

Natural Zone (other areas in Camino del Canyon and Druid Heights) 

The majority of the area would be managed to preserve the natural environment. The 

landscape and streams would be restored to an intact habitat. All nonhistoric structures 

would be removed and Camino del Canyon Road would be downgraded to a trail.

KENT CANYON, MOUNT TAMALPAIS STATE PARK

The park would work with California State Parks to achieve common objectives for this 

area. Collaboration would focus on maintenance, parking, and trails. Most maintenance 

functions in the monument would be relocated to facilities potentially shared with Mount 

Tamalpais State Park. 

COST ESTIMATES

Cost estimates for alternative 1 are identified in the table below. The costs shown here are 

not for budgetary purposes; they are only intended to show a relative comparison of costs 

among the alternatives. 

The alternatives describe the maximum potential capital improvements; lesser 

improvements may be implemented, or built in phases if necessary. The implementation 

of the approved plan will depend on future funding. The approval of this plan does not 

guarantee that the funding and staffing needed to implement the plan will be forthcoming. 

Full implementation of the actions in the approved general management plan could be 

many years in the future. Additionally, some of the future long-term funding needed to 

implement the various actions called for in the alternatives is anticipated to come from 

nonfederal partners, consistent with the park’s current practices.

Annual Operating Costs

The annual cost to operate the shuttle during peak periods is estimated to range from 

$600,000 to $1,400,000. This is the full cost to operate the shuttle, although historically, 
PART 6: THE ALTERNATIVES FOR MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

Volume I: 306

shuttle operation costs have been shared with local transportation agencies as a joint 

solution to alleviating traffic congestion on the State Route 1 corridor. 

One-time Costs

This alternative proposes a variety of enhanced programs, facilities, and trails to welcome 

a diversity of visitors and support a range of experiences. Many of the facilities would be 

relocated or modified to reduce impacts on the ecosystem and improve the park 

experience.

One-time costs of the alternative include a mix of projects including rehabilitation of 

historic structures, new construction, removal of non-historic facilities, and natural 

resource restoration. Total one-time costs are estimated at $15.9 million. 

Table 22: Costs for Alternative 1 for Muir Woods National Monument

SUMMARY OF COSTS FOR ALTERNATIVE 1

Annual Operational Costs

Shuttle Operations $ 600,000 - 1,400,000 

One-time Capital Costs

FACILITY REHABILITATION

Entrance area improvements $7,150,000

Entry drive and parking improvements $1,300,000

Trail system improvements $500,000

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Administration-Concessions building: 

rehabilitate for stewardship and 

education $500,000

Camp Hillwood rehabilitation $140,000

Former Superintendent's residence and 

adjacent structures: rehabilitation $420,000

NATURAL RESOURCE RESTORATION

Muir Woods Addition $2,410,000

Within the Monument $120,000

FACILITY REMOVAL

Structures in the Monument and other 

infrastructure $250,000

Nonhistoric structures in the Muir 

Woods Addition $470,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION

Off-site welcome center $2,230,000
Alternative 1: Connecting People with the Parks

Volume I: 307

SUMMARY OF COSTS FOR ALTERNATIVE 1

Bridge 4 amenities $410,000

Total $15,900,000

All costs in 2009 dollars
Volume I: 308
Former Superintendent’s Residence

Administration/Concession Building

Old Inn

Main Parking Lot

(Reconfigured)

Lower Parking Lot

(Reconfigured)

Upper Parking 

Lot (Removed)

Visitor 

Center

Entrance Arch

Bridge 1 MUIR WOODS R D

OCEAN VIEW

TRAIL

MAIN TR AIL

Redwood

Creek

Note: Existing facilities shown 

for reference only. DIPSEA TR AIL

Camp 

Alice Eastwood

State Parks and NPS

Bridge 4

Bridge 3

Bridge 2

Bridge 1

Bohemian Grove

MUIR WOODS RD

CONLON

AVENUE

Camp 

Hillwood

Druid 

Heights

Mount Tamalpais 

State Park

Kent Canyon

DIPSEA TR AIL

Redwood Creek

BOOTJACK TRAIL

MUIR WOODS ROAD

P

A N O R A M I C H I G H W A Y

OC E A N VI E W

TR A I L

Cathedral 

Grove

HI L L S I DE TR A I L

CAMINO DEL CAÑON

ROAD

BEN JOHNSON TRAIL

Connecting People with the Parks

Alternative 1 

Muir Woods National Monument

United States Department of the Interior • National Park Service

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0 100 250 500 Feet

0 1,000 2,000 Feet

Management Zones

Evolved Cultural Landscape

Interpretive Corridor

Diverse Opportunities 

Scenic Corridor

Historic Immersion

Natural

Sensitive Resources

Park Operations

Volume I: 311

ALTERNATIVE 2: 

PRESERVING AND ENJOYING COASTAL 

ECOSYSTEMS

OVERVIEW

Muir Woods National Monument and the Redwood Creek watershed are part of the 

UNESCO Golden Gate Biosphere Reserve—one of the world’s richest reservoirs of plant 

and animal life. This alternative would seek to restore the primeval character of the oldgrowth redwood forest. Visitors would be immersed in the forest, and could experience 

the natural sounds, smells, light, and darkness of the forest. 

The experience would be more primitive than it is today; the majority of the built 

environment—buildings, parking lots, paved trails—would be removed, and all visitors 

would arrive by shuttle, bicycle, or on foot. The landscape would be “messier” than it is 

today, but the forest would function more naturally: Redwood Creek would be allowed to 

meander across the floodplain, flooding the valley bottom, uprooting trees, and opening 

gaps in the canopy. 

Where not in conflict with natural resource goals, historic trails and structures could be 

retained or adapted for contemporary uses. A light-on-the-land, accessible trail would 

reach into the heart of the forest. Visitors would engage in participatory stewardship, 

education, and science that further the preservation of the forest and all its parts—the 

creek, salmon, spotted owls, bats, natural sounds—as part of the continuing history and 

evolution of the land preservation and conservation movement.

An offsite welcome center for the shuttle system, with parking and visitor services, would 

be an important first point for orientation and a key to providing sustainable access to the 

monument. 

Restoration of the Redwood Creek watershed would be accelerated in collaboration with 

other land managers. Actions would include the removal of unneeded management roads, 

stabilization of sediment sources, and removal of invasive vegetation, as well as removal 

of streambank stabilization structures in Redwood Creek, removal and possible relocation 

of some pedestrian bridges, and restoration of natural floodplain function. 

ARRIVAL

Offsite Welcome Center

This area would be the same as in alternatives 1 and 3, except that the shuttle service 

would run year-round. To the extent feasible, all visitors would come to Muir Woods 

National Monument either by shuttle service from the new welcome center, or under their 

own power. 
PART 6: THE ALTERNATIVES FOR MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

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Park Operations Zone (Old Inn area)

The Old Inn and adjacent areas would be used for administration and limited 

maintenance operations. Only a small parking area would be available for special needs. 

The park entrance would be relocated to the current lower parking lot and designed to 

accommodate a modest transit stop for the shuttle. It would also provide basic visitor 

services such as light snacks and restrooms. 

Sensitive Resources Zone (along Redwood Creek) 

The existing main entrance area, including the entire upper parking area, restrooms, and 

visitor center, as well as a major portion of the lower parking lot, would be removed to 

restore natural conditions, including seasonal flooding.

REDWOOD FOREST AND REDWOOD CREEK 

Sensitive Resources Zone (majority of the monument) 

The old-growth redwood forest would be managed to achieve the highest level of natural 

resource integrity. The visitor experience would promote an intimate relationship with the 

natural resources of the primeval redwood forest. Visitor access would be highly 

controlled and limited to designated areas and activities. The visitor would have the 

opportunity to engage in participatory stewardship, and educational and science activities.

The natural conditions of the redwood forest and Redwood Creek would be restored and 

allowed to continue unimpeded. Floodplain processes and riparian habitat would be 

restored by removing, realigning, or redesigning trails, bridges, and other impediments to 

natural processes. Woody debris would accumulate in the creek and on the forest floor.

Visitor services in the forest would be relocated to the transit stop. In consultation with 

the state historic preservation office and other stakeholders, the existing buildings and 

other major infrastructure would be removed and the sites restored to their natural 

conditions. All buildings, except the Old Inn, would be removed, including the former

Superintendent’s Residence and the Administration-Concession Building. 

The trail system would be redesigned to accommodate fewer visitors in a more intimate 

and appropriate setting. A simple accessible trail would reach into a portion of the oldgrowth forest. The existing main trail along the creek would be relocated out of the 

floodplain, and other trails and bridges could be removed, relocated, or redesigned to 

allow and promote natural processes. Paved surfaces would be removed. 

The trail system throughout the monument would be designed to connect to other trails 

that would allow it to extend from the redwood forest to the ocean, highlighting the 

connection between the uplands and the ocean and the role that watershed restoration 

plays in maintaining healthy ecosystems. A reroute of the Redwood Creek crossing of the 

Dipsea Trail will be explored to find a more appropriate location with less impact to the 

natural functions of the creek; the rest of the Dipsea Trail would be maintained along its 

historic alignment.
Alternative 2: Preserving and Enjoying Coastal Ecosystems

Volume I: 313

MUIR WOODS ADDITION (ALSO KNOWN AS CAMINO DEL CANYON, 

CONLON AVENUE, AND DRUID HEIGHTS) 

Natural Zone 

The area would be managed to restore native habitat and natural processes with emphasis 

on removal of unneeded roads and development (including Druid Heights and Camp 

Hillwood), stabilization of sediment sources, re-establishment of natural drainage 

patterns, restoration of the tributary creek, and removal of invasive vegetation that has 

escaped from developed areas.

All existing operational functions within this zone (maintenance and native plants 

nursery) would be relocated to the Lower Redwood Creek site (former Banducci flower 

farm) or in potential shared facilities with Mount Tamalpais State Park nearby at Kent 

Canyon. Water and sewer systems could be relocated to appropriate sites using 

sustainable technologies and practices. 

KENT CANYON, MOUNT TAMALPAIS STATE PARK

The park would work with California State Parks to achieve common objectives for this 

area. Collaboration would focus on maintenance, parking, and trails. Most maintenance 

functions in the monument would be relocated to facilities potentially shared with Mount 

Tamalpais State Park. 

COST ESTIMATES

Cost estimates for alternative 2 are identified in the table below. The costs shown here are 

not for budgetary purposes; they are only intended to show a relative comparison of costs 

among the alternatives. 

The alternatives describe the maximum potential capital improvements; lesser 

improvements may be implemented, or built in phases if necessary. The implementation 

of the approved plan will depend on future funding. The approval of this plan does not 

guarantee that the funding and staffing needed to implement the plan will be forthcoming. 

Full implementation of the actions in the approved general management plan could be 

many years in the future. Additionally, some of the future long-term funding needed to 

implement the various actions called for in the alternatives is anticipated to come from 

nonfederal partners, consistent with the park’s current practices.

Annual Operating Costs

The annual costs to operate the shuttle year-round are estimated to range from $4,000,000 

to $9,500,000. This is the full cost to operate the shuttle, although historically, shuttle 

operation costs have been shared with local transportation agencies as a joint solution to 

alleviating traffic congestion on the State Route 1 corridor. 
PART 6: THE ALTERNATIVES FOR MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

Volume I: 314

One-time Costs

In order to achieve the goals of alternative 2, a large portion of the built environment 

would be removed from the redwood forest and addition lands; however, some trails and 

structures would be adapted for contemporary uses. Much of the cost of this alternative is 

attributable to the removal of facilities and infrastructure, new welcome centers, and 

landscape and natural resource restoration. Total one-time costs are estimated at $16.9 

million.

Table 23: Costs for Alternative 2 for Muir Woods National Monument

SUMMARY OF COSTS FOR ALTERNATIVE 2

Annual Operational Costs

Shuttle Operations $ 4,000,000 - 9,500,000 

One-time Capital Costs

FACILITY REHABILITATION

Old Inn modifications $230,000

Entrance area improvements $300,000

Entry drive and parking improvements $570,000

Trail system improvements $190,000

HISTORIC PRESERVATION 

None $0

NATURAL RESOURCE RESTORATION 

Muir Woods Addition $2,470,000

Within the Monument $2,800,000

FACILITY REMOVAL 

Structures in the Monument and other 

infrastructure $4,490,000

Nonhistoric structures in the Muir 

Woods Addition $590,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION 

Off-site welcome center $5,230,000

Total $16,870,000

All costs in 2009 dollars
Former Superintendent’s Residence

Administration/Concession Building

Old Inn

Main Parking Lot

(Removed)

Lower Parking Lot

(Removed)

Upper Parking 

Lot (Removed)

Visitor 

Center

Entrance Arch

Bridge 1 MUIR WOODS R D

OCEAN VIEW

TRAIL

MAIN TR AIL

Redwood

Creek

Note: Existing facilities shown 

for reference only. DIPSEA TR AIL

Camp 

Alice Eastwood

State Parks and NPS

Bridge 4

Bridge 3

Bridge 2

Bridge 1

Bohemian Grove

MUIR WOODS RD

CONLON

AVENUE

Camp 

Hillwood

Druid 

Heights

Mount Tamalpais 

State Park

Kent Canyon

DIPSEA TR AIL

Redwood Creek

BOOTJACK TR AIL

MUIR WOODS ROAD

P

A N O R A M I C H I G H W A Y

OC E A N VI E W

TR A I L

Cathedral 

Grove

HI L L S I DE TR A I L

CAMINO DEL CAÑON

ROAD

BEN JOHNSON TRAIL

Preserving and Enjoying Coastal Ecosystems

Alternative 2

Muir Woods National Monument

United States Department of the Interior • National Park Service

DSC • December 14, 2009 • 112 / 20011

0 100 250 500 Feet

0 1,000 2,000 Feet

Management Zones

Evolved Cultural Landscape

Interpretive Corridor

Diverse Opportunities 

Scenic Corridor

Historic Immersion

Natural

Sensitive Resources

Park Operations

Volume I: 317

ALTERNATIVE 3: 

FOCUSING ON NATIONAL TREASURES

THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE

OVERVIEW

Muir Woods National Monument is a window into the complex world of nature and 

conservation. This alternative would present the monument as a contemplative outdoor 

museum where visitors would discover the primeval redwood forest and the monument’s 

place in the early United States conservation movement. 

A system of trails would lead visitors into the forest to feel, see, and learn, in different 

ways, about the essential qualities of the forest. These include its giant trees, the ecology 

of Redwood Creek, and William Kent’s generous donation of the forest to the American 

public. Rather than continue to concentrate visitation along a main trail, visitors would be 

encouraged to take different thematic interpretive trails, some new and some existing, to 

experience the different parts of the park. Other trails would link the monument with the 

surrounding Mount Tamalpais State Park. 

Some existing facilities and use areas, such as the entrance area and parking lots, would 

be modified or relocated to reduce their impacts on the ecosystem and improve the park 

experience.

An offsite welcome center for the shuttle system, with parking and visitor services, would 

be an important first point for orientation and a key to providing sustainable access to the 

monument. 

Visitors would continue to be drawn to the monument to see the trees, but they would 

leave with a richer understanding of this precious ecosystem and how the saving of these 

few acres helped spark conservation across the United States. They would be motivated 

to return and learn more of the story. 

Building on the interagency Redwood Creek Watershed: Vision for the Future (2003), 

and a cooperative management agreement with California State Parks, the National Park 

Service would continue to collaborate with the public and other land managers to address 

watershed restoration, stewardship, and recreation.

ARRIVAL

Offsite Welcome Center

To enhance the visitor experience and address congestion problems, permanent shuttle 

service to Muir Woods National Monument would be provided during peak periods 

throughout the year, supported by a new welcome center in the vicinity of the Caltrans 

Manzanita park-and-ride at State Route 1 and Highway 101, created in collaboration with 

Marin County, California state parks, and Caltrans. Shuttles would travel a distance of 

about six miles to the monument. Express transit service from downtown San Francisco 

and improved connections with the regional ferry services would also be pursued. The 
PART 6: ALTERNATIVES FOR MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

Volume 1:318

welcome facility would provide necessary visitor services that could include parking, 

sheltered waiting areas, restrooms, and orientation to the monument and other regional 

park destinations. The facility would also connect visitors to other regional and local 

transportation systems.

Diverse Opportunities Zone

The monument’s existing entry area would be redesigned to enhance the visitor’s arrival 

experience, protect resources, and improve safety. Parking at the monument would be 

reduced, reconfigured and relocated using sustainable design practices to better protect 

Redwood Creek and other sensitive resources. Removal of parking would primarily be 

along the shoulder of Muir Woods Road. Parking supply would continue to meet demand 

during off-peak periods. Pedestrian access would be improved to offer visitors a more 

natural experience transitioning into the redwood forest separated from roads and 

parking.

A modest facility would be provided to receive visitors arriving by different modes of 

transportation. The services provided could include shuttle dropoff, sheltered waiting 

areas, orientation, restrooms, food service, and a bookstore. The existing separate 

structures for fee collection, a bookstore, and restrooms could be replaced as part of the 

new facility. The goal of the design process would be to accommodate visitor’s needs 

while simultaneously minimizing the overall footprint of development in the park. 

Future use or removal of the Old Inn would be determined through more detailed site 

planning that would consider its utility for visitor services or operational needs in the 

redesigned entry area. To allow visitor parking to be reconfigured, the native plant 

nursery would be relocated to Lower Redwood Creek as part of a stewardship center. 

Realignment of portions of county-maintained Muir Woods Road would also be explored 

to improve operational safety and visitor access. 

In order to improve pedestrian safety and protect Redwood Creek, the park would 

collaborate with Marin County to restrict shoulder parking along Muir Woods Road in 

areas without trailheads when alternative transportation becomes more readily available. 

REDWOOD FOREST AND REDWOOD CREEK 

Interpretive Corridor Zone (large corridor around Redwood Creek) 

This area would be managed as a setting where visitors discover and interact with the 

features of the primeval redwood forest. Each trail within the monument would unveil a 

different story and experience using creative interpretive approaches that are appropriate 

to the majestic old-growth forest. The trails would be designed and managed to provide 

visitors with opportunities to learn, explore, and become immersed in the resources that 

illustrate a particular theme. Examples of thematic trails could include an ecology-themed 

trail that leads visitors to examine the forest structure and the dynamic habitats of the 

creek. Another trail would highlight a century of conservation history and quietly usher 

visitors into Cathedral Grove. Some trails would start at the main entrance and highlight 

the main redwood groves along the creek. Others would bring visitors down into the 

woods from higher in the canyon. 
Alternative 3: Focusing on National Treasures

The Preferred Alternative

Volume I: 319

The Dipsea Trail and other trails from Mount Tamalpais State Park also would be 

highlighted, offering opportunities for self-discovery. The experience would be further 

reinforced through ranger-led activities that engage the visitor with the monument’s 

natural and cultural resources. 

Portions of the main trail and bridges could be relocated to allow for creek and floodplain 

restoration and improvements to the integrity of the redwood forest ecosystem.

The Administration-Concession Building would transition to support interpretive and 

educational activities, providing flexible classroom and program space in the woods. 

Nonhistoric and nonessential additions made to this structure and its surroundings would 

be removed to reduce development in the monument. The adjacent restroom building 

would be retained.

The historic structures and features that represent the conservation movement would be 

preserved and rehabilitated, and used to support visitor programming and services. These 

include the former Superintendent’s Residence, equipment shed, garage, trails, 

monuments, and named groves. The historic creek stabilization rock work could be 

removed in targeted areas to restore natural creek functions important to forest health.

The use of contained fires limited to interpretive and educational purposes could be 

permitted by the Superintendent within this zone. 

Sensitive Resources Zone (upper north-facing slopes of the canyon) 

These areas would be managed to preserve the redwood forest and natural sounds that 

provide a backdrop to the adjacent interpretive corridor zone. Visitor access to this area 

would be carefully managed and limited to retain the pristine setting and protect its 

resources.

Natural Zone (western portion of the national monument)

This area of the monument would be managed to preserve natural systems and contribute 

to the primeval forest setting. Visitors within this zone would have opportunities for selfdiscovery and challenge on the Ben Johnson and Dipsea trails in a more dispersed and 

wild park setting.

MUIR WOODS ADDITION (ALSO KNOWN AS CAMINO DEL CANYON, 

CONLON AVENUE, AND DRUID HEIGHTS) 

Natural Zone 

The area would be managed to provide low impact trail-based day uses and restore native 

habitat and natural processes with emphasis on removal of roads, nonhistoric structures, 

stabilization of sediment sources, re-establishment of natural drainage patterns, 

restoration of the tributary creek, and removal of invasive vegetation that has escaped 

from developed areas.

Some historic structures and landscape associated with the bohemian community at Druid 

Heights would be preserved. Camino del Canyon would be converted to a trail with 

access by foot or light service vehicle. The structures at Camp Hillwood would be 

preserved to the extent that this would not compromise natural resource values. Use of 
PART 6: ALTERNATIVES FOR MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

Volume 1:320

the camp would be for educational and interpretive programs consistent with the natural 

zone. The segment of Conlon Avenue extending from the lift station to the camp would 

be downgraded and realigned to restore natural processes and conditions in the tributary 

to Redwood Creek. 

Diverse Opportunities Zone (lower Conlon Avenue from Muir Woods Road to the lift 

station)

A modest parking area and trailhead would be located in this zone. The National Park 

Service would continue to explore a sustainable wastewater treatment process to replace 

the existing lift station. Other existing operational functions (maintenance and native 

plant nursery) would be relocated to the Lower Redwood Creek site (former Banducci 

flower farm) or in potential shared facilities with Mount Tamalpais State Park nearby at 

Kent Canyon. 

KENT CANYON, MOUNT TAMALPAIS STATE PARK

The park would work with California State Parks to achieve common objectives for this 

area. Collaboration would focus on maintenance, parking, and trails. Most maintenance 

functions in the monument would be relocated to facilities potentially shared with Mount 

Tamalpais State Park. 

COST ESTIMATES

Cost estimates for alternative 3 are identified in table 20. The costs shown here are not 

for budgetary purposes; they are only intended to show a relative comparison of costs 

among the alternatives. 

The alternatives describe the maximum potential capital improvements; lesser 

improvements may be implemented, or built in phases if necessary. The implementation 

of the approved plan will depend on future funding. The approval of this plan does not 

guarantee that the funding and staffing needed to implement the plan will be forthcoming. 

Full implementation of the actions in the approved general management plan could be 

many years in the future. Additionally, some of the future long-term funding needed to 

implement the various actions called for in the alternatives is anticipated to come from 

nonfederal partners, consistent with the park’s current practices.

Annual Operating Costs

The annual costs to operate the shuttle at peak periods throughout the year are estimated 

to range from $600,000 to $1,400,000. This is the full cost to operate the shuttle, although 

historically, shuttle operation costs have been shared with local transportation agencies as 

a joint solution to alleviating traffic congestion on the State Route 1 corridor. 
Alternative 3: Focusing on National Treasures

The Preferred Alternative

Volume I: 321

One-time Costs

In alternative 3, Muir Woods National Monument would be presented as an outdoor 

museum where visitors discover the primeval forest and conservation history. Costs are 

largely attributable to the proposed welcome centers, rehabilitation of historic structures, 

and trail system enhancements. Total one-time costs are estimated at $17.8 million. 

Table 24: Costs for Alternative 3 for Muir Woods National Monument

SUMMARY OF COSTS FOR ALTERNATIVE 3

(NPS Preferred Alternative)

Annual Operational Costs

Shuttle Operations $ 600,000 - 1,400,000 

One-time Capital Costs

REHABILITATION PROJECTS

Entrance area improvements $7,150,000

Entry drive and parking improvements $1,300,000

Trail system improvements $700,000

HISTORIC PRESERVATION 

Administration-Concessions building: 

rehabilitate for interpretation and 

education* $500,000

Camp Hillwood: rehabilitation* $150,000

Former Superintendent's residence and 

adjacent structures: rehabilitation $340,000

NATURAL RESOURCE RESTORATION 

Muir Woods Addition $2,500,000

Within the Monument boundary $2,200,000

FACILITY REMOVAL 

Minor structures and infrastructure 

removal $250,000

Nonhistoric structures in the Muir Woods $470,000
PART 6: ALTERNATIVES FOR MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

Volume 1:322

Addition

NEW CONSTRUCTION 

Off-site welcome center $2,230,000

Total $17,790,000

All costs in 2009 dollars

*These projects are desirable/lower priority, and while important to full implementation of 

the alternative, may be accomplished with nonfederal funds or in later phases. 
Former Superintendent’s Residence

Administration/Concession Building

Old Inn

Main Parking Lot

(Reconfigured)

Lower Parking Lot

(Reconfigured)

Upper Parking 

Lot (Removed)

Visitor 

Center

Entrance Arch

Bridge 1 MUIR WOODS R D

OCEAN VIEW

TRAIL

MAIN TR AIL

Redwood

Creek

Note: Existing facilities shown 

for reference only. DIPSEA TR AIL

Camp 

Alice Eastwood

State Parks and NPS

Bridge 4

Bridge 3

Bridge 2

Bridge 1

Bohemian Grove

MUIR WOODS RD

CONLON

AVENUE

Camp 

Hillwood

Druid 

Heights

Mount Tamalpais 

State Park

Kent Canyon

DIPSEA TR AIL

Redwood Creek

BOOTJACK TR AIL

MUIR WOODS ROAD

P

A N O R A M I C H I G H W A Y

OC E A N VI E W

TR A I L

Cathedral 

Grove

HI L L S I DE TR A I L

CAMINO DEL CAÑON

ROAD

BEN JOHNSON TRAIL

Focusing on National Treasures

Alternative 3 – Preferred Alternative 

Muir Woods National Monument

United States Department of the Interior • National Park Service

DSC • December 14, 2009 • 112 / 20012

0 100 250 500 Feet

0 1,000 2,000 Feet

Management Zones

Evolved Cultural Landscape

Interpretive Corridor

Diverse Opportunities 

Scenic Corridor

Historic Immersion

Natural

Sensitive Resources

Park Operations

Restored banks of Redwood Creek along with redesigned segments of the main trail improve ecological 

functions and conditions for visitors in the forest.

A meadow-like pedestrian entrance to the monument is created by reorganizing vehicular 

circulation and support facilities.
Volume I: 326

SUMMARY OF COSTS ESTIMATES FOR MUIR WOODS 

NATIONAL MONUMENT

The cost figures shown here and throughout the plan are intended only to provide 

conceptual costs for general comparison of alternatives. National Park Service and 

industry cost estimating guidelines were used to develop the costs (in 2009 dollars) to the 

extent possible, but the estimates should not be used for budgeting purposes. Specific 

costs will be determined in subsequent, more detailed planning and design exercises, and 

after considering the design of facilities, identification of detailed resource protection 

needs, and changing visitor expectations. Actual costs to the National Park Service will 

vary depending on when actions are implemented, and on contributions by partners and 

volunteers. 

The alternatives describe the maximum potential capital improvements; lesser 

improvements may be implemented, or built in phases if necessary. The implementation 

of the approved plan will depend on future funding. The approval of this plan does not 

guarantee that the funding and staffing needed to implement the plan will be forthcoming. 

Full implementation of the actions in the approved general management plan could be 

many years in the future. Additionally, some of the future long-term funding needed to 

implement the various actions called for in the alternatives is anticipated to come from 

nonfederal partners, consistent with the park’s current practices.

Table 25: Summary of Costs Associated with the Implementation of the Alternatives for 

Muir Woods National Monument 

No-action

Alternative Alternative 1 Alternative 2

Alternative 3 

(NPS 

Preferred)

Annual 

Operational 

Costs (Shuttle 

Operations)1 $340,000

$600,000 – 

$1,400,000

$4,000,000 – 

$9,500,000

$600,000 – 

$1,400,000

One-time Capital 

Costs2 $920,000 $15,900,000 $16,870,000 $17,790,000

NOTES: 

1 The cost of operating the shuttle was estimated by Nelson and Nygaard in 2009 dollars. This is 

the full cost to operate the shuttle, although historically, the shuttle operations have been a 

shared cost with local transportation agencies. Marin County and the National Park Service

share costs for this as a joint solution to alleviating traffic congestion on the State Route 1

corridor. 

2 One-time costs for the no-action alternative only include costs associated with projects already 

approved and fully funded. 

3 All costs are in 2009 dollars.
Volume I: 327

DEFERRED MAINTENANCE 

The “Actions Common to All Alternatives” section, earlier in this document, contained a 

discussion of facilities that could be removed to reduce maintenance funding needs. 

However, in addition to removing facilities, expending one-time costs on park facilities 

would reduce the deferred maintenance by bringing the facilities up to a sustainable 

condition. Deferred maintenance—or work needed to bring park assets into good 

condition—exceeds $198.1 million at Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Muir 

Woods National Monument, according to the 2009 Park Asset Management Plan. 

Each alternative contains proposals that would reduce total deferred maintenance. 

Although the reductions in deferred maintenance are similar in amount for each 

alternative, the alternatives do not all contain the same proposals for reducing deferred 

maintenance; each alternative proposes different treatments for structures, including 

rehabilitation or removal.

Park staff continue to seek out additional measures to reduce deferred maintenance at the 

park. The Park Asset Management Plan, in particular, addresses strategies for reducing 

deferred maintenance. 

Table 26: Reductions in Deferred Maintenance Associated with the Implementation of the 

Alternatives for Muir Woods National Monument

No-action 

Alternative Alternative 1 Alternative 2

Alternative 3 

(NPS 

Preferred)

Muir Woods 

National Monument $0 $1,650,000 $2,080,000 $1,650,000 
Volume I: 328

ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE ALTERNATIVE

FOR MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

The environmentally preferable alternative is the alternative that promotes the national 

environmental policy expressed in the National Environmental Policy Act (Sec. 101(b)). 

This includes alternatives that 

1. fulfill the responsibilities of each generation as trustee of the environment for 

succeeding generations; 

2. ensure for all Americans safe, healthful, productive, and esthetically and 

culturally pleasing surroundings; 

3. attain the widest range of beneficial uses of the environment without degradation, risk of 

health or safety, or other undesirable and unintended consequences; 

4. preserve important historic, cultural, and natural aspects of our national heritage and 

maintain, wherever possible, an environment that supports diversity and variety of 

individual choice; 

5. achieve a balance between population and resource use that will permit high 

standards of living and a wide sharing of life’s amenities; and 

6. enhance the quality of renewable resources and approach the maximum 

attainable recycling of depletable resources” (NPS DO-12 Handbook, Section 

2.7D). 

The alternatives are very similar with respect to criteria 1, 2, 5, and 6. The park staff 

continues to work in achieving these factors as a basic course of implementing the legal 

mandates for Muir Woods National Monument. All the alternatives equally meet the 

attainment for these four criteria; therefore, the evaluation focuses on criteria 3 and 4. 

The no-action alternative represents continuation of the existing management strategy in 

order to provide a baseline against which to compare the effects of the other (action) 

alternatives. The no-action alternative is the weakest alternative when considering criteria 

3 and 4. In this alternative, the visitor experience is based primarily on self-discovery 

with some scheduled interpretive programs. The natural and historic resources of the 

national monument are protected but continue to be impacted by past human disturbance 

such as stream bank stabilization, locating parking facilities adjacent to Redwood Creek, 

and locating concession services within the old-growth redwood forest. The new land 

additions to Muir Woods National Monument lack any planning and guidance regarding 

the type of visitor opportunities and the level of natural and cultural resource preservation 

that should be implemented. In the no-action alternative, visitor access to the national 

monument would continue to be by individual vehicles, tour buses and the park’s shuttle 

bus during the summer season—which contribute to social and environmental problems. 

Alternative 2 provides for significant improvements to the natural environment through 

restoration work that addresses past human disturbances such as removing the bank 

stabilization, narrowing trails, eliminating the majority of parking, and providing a yearround shuttle system. But in consideration to criteria 3, the alternative limits the range of 

beneficial uses to those visitors looking to experience a more primitive and natural setting 

with a focus on education. The no-action alternative provides a greater variety of visitor 
Environmentally Preferable Alternative 

for Muir Woods National Monument

Volume I: 329

opportunities than alternative 2. In regards to criteria 4, alternative 2 proposes to remove 

important historic and cultural features of our national heritage.

The actions associated with the implementation of alternative 1 improve upon the noaction alternative and alternative 2 by enhancing recreational opportunities such as 

picnicking, interpretation, and stewardship programs. The social and environmental 

impacts associated with parking and other past human disturbances would be improved, 

as well. Alternative 1 provides a good balance of addressing past human disturbances and 

providing a range of beneficial uses with minimal impacts. 

Alternative 3 is very similar to alternative 1 in balancing the restoration of past human 

disturbances and providing a wider range of beneficial uses. Alternative 3 is better at 

accomplishing criteria 3 and 4 with the implementation of a comprehensive education 

and interpretive program, incorporating thematic trails, that would help visitors to easily 

learn about and explore the natural and cultural resources of the national monument. 

After considering the environmental consequences of the alternatives, including 

consequences to the human environment, the National Park Service has concluded that 

the NPS preferred alternative, alternative 3 for Muir Woods National Monument, is also 

the environmentally preferable alternative. This alternative best realizes the full range of 

national environmental policy goals as stated in section 101 of the National 

Environmental Policy Act. 
Volume I: 330

SUMMARY TABLES FOR MUIR WOODS NATIONAL 

MONUMENT

Table 27: Comparison of Alternatives for Muir Woods National Monument 

COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES FOR 

MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE 1 ALTERNATIVE 2 ALTERNATIVE 3

(PREFERRED)

OVERVIEW

Management of the 

monument would 

continue to provide 

visitors with selfguiding opportunities 

to explore the primeval 

forest. Scheduled 

interpretive 

opportunities would 

continue to be 

provided. 

Existing facilities 

would remain in their 

current locations. 

Alternative 1 would 

offer visitors the 

opportunity to 

experience and enjoy 

the primeval forest 

ecosystem and 

understand the 

monument’s place in 

American conservation 

history through a 

variety of enhanced 

programs, facilities, 

and trails that access 

the forest and connect 

local communities to 

the park and 

surrounding open 

space.

The monument would 

continue to welcome a 

diversity of visitors and 

support a range of 

experiences, better 

serving as a gateway 

or stepping stone to 

understanding the 

national park system.

Some existing facilities 

and uses would be 

modified or relocated 

to reduce their impacts 

on the ecosystem and 

improve the park 

experience.

Alternative 2 would 

restore the primeval 

character of the oldgrowth redwood 

forest. Visitors would 

immerse themselves 

in the forest to 

experience the natural 

sounds, smells, light, 

and darkness of the 

forest.

The experience would 

be primitive; buildings, 

parking lots, and 

paved trails would be 

removed, and all 

visitors would arrive by 

shuttle, bicycle, or on 

foot. 

The landscape would 

be less controlled, and 

the forest would 

function more 

naturally. Redwood 

Creek would meander 

across the floodplain, 

flooding the valley 

bottom, uprooting 

trees, and opening 

gaps in the canopy.

Alternative 3 would 

present the monument 

as a contemplative 

outdoor museum where

visitors could discover 

and learn about the 

primeval redwood forest 

and the monument’s 

place in the U.S. 

conservation 

movement. 

A system of interpretive 

trails would lead visitors 

into the forest to touch, 

see, and learn, about 

the essential qualities of 

the forest, including the 

monument’s place in 

American conservation 

history.

Several existing 

facilities would be 

modified or relocated to 

reduce their impacts on 

redwood forest 

ecosystem.
Summary Tables for Muir Woods National Monument

Volume I: 331

COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES FOR 

MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE 1 ALTERNATIVE 2 ALTERNATIVE 3

(PREFERRED)

ARRIVAL

The monument 

entrance would remain 

at the edge of the 

redwood forest near 

Redwood Creek and 

continue to include 

parking, restrooms, 

and a small visitor 

information station. 

Parking lots further 

down Redwood Creek 

would remain. 

Visitors would 

continue to arrive by 

personal vehicle or 

tour bus, with a shuttle 

service provided in the 

summer. 

Maintenance and 

operational functions 

would remain at the 

Old Inn. 

The entrance would be 

redesigned to enhance 

visitor experience, 

protect resources, and 

improve safety. The 

parking lot would be 

reconfigured using 

sustainable design 

practices.

A welcome center 

would be provided in 

the vicinity of State 

Route 1 and Highway 

101 with visitor 

services including 

parking, shelter, 

restrooms, food 

service, and 

orientation to the 

monument and 

regional park 

destinations. 

Shuttle service would 

be provided during 

peak periods. Express 

transit and connections 

with regional and local 

transportation systems

would be explored. 

The entrance would 

be relocated to the 

lower parking lot area 

and designed to 

accommodate a yearround shuttle service. 

The majority of 

parking would be 

removed.

Along Redwood 

Creek, the main 

entrance, upper 

parking lot, restrooms, 

and visitor center 

would be removed to 

restore the area to 

natural conditions.

The Old Inn and 

adjacent area would 

be used for 

administration and 

maintenance. 

A welcome center 

would be provided as 

described in 

Alternative 1.

Same as Alternative 1.

REDWOOD FOREST AND REDWOOD CREEK

The main trail system 

would continue as a 

series of loops running 

along Redwood Creek

with connections to 

other trails. Visitors 

would have 

opportunities to stroll 

in the groves of 

ancient redwoods. 

Interpretive waysides 

and scheduled 

interpretive programs 

would support the 

visitor’s discovery of 

the monument’s 

The Redwood Creek

corridor and main loop 

trails would be 

managed to provide a 

national park 

experience within a 

primeval redwood 

forest setting.

The AdministrationConcession Building 

would be used to 

support interpretive, 

educational, and 

stewardship activities.

Improve accessibility of 

The old-growth forest 

would be managed to 

achieve highest level 

of natural resource 

integrity.

The majority of the 

built environment 

would be removed 

including the 

AdministrationConcession Building.

Visitor access to 

designated areas and 

activities would be 

controlled. Visitors 

The corridor around 

Redwood Creek would 

be managed to allow 

visitors to discover and 

interact with the 

primeval redwood 

forest.

Portions of trails and 

bridges would be 

relocated to allow for 

creek and floodplain 

restoration and 

ecosystem 

improvements. 

Administration-
PART 6: ALTERNATIVES FOR MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

Volume I: 332

COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES FOR 

MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE 1 ALTERNATIVE 2 ALTERNATIVE 3

(PREFERRED)

resources. 

The AdministrationConcession Building 

would continue to 

provide food, retail 

services, restrooms, 

and park offices. The 

current use of the 

nearby historic 

Superintendent’s 

Residence and 

associated structures 

would remain. While 

many past practices 

have already been 

phased out, others 

would continue to 

affect the healthy 

functioning of 

ecosystem.

trails; add new 

restrooms and drinking 

water near bridge 4. 

Use historic 

Superintendent’s 

Residence for 

administrative 

purposes. Rehabilitate 

other structures for 

park uses and remove 

non-historic 

nonessential 

structures. 

Area beyond Redwood 

Creek corridor would 

be managed to 

preserve and restore 

natural systems. 

Dispersed trails in a 

wild park setting would 

provide opportunities 

for self-discovery and 

challenge. 

would be encouraged 

to engage in 

stewardship, 

education, and 

science activities. 

Floodplain processes 

would be restored by 

removing, realigning, 

or redesigning trails, 

bridges, and other 

impediments to natural 

processes. 

The trail system would 

be redesigned to 

accommodate fewer 

visitors in a more 

intimate setting; an 

accessible trail would 

provide access to a 

portion of the oldgrowth forest. Trails 

would connect to other 

trails from ocean to 

uplands and highlight 

watershed restoration.

Concession Building 

would be used for 

interpretive and 

educational activities. 

Non-historic additions to 

the structure would be 

removed. 

Structures representing 

the conservation 

movement would be 

preserved and 

rehabilitated.

The upper north-facing 

slopes of the canyon 

would be preserved to 

protect redwood forest 

and natural sounds. 

Visitor access would be 

carefully managed to 

protect the pristine 

natural setting and 

resources.

The western portion 

would be managed to 

preserve natural 

systems and contribute 

to primeval forest 

setting. Ben Johnson 

and Dipsea trails would 

allow self-discovery in a 

more dispersed and 

wild park setting.

MUIR WOODS ADDITION (CAMINO DEL CANYON, CONLON AVENUE,

AND DRUID HEIGHTS)

Structures on these

lands would continue 

to be used for park 

operations and a 

native plants nursery; 

others are under 

special use permits, 

reservation of use and 

occupancy, or have 

been vacated and are 

scheduled for removal. 

These uses and 

planned actions would 

Camp Hillwood would 

be adaptively used for 

day use or overnight 

educational programs. 

Operational functions 

at Conlon Avenue 

would be relocated to 

other areas. 

The majority of Camino 

Del Canyon and Druid 

Heights would be 

managed to preserve 

These areas would be 

managed to restore 

native habitat and 

natural processes. 

All operational 

functions would be 

relocated. 

Water and sewer 

systems would be 

relocated.

Structures of Camp 

Hillwood would be 

preserved to the extent 

that this would not 

compromise natural 

resource values. Use of 

the camp would be for 

educational and 

interpretive programs 

consistent with the 

Natural Zone 

designation.

Conlon Avenue would 
Summary Tables for Muir Woods National Monument

Volume I: 333

COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES FOR 

MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE 1 ALTERNATIVE 2 ALTERNATIVE 3

(PREFERRED)

continue. 

The valuable wildlife 

habitat in this area 

would continue to be 

protected. 

the natural setting. The 

natural landscape and 

streams would be 

restored and all 

nonhistoric structures 

would be removed.

have a modest parking 

area and trailhead. 

The Park Service would 

continue to explore a 

sustainable wastewater 

treatment solution to 

replace the existing lift 

station. Other 

operational functions 

would be relocated.

Some historic structures 

and landscape features

at Druid Heights would 

be preserved. Access 

would be by foot or light 

service vehicle.

Camino Del Canyon 

and Druid Heights

would be managed to 

provide trails and 

restore native habitat 

and natural processes.

KENT CANYON, MOUNT TAMALPAIS STATE PARK

Collaboration with 

California State Parks 

would focus on 

maintenance, parking, 

and trails. 

Most maintenance 

functions would be 

relocated to shared 

facilities. 

Same as Alternative 1. Same as Alternative 1.
PART 6: ALTERNATIVES FOR MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

Volume I: 334
Volume I: 335

Table 28: Summary of Potential Key Impacts of Implementing the Alternatives for Muir Woods National Monument

POTENTIAL KEY IMPACTS ON MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE 1 ALTERNATIVE 2 ALTERNATIVE 3 – NPS PREFERRED

NATURAL RESOURCES

Carbon Footprint and 

Air Quality

Total gross emissions for Muir Woods National Monument 

would be estimated at 2,257 MTCE, resulting in long-term, 

minor, adverse impacts to the monument’s carbon 

footprint. Overall, when compared to background levels of 

air pollution and GHG emissions in the region or the nation 

(estimated at 6 billion in 2007), impacts to air quality from 

the no-action alternative would be long-term, adverse, and 

negligible. No impairment of air resources would result 

from this alternative.

The combined effect of the actions included in 

alternative 1 is estimated to decrease the gross 

emissions of Muir Woods National Monument by 20% 

to 1,812 MTCE. This would result in long-term, minor, 

beneficial impacts on the Park Service’s carbon 

footprint. As in the no-action alternative, impacts to air 

quality (when compared to background levels of air 

pollution in the region and nation) would be negligible. 

No impairment of air resources would result from this 

alternative.

The combined effect of the actions included in 

alternative 2 is estimated to decrease the gross 

emissions of Muir Woods National Monument by 82% 

to 401 MTCE. This would result in long-term, major, 

beneficial impacts on the Park Service’s carbon 

footprint. As in the no-action alternative, impacts to air 

quality (when compared to background levels of air 

pollution in the region and nation) would be negligible. 

No impairment of air resources would result from this 

alternative.

The combined effect of the actions included in 

alternative 3 is estimated to decrease the gross 

emissions of Muir Woods National Monument by 20% 

to 1,813 MTCE. This would result in long-term, minor, 

beneficial impacts on the Park Service’s carbon 

footprint. As in the no-action alternative, impacts to air 

quality (when compared to background levels of air 

pollution in the region and nation) would be negligible. 

No impairment of air resources would result from this 

alternative.

Soils and Geologic 

Resources and Processes

Overall, the impact to geologic resources and soils from the 

no-action alternative would be long-term, range from minor 

to moderate adverse to minor beneficial, and be localized 

and monument-wide. Adverse impacts would occur from 

the presence and maintenance of existing facilities and 

visitor use. Beneficial impacts would occur from restoration 

and education and stewardship activities. No impairment of 

geologic resources would result from this alternative.

Overall, the impact to soils and geologic resources and 

processes from alternative 1 would be short- and longterm, range from negligible adverse to minor 

beneficial, and be localized. Adverse impacts would 

occur from new recreational development and 

expanded visitor use. Beneficial impacts would occur 

from trail relocation, the restoration of disturbed sites, 

and improved resource understanding and public 

support. No impairment of geologic resources would 

result from this alternative.

Overall, the impact to soils and geologic resources and 

processes from alternative 2 would be short- and longterm, range from minor adverse to moderate 

beneficial, and localized. Adverse impacts would occur 

from visitor use and construction. Beneficial impacts 

would occur from the removal of facilities and 

structures and restoration of disturbed sites. No 

impairment of geologic resources would result from 

this alternative.

Overall, the impact to soils and geologic resources and 

processes from alternative 3 would be short and long 

term, range from negligible adverse to moderate 

beneficial, and be localized. Adverse impacts would 

occur from new recreational development and visitor 

use. Beneficial impacts would occur from the removal 

of facilities and structures and restoration of the upper 

parking lot and disturbed sites, as well as creek 

restoration activities. No impairment of geologic 

resources would result from this alternative.

Water Resources and 

Hydrologic Processes

Overall, the impact to water resources and hydrologic 

processes from the no-action alternative would be longterm, range from minor adverse to minor beneficial, and be 

localized and monumentwide. Adverse impacts would 

occur from the presence and maintenance of existing 

facilities (including rock revetment), visitor use. Beneficial 

impacts would occur from education and stewardship 

activities. No impairment of water resources would result 

from this alternative.

Overall, the impact to water-related resources from 

alternative 1 would be short- and long-term, range 

from negligible adverse to minor beneficial, and be 

localized and parkwide. Adverse impacts would occur 

from the presence and maintenance of existing 

facilities (including rock revetment), new recreational 

development and expanded visitor use. Beneficial 

impacts would occur from trail and road maintenance 

and the restoration of disturbed sites and removal of 

the upper parking area. No impairment of water 

resources would result from this alternative.

Overall, the impact to water-related resources from 

alternative 2 would be short and long term, range from 

minor adverse to moderate-major beneficial, and be 

localized. Adverse impacts would occur from 

expanded visitor use and restoration activities. 

Beneficial impacts would occur from the restoration of 

disturbed sites, removal of structures, facilities, roads, 

and asphalt parking areas and substantial creek and 

floodplain restoration. No impairment of water 

resources would result from this alternative.

Overall, the impact to water-related resources from 

alternative 3 would be short and long term, range from 

negligible adverse to moderate beneficial, and be 

localized. Adverse impacts would occur from the 

presence and maintenance of existing facilities 

(including rock revetment), new recreational 

development and expanded visitor use and 

construction and restoration activities. Beneficial 

impacts would occur from the restoration of disturbed 

sites, removal of the upper parking area, 

improvements to Redwood Creek and restoration of in 

the Camino del Canyon and Druid Heights area. No 

impairment of water resources would result from this 

alternative.

Habitat (Vegetation 

and Wildlife)

Overall, the impact to vegetation and wildlife habitat from 

the no-action alternative would be long-term, range from 

minor-moderate adverse to minor beneficial, and be 

localized and monumentwide. Adverse impacts would 

occur from the presence and maintenance of existing 

facilities and visitor use. Beneficial impacts would occur 

from restoration and ongoing management and monitoring 

activities. No impairment of vegetation or wildlife resources 

would result from this alternative.

Overall, the impact to vegetation and wildlife habitat 

from alternative 1 would be short and long term. They 

would range from negligible adverse to minor or 

moderate beneficial and would be localized and 

monumentwide. Adverse impacts would occur from 

new recreational development and expanded visitor 

use. Beneficial impacts would occur from the 

restoration of disturbed sites. No impairment of water 

resources would result from this alternative.

Overall, the impact to vegetation and wildlife habitat 

from alternative 2 would be short and long term. They 

would range from minor adverse to moderate or major 

beneficial and would be localized and monumentwide. 

Adverse impacts would occur from visitor use and 

construction activities. Beneficial impacts would occur 

from the restoration of disturbed sites and creeks. No 

impairment of water resources would result from this 

alternative.

Overall, the impact to vegetation and wildlife habitat 

from alternative 3 would be short and long term, range 

from minor adverse to moderate beneficial, and be 

localized and monumentwide. Adverse impacts would 

occur from visitor use and construction activities. 

Beneficial impacts would occur from the restoration of 

disturbed sites and creeks. No impairment of water 

resources would result from this alternative.
PART 6: ALTERNATIVES FOR MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

Volume I: 336

POTENTIAL KEY IMPACTS ON MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE 1 ALTERNATIVE 2 ALTERNATIVE 3 – NPS PREFERRED

Special Status Species 

(Federal and State 

Threatened and 

Endangered Species)

• Coho salmon and Steelhead trout, Central 

California Coast (Federal threatened): “may affect, 

likely to adversely affect” for project specific actions 

in the short-term, and “may affect, not likely to 

adversely affect” for land use and monument 

management over the long-term.

• Northern spotted owl (Federal threatened): “may 

affect, not likely to adversely affect”

• Marbled murrelet (Federal threatened): “may affect, 

not likely to adversely affect”

• Coho salmon and Steelhead trout, Central 

California Coast (Federal threatened): “may 

affect, likely to adversely affect” for project 

specific actions in the short-term, and “may 

affect, not likely to adversely affect” for land use 

and monument management over the long-term.

• Northern spotted owl (Federal threatened): 

“may affect, not likely to adversely affect”

• Marbled murrelet (Federal threatened): “may 

affect, not likely to adversely affect”

• Coho salmon and Steelhead trout, Central 

California Coast (Federal threatened): “may 

affect, likely to adversely affect” for project 

specific actions in the short-term, and “may 

affect, not likely to adversely affect” for land use 

and monument management over the long-term.

• Northern spotted owl (Federal threatened): 

“may affect, not likely to adversely affect”

• Marbled murrelet (Federal threatened): “may 

affect, not likely to adversely affect”

• Coho salmon and Steelhead trout, Central 

California Coast (Federal threatened)

“may affect, likely to adversely affect” for project 

specific actions in the short-term, and “may affect, 

not likely to adversely affect” for land use and 

monument management over the long-term.

• Northern spotted owl (Federal threatened)

“may affect, not likely to adversely affect”

• Marbled murrelet (Federal threatened)

“may affect, not likely to adversely affect”

CULTURAL RESOURCES

Archeological Resources Because much of the monument has not been surveyed for 

archeological resources, there is potential for the 

monument to contain buried prehistoric and historic 

resources. Such resources could potentially be subject to 

loss of integrity from natural processes, ongoing 

agricultural and ranching operations, and inadvertent visitor 

activity or vandalism. Adverse impacts would be permanent 

and of minor to moderate intensity.

Archeological surveys and/or monitoring would precede 

any ground disturbing activity. If significant archeological 

resources could not be avoided, an appropriate mitigation 

strategy would be developed in consultation with the state 

historic preservation officer. Any adverse impacts to 

archeological resources would be permanent and minor to 

moderate in intensity

No impairment of monument resources or values would 

result from this alternative.

Because much of the monument has not been 

surveyed for archeological resources, there is potential 

for the monument to contain buried prehistoric and 

historic resources. Such resources could potentially be 

subject to loss of integrity from natural processes, 

ongoing agricultural and ranching operations, and 

inadvertent visitor activity or vandalism. Adverse 

impacts would be permanent and of minor to moderate 

intensity.

There would be more opportunities to identify and 

evaluate archaeological resources, and provide 

stabilization, security, or other protection 

commensurate with their significance and sensitivity – 

a beneficial impact. Such resources could also be 

incorporated into visitor interpretive opportunities.

Archeological surveys and/or monitoring would 

precede any ground disturbing activity. If significant 

archeological resources could not be avoided, an 

appropriate mitigation strategy would be developed in 

consultation with the state historic preservation officer. 

Any adverse impacts to archeological resources would 

be permanent and minor to moderate in intensity.

No impairment of monument resources or values 

would result from this alternative.

Because much of the monument has not been

surveyed for archeological resources, there is potential 

for the monument to contain buried prehistoric and 

historic resources. Such resources could potentially be 

subject to loss of integrity from natural processes, 

ongoing agricultural and ranching operations, and 

inadvertent visitor activity or vandalism. Adverse 

impacts would be permanent and of minor to moderate 

intensity.

Archeological surveys and/or monitoring would 

precede any ground disturbing activity. If significant 

archeological resources could not be avoided, an 

appropriate mitigation strategy would be developed in 

consultation with the state historic preservation officer. 

Any adverse impacts to archeological resources would 

be permanent and minor to moderate in intensity.

No impairment of monument resources or values 

would result from this alternative.

Because much of the monument has not been

surveyed for archeological resources, there is potential 

for the monument to contain buried prehistoric and 

historic resources. Such resources could potentially be 

subject to loss of integrity from natural processes, 

ongoing agricultural and ranching operations, and 

inadvertent visitor activity or vandalism. Adverse 

impacts would be permanent and of minor to moderate 

intensity.

There would be more opportunities to identify and 

evaluate archaeological resources, and provide 

stabilization, security, or other protection 

commensurate with their significance and sensitivity – 

a beneficial impact. Such resources could also be 

incorporated into visitor interpretive opportunities.

Archeological surveys and/or monitoring would 

precede any ground disturbing activity. If significant 

archeological resources could not be avoided, an 

appropriate mitigation strategy would be developed in 

consultation with the state historic preservation officer. 

Any adverse impacts to archeological resources would 

be permanent and minor to moderate in intensity.

No impairment of monument resources or values 

would result from this alternative.

Ethnographic Resources/ 

Traditional Cultural 

Properties

Surveys and research are necessary to determine whether 

resources within the monument are eligible for listing as a 

traditional cultural property are a prerequisite for 

understanding the resource’s significance, as well as the 

basis of informed decision-making in the future regarding 

how the resource should be managed. Such surveys and 

research would be a negligible to minor, beneficial longterm impact.

Surveys and research are necessary to determine 

whether resources within the monument are eligible for 

listing as a traditional cultural property are a 

prerequisite for understanding the resource’s 

significance, as well as the basis of informed decisionmaking in the future regarding how the resource 

should be managed. Such surveys and research 

would be a negligible to minor, beneficial long-term 

impact.

Surveys and research are necessary to determine 

whether resources within the monument are eligible for 

listing as a traditional cultural property are a 

prerequisite for understanding the resource’s 

significance, as well as the basis of informed decisionmaking in the future regarding how the resource 

should be managed. Such surveys and research 

would be a negligible to minor, beneficial long-term 

impact.

Surveys and research are necessary to determine 

whether resources within the monument are eligible for 

listing as a traditional cultural property are a 

prerequisite for understanding the resource’s 

significance, as well as the basis of informed decisionmaking in the future regarding how the resource 

should be managed. Such surveys and research 

would be a negligible to minor, beneficial long-term 

impact.
Summary Tables for Muir Woods National Monument

Volume I: 337

POTENTIAL KEY IMPACTS ON MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE 1 ALTERNATIVE 2 ALTERNATIVE 3 – NPS PREFERRED

No impairment of monument resources or values would 

result from this alternative.

No impairment of monument resources or values 

would result from this alternative.

No impairment of monument resources or values 

would result from this alternative.

No impairment of monument resources or values 

would result from this alternative.

Historic 

Structures 

The monument would continue to stabilize and preserve 

historic structures as financial resources and opportunities 

become available. The monument’s historic structures, 

such as Muir Woods National Monument Historic District 

and historic buildings at Camp Hillwood, have generally 

retained their integrity but the incremental and piecemeal 

approach to preservation and maintenance, as well as their 

various adaptive uses, has resulted in long-term, minor to 

moderate, adverse impacts because historic buildings, 

fabric, and integrity have been lost.

No impairment of monument resources or values would 

result from this alternative.

Historic buildings in the Muir Woods National 

Monument Historic District and at Camp Hillwood 

would be rehabilitated and adaptively used for 

interpretive, educational, recreational, administrative, 

and stewardship activities/purposes. This would result 

in long-term, beneficial impacts because their historical 

and architectural values would be preserved. 

Plans for evaluating other historic buildings under 

National Register of Historic Places criteria in the Muir 

Woods Addition would afford preservation treatment to 

determined-eligible structures, and a thus result in 

long-term, beneficial impacts to potentially eligible 

buildings.

Although increased visitation could accelerate the 

deterioration of historic structures, monitoring human 

impacts to historic structures, increased ranger patrol, 

and increased historical interpretation could indirectly 

discourage vandalism and inadvertent impacts and

minimize adverse impacts. Adverse impacts would be 

long term and negligible to minor in intensity.

No impairment of monument resources or values 

would result from this alternative.

To fully restore the primeval character and natural 

conditions of the monument, all historic structures in 

the monument (including unevaluated properties in the 

Muir Woods Addition area) would be removed under 

this alternative. These actions would result in 

permanent adverse impacts of major intensity because 

historic structures would be lost. 

No impairment of monument resources or values 

would result from this alternative.

Actions under alternative 3 would result in long-term, 

beneficial impacts to historic buildings in the Muir 

Woods Historic District because their historical and 

architectural values would be preserved. The majority 

of the historic Camp Hillwood buildings would be 

stabilized and adaptively used, resulting in long-term 

beneficial impacts. However, some buildings at Camp 

Hillwood could be removed, resulting in permanent 

adverse impacts of minor intensity.

Buildings in the Muir Woods Addition area would be 

evaluated against National Register of Historic Places 

criteria, and those determined eligible would be 

stabilized, resulting in long-term beneficial impacts. 

Although increased visitation could accelerate the 

deterioration of historic structures, monitoring human 

impacts to historic structures, increased ranger patrol, 

and increased historical interpretation could indirectly 

discourage vandalism and inadvertent impacts and 

minimize adverse impacts. Adverse impacts would be 

long term and negligible to minor in intensity.

No impairment of monument resources or values 

would result from this alternative.

Cultural Landscape 

Resources

Overall, the cultural landscape at the monument retains its 

historic natural appearance, and preservation treatment of 

cultural landscape features is ongoing as opportunities 

arise. This continuing management under the no-action 

alternative would result in mostly long-term, negligible, and 

beneficial impacts, and some individual impacts that are 

minor and adverse. 

No impairment of monument resources or values would 

result from this alternative.

Actions under alternative 1would result in long-term, 

beneficial impacts to cultural landscape resources 

because much of the monument’s cultural landscape, 

including historic trails and associated facilities, would 

be preserved. The introduction of new elements into 

the cultural landscape, such as restrooms and drinking 

water facilities, would result in some long-term, 

adverse impacts of minor intensity. 

No impairment of monument resources or values 

would result from this alternative.

To more fully restore the primeval character and 

natural conditions of the monument, virtually all 

cultural landscape features, including the historic 

structures, would be removed under alternative 2. 

Although some cultural landscape features would be 

preserved if not in conflict with natural resource goals, 

many features would be lost and some would be 

redesigned or relocated. Thus, actions under 

alternative 2 would result in permanent and long-term 

adverse impacts of major intensity to the national 

monument’s cultural landscape resources. 

No impairment of monument resources or values 

would result from this alternative.

Alternative 3 would provide for the most 

comprehensive retention, rehabilitation, and 

preservation of cultural landscape resources in the 

monument, resulting in overall long-term, beneficial 

impacts. However, construction of new trails and the 

relocation or redesign of others, as well as the removal 

of portions of the CCC-constructed erosion-control 

stone revetments in Redwood Creek, would result in 

some permanent and long-term, adverse impacts of 

minor intensity, because some cultural landscape 

resources would be lost and the cultural landscape’s 

integrity would be diminished. Therefore, the combined 

impacts of alternative 3 on the monument’s cultural 

landscape resources would be long term and 

beneficial; although there would be some permanent 

and long-term adverse impacts of minor intensity. 

No impairment of monument resources or values 

would result from this alternative.

Park Collections The alternatives for the monument’s collections are 

covered under the environmental consequences in the 

“Actions Common to All Actions Alternatives” section and 

by each alternative for Golden Gate National Recreation 

The alternatives for the monument’s collections are 

covered under the environmental consequences in the 

“Actions Common to All Actions Alternatives” section 

and by each alternative for Golden Gate National 

The alternatives for the monument’s collections are 

covered under the environmental consequences in the 

“Actions Common to All Actions Alternatives” section 

and by each alternative for Golden Gate National 

The alternatives for the monument’s collections are 

covered under the environmental consequences in the 

“Actions Common to All Actions Alternatives” section 

and by each alternative for Golden Gate National 
PART 6: ALTERNATIVES FOR MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

Volume I: 338

POTENTIAL KEY IMPACTS ON MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE 1 ALTERNATIVE 2 ALTERNATIVE 3 – NPS PREFERRED

Area. 

No impairment of monument collections would result from 

this alternative.

Recreation Area.

No impairment of monument collections would result 

from this alternative.

Recreation Area.

No impairment of monument collections would result 

from this alternative.

Recreation Area.

No impairment of monument collections would result 

from this alternative. 

VISITOR USE AND EXPERIENCE

The no-action alternative would result in long-term, minor 

to moderate, beneficial impacts from continued 

opportunities to experience the unique and highly valued 

characteristics of the primeval forest via hiking trails and 

educational programs. However, minor to moderate 

adverse impacts on the visitor experience from visitor 

crowding, noise, and informal parking during peak times 

would continue.

Under alternative 1, impacts to the visitor experience 

would be long term, minor to moderate, and beneficial. 

The improvements to the arrival experience to the 

park, along with enhanced educational and interpretive 

opportunities, directly address the primary interests 

and concerns of most visitors to the monument. 

Alternative 2 would result in long term, minor to 

moderate, beneficial impacts to the visitor experience, 

primarily due to enhancements to the monument’s 

natural setting and the promotion of a more authentic 

and connected visitor experience with the primeval 

forest. However, long-term, minor to moderate, 

adverse impacts to the visitor experience would also 

occur, since some visitors would likely find it 

challenging to visit given the lack of parking and 

support facilities, and the increased regulation of 

visitor access.

Actions proposed in the NPS preferred alternative 

would result in long term, minor to moderate, beneficial 

impacts to the visitor experience. This alternative 

contributes to the purpose of the monument by 

providing high quality recreation and education 

opportunities that welcome a wide audience to 

experience and understand the most important 

resources and stories of Muir Woods National

Monument. 

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

In the context of the local gateway communities and the 

three adjacent counties, the beneficial impacts to the social 

and economic environment from the no-action alternative 

would be long term and minor to moderate. The beneficial 

impacts could result from maintaining the park’s 

contribution to the local economy and quality of life, 

existing education and stewardship programs, as well as 

maintaining collaborative efforts with several local 

governments and land managers to maintain and expand 

open land protection in the region.

The beneficial impacts to the quality of life and 

economy from alternative 1 would be short term to 

long term, and range from minor to moderate for the 

gateway communities and three adjacent counties. 

The beneficial impacts would result from: (1) a 

substantial increase in public outreach programs, 

visitor orientation, and new welcoming facilities, (2) 

improved connections to local and regional 

transportation systems and reduced traffic congestion, 

(3) new engineering and construction contracts for 

facility improvements, and (4) job creation from visitor 

service increases in the park and from shuttle service 

expansion. 

The adverse impacts of alternative 1 could be long 

term and minor in the context of the gateway 

communities. The adverse impacts could result from a 

reduction in local business activity due to park visitors 

using public transit instead of personal vehicles.

The beneficial impacts to the quality of life and 

economy from alternative 2 would be short-term to 

long-term and minor for the gateway communities and 

three adjacent counties. The beneficial impacts could 

result from (1) increased cooperation with other local 

governments and land managers to pursue 

preservation of additional public lands in the area, (2) 

contract work created by various reclamation projects, 

(3) possible new jobs created by the significant 

expansion in the shuttle service for the park, and (4) 

the expanded shuttle service that would allow more 

local residents to access the park and reduce traffic 

congestion.

The adverse impacts from alternative 2 could be long 

term, ranging from minor to moderate for the gateway 

communities and three adjacent counties. The adverse 

impacts could result from a reduction in local business 

activity from park visitors who would need to take 

public transit to the park.

The beneficial impacts to the quality of life and 

economy from alternative 3 could be long-term, 

ranging from minor to moderate for the gateway 

communities and three adjacent counties. The 

beneficial impacts could result from (1) a moderate 

increase in public outreach, visitor orientation, and 

new welcoming facilities at the park, (2) improved 

connections to local and regional transportation 

systems and less traffic congestion, (3) a modest 

number of jobs created by expanded visitor welcoming 

services and expanded shuttle service, and (4) the 

community’s improved awareness, pride, and 

appreciation of the national significance of the 

monument.

The adverse impacts of alternative 3 could be long 

term and minor for the gateway communities. The 

adverse impacts could result from a reduction in local 

business activity due to park visitors using public 

transit instead of personal vehicles. 

TRANSPORTATION

With no further action taken, visitor connections to Muir 

Woods National Monument and the functionality of the 

transportation system to the monument could experience a 

long-term, minor to moderate, adverse impact. Access 

roads and intersections on State Route 1 between Highway 

101 and Muir Woods National Monument would continue to 

be congested, slowing shuttle service, and making it 

difficult at peak times for emergency vehicles to travel in 

The transportation measures included in this 

alternative are likely to have a long-term, major, 

beneficial impact on connections between both ferry 

and regional bus transit and Muir Woods National 

Monument and the Muir Woods Shuttle. The shuttle 

would become the primary mode of access to the 

monument during peak demand periods. A much 

larger proportion of visitors could be expected to park 

Alternative 2 proposes actions which would 

significantly alter the transportation system serving 

Muir Woods National Monument. Redesign of 

pedestrian access to the monument entrance is likely 

to have a long-term, moderate, beneficial impact on 

visitor access and safety. 

In conjunction with the parking provided at the offsite 

The transportation measures included in this 

alternative are likely to have a long-term, major, 

beneficial impact on connections between both ferry 

and regional bus transit and Muir Woods National 

Monument and the Muir Woods Shuttle. The shuttle 

would become the primary mode of access to the 

monument during peak demand periods. A much 

larger proportion of visitors could be expected to park 
Summary Tables for Muir Woods National Monument

Volume I: 339

POTENTIAL KEY IMPACTS ON MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE 1 ALTERNATIVE 2 ALTERNATIVE 3 – NPS PREFERRED

the area. The existing parking lots at the monument are 

likely to continue to fill early in the day from May to 

September, particularly on the weekends, and the unsafe 

roadside parking situation could also continue. On a 

positive note, shuttle service can be expected to see 

continued increases in ridership, helping reduce road 

congestion.

remotely and take the shuttle or express service from 

San Francisco.

The reduction in the number of cars on the roads 

approaching Muir Woods National Monument would 

have a long-term, moderate, beneficial impact on the 

functionality of the transportation system by reducing 

congestion. The reduction in visitor-related congestion 

would allow the shuttles to stay on schedule, and 

would allow emergency vehicles improved access to 

the area. This alternative could have a long-term, 

minor to moderate, beneficial impact on pedestrian 

and bicycle access by making the access roads safer 

for these visitors due to reduced traffic and congestion 

and reduction of road shoulder parking,, and by redesigning the walkways from the entry area to the 

monument so they are separated from auto traffic. 

Even with a 33% reduction in parking, and a projected 

increase in demand, there would still be adequate 

parking during the off season (October through April) 

when the shuttle is not running. During the peak 

season, the reduction in parking would be offset by an 

increase in transit service. The reduction in parking 

could have a long-term, moderate, adverse impact on 

parking availability on those days when the shuttle is 

not running.

welcome center and other remote parking lots, and the

greatly increased transit service to the monument, this 

alternative would have a long-term, major, beneficial, 

impact on availability of transit, improved traffic flow, 

and number and capacity of transit connections. 

Removing parking from Muir Woods National 

Monument is likely to result in a reduction in the 

number of cars on the roads in southwest Marin, 

allowing transit to better run on schedule and 

emergency vehicles to have access, and offering less 

auto congestion to residents. However, while 

expanded transportation options may increase 

visitation, from the point of view of the visitor who 

arrives at the monument by car and is unable to park, 

the impact would be long-term, moderate, and 

adverse, limiting the ability of some visitors to visit the 

monument.

The increase in transit services from San Francisco 

and the Sausalito Ferry, if fully funded through points 

in south Marin, is likely to have long-term, major, 

beneficial effects on the transportation system to the 

monument as well as throughout the southwest Marin 

County area, by increasing multimodal opportunities to 

get to the monument and increasing connectivity to 

regional transportation. 

Auto access may experience a long-term, minor to 

moderate, beneficial impact since there may be much 

less auto traffic on Muir Woods Road, while bus traffic 

on State Route 1 would increase significantly.

remotely and take the shuttle or express service from 

San Francisco.

The reduction in the number of cars on the roads 

approaching Muir Woods National Monument would 

have a long-term, moderate, beneficial impact on the 

functionality of the transportation system by reducing 

congestion. The reduction in visitor-related congestion 

would allow the shuttles to stay on schedule, and 

would allow emergency vehicles improved access to 

the area. This alternative could have a long-term, 

minor to moderate, beneficial impact on pedestrian 

and bicycle access by making the access roads safer 

for these visitors due to reduced traffic and congestion 

and reduction of road shoulder parking,, and by redesigning the walkways from the entry area to the 

monument so they are separated from auto traffic. 

Even with a 33% reduction in parking, and a projected 

increase in demand, there would still be adequate 

parking during the off season (October through April) 

when the shuttle is not running. During the peak 

season, the reduction in parking would be offset by an 

increase in transit service. The reduction in parking 

could have a long-term, moderate, adverse impact on 

parking availability on those days when the shuttle is 

not running.

PARK MANAGEMENT, OPERATIONS, AND FACILITIES

Continued long-term, moderate, beneficial impacts to 

operations would result from partner and volunteer efforts. 

The continued impact of low staffing levels on park 

operations is moderate, long-term, and adverse. 

Inadequate project and operational funding would result in 

major, long-term, adverse impacts to park facilities. 

Inappropriate space for staff would also result in continued 

long-term, minor to moderate, adverse impacts to 

monument operations.

Increased staff would result in moderate, long-term, 

beneficial impacts, if funded. If funding is available for 

construction, rehabilitation, restoration, and demolition 

projects, these projects would result in moderate, longterm, beneficial impacts to park operations. 

Construction and landscape restoration activities 

would also result in short-term, minor, adverse impacts 

while they are underway. However, if funding and 

needed staffing levels are not made available when 

these actions are implemented, the proposed actions 

would have long-term, moderate, adverse effects on 

park operations. 

Increased staff would result in moderate, long-term, 

beneficial impacts, if funded. If fully funded, 

construction, rehabilitation, restoration, and demolition 

projects proposed in the alternative would result in 

major, long-term, beneficial impacts to park 

operations. Construction and landscape restoration 

activities also would result in short-term, minor, 

adverse impacts to park operations. Removal of much 

of the development from inside the monument could 

make public safety responses more difficult, and would 

result in a minor to moderate, long-term, adverse 

impact to park operations. However, if funding and 

needed staffing levels are not made available when 

these actions are implemented, the proposed actions 

would have long-term, moderate, adverse effects on 

park operations.

Increased staff would result in moderate, long-term, 

beneficial impact if adequate funding is available. If 

funding is available, construction, rehabilitation, 

restoration, and demolition projects proposed in the 

alternative would result in moderate, long-term, 

beneficial impacts to park operations. Construction 

and landscape restoration activities also would result 

in short-term, minor, adverse impacts to park 

operations while the activities are underway. However, 

if funding and needed staffing levels are not made 

available when these actions are implemented, the 

proposed actions would have long-term, moderate, 

adverse effects on park operations.
PART 6: ALTERNATIVES FOR MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

Volume I: 340
Index to Volume 1

Volume 1: 343

INDEX TO VOLUME l 

Battery Spencer, 190, 208, 238, 255, 257, 281 

Bay Area Ridge Trail, 105, 107, 110, 137, 194, 195, 217, 220, 243, 262, 285 

Bolinas Lagoon, 109, 130, 187, 204, 235, 255, 279 

Bolinas-Fairfax Road, 9, 10, 204, 279 

California Coastal Trail, 41, 110, 137, 138, 190, 194, 205, 212, 213, 216, 218, 220, 236, 239, 257, 258 

Camino del Canyon, 126, 298, 305, 313, 319, 335 

Cañada Road, 220 

Capehart Housing Area, 121, 126, 190, 208, 238, 257, 281, 293 

carbon footprint, 288, 335 

Cattle Hill, 9, 107, 194, 217, 243, 262, 285 

China Beach, 9, 191, 212, 240, 242, 259, 283, 284 

climate change, 31, 40, 101, 117 

Conzelman, 190, 208, 238, 257, 281 

Dipsea Trail, 297, 312, 319 

Druid Heights, 298, 305, 313, 319, 332, 335 

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, 42, 103, 130, 196, 219, 221, 245, 263, 286 

former Banducci flower farm, 188, 205, 236, 256, 280, 305, 313, 320 

Fort Baker, 3, 10, 36, 39, 121, 122, 140, 141, 142, 189, 190, 281 

Fort Barry, 189, 198, 207, 208, 238, 257, 281 

Fort Cronkhite, 121, 122, 189, 207, 208, 238, 257, 281 

Fort Funston, 9, 123, 141, 191, 192, 198, 211, 213, 214, 241, 258, 260, 284, 293, 294

Fort Mason or Upper Fort Mason, 3, 9, 10, 36, 122, 140, 141, 151, 159, 167, 179, 191, 198, 199, 211, 

212, 239, 240, 258, 259, 283 

Fort Miley, 9, 123, 191, 192, 199, 213, 240, 260, 283 

Fort Point National Historic Site, 9, 37, 191 

Gerbode Valley, 189, 207, 237, 257, 281 

Golden Gate Dairy, 9, 188, 205, 237, 256, 280 

Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, 3, 39 
INDEX

Volume I: 344

Gulf of the Farallones, 41, 109, 129, 130, 132, 209, 282 

Hawk Hill, 190, 208, 238, 257, 281 

Highway 101, 111, 303, 317, 331, 338 

Huddart County Park, 220 

Kent Canyon, 122, 305, 313, 320 

Kirby Cove, 190, 209, 238, 258 

Lower Redwood Creek, 9, 40, 111, 126, 188, 205, 236, 256, 280, 304, 305, 313, 318, 320 

Marin City Ridge, 110, 189, 207, 237, 257, 281 

Martini Creek, 108

Milagra Ridge, 9, 111, 138, 194, 217, 243, 261, 285 

Montara Lighthouse, 9, 27, 195, 219, 244, 262, 286 

Montara Mountain, 108, 110, 218 

Mori Point, 9, 40, 138, 193, 194, 217, 218, 243, 262, 285 

Mount Tamalpais State Park, 30, 41, 111, 205, 206, 297, 304, 305, 313, 317, 319, 320

Muir Beach, 9, 10, 30, 40, 111, 188, 205, 236, 237, 239, 256, 280, 282, 290, 293 

Muir Woods Addition, 298, 305, 313, 319, 337 

Mussel Rock, 9, 110, 193, 216, 241, 242, 261, 285 

Native Americans, 3, 19, 43, 101, 127, 128, 133 

Nike Missile Site, 133, 208, 238, 257, 281 

Oakwood Valley, 189, 206, 237, 256, 257, 280 

Ocean Beach, 9, 191, 192, 198, 211, 213, 216, 240, 241, 260, 284 

Panoramic Highway, 111, 188, 204, 236, 256, 279 

park collections, 59, 65, 70, 75, 80, 90, 95, 101, 133, 134, 292, 337 

Pedro Point, 9, 42, 139, 194, 218, 243, 262, 285 

Phleger Estate, 9, 139, 193, 195, 220, 244, 262, 286 

Picardo Ranch, 9, 194, 217, 218, 243, 262, 285 

Point Bonita Lighthouse, 27, 190, 209, 239, 255, 258 

Presidio of San Francisco, 3, 9, 37, 38, 39, 122, 200 
Index to Volume I

Volume I: 345

Rancho Corral de Tierra, 9, 104, 105, 108, 110, 112, 137, 139, 193, 195, 217, 218, 219, 220, 243, 262, 

286, 293 

Redwood Creek, 3, 30, 111, 188, 205, 236, 239, 280, 282, 297, 298, 304, 311, 312, 317, 318, 320, 328, 

330, 331, 335, 337 

San Andreas, 21, 26, 220 

San Francisco Bay Discovery Site, 194, 217, 243, 262, 285 

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, 37, 41, 191, 211, 212, 259 

San Francisco Peninsula Watershed or San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Peninsula Watershed 

Easement, 9, 26, 42, 193, 195, 216, 217, 220, 243, 262, 285, 286 

San Pedro Mountain, 108, 112, 194, 218, 243, 262, 285 

Sawyer Camp, 217 

Shelldance Nursery, 9, 123, 194, 217, 243, 261, 285 

Skyline Boulevard, 217, 220, 243 

Slide Ranch, 9, 40, 188, 204, 236, 256, 279, 293 

Sneath Lane, 217, 220, 243, 285 

State Route 1, 105, 106, 107, 108, 111, 188, 194, 204, 206, 216, 217, 218, 219, 236, 243, 255, 256, 261, 

279, 285, 293, 299, 303, 306, 313, 317, 320, 326, 331, 338 

Stinson Beach, 9, 40, 111, 122, 141, 187, 198, 203, 204, 235, 236, 255, 279, 293 

Sutro Historic District, 9, 38, 191, 192 

Sweeney Ridge, 9, 107, 112, 138, 193, 194, 217, 218, 220, 243, 262, 285 

Tennessee Valley, 9, 111, 126, 141, 189, 206, 207, 237, 256, 280 

Thornton State Beach, 193, 216, 242, 261, 285 
As the nation’s principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has responsibility for most of our 

nationally owned public lands and natural resources. This includes fostering sound use of our land and water 

resources; protecting our fish, wildlife, and biological diversity; preserving the environmental and cultural values 

of our national parks and historic places; and providing for the enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation. 

The department assesses our energy and mineral resources and works to ensure that their development is 

in the best interests of all our people by encouraging stewardship and citizen participation in their care. The 

department also has a major responsibility for American Indian reservation communities and for people who 

live in island territories under U.S. administration.

NPS 641/108779; NPS 112/108782; August 2011/Printed on recycled paper.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area • Muir Woods National Monument 

Draft General Management Plan / Environmental Impact Statement

U.S. Department of the Interior • National Park Service • Denver Service Center