If you're thinking of visiting Muir Woods, Marin County's famous and historic redwood forest, anytime soon you'll need to make a reservation first.
The National Park Service has implemented a new system that requires nearly all visitors to have a reservation to get into the popular tourist destination. As of January 2018, no one can park anywhere near Muir Woods without an electronic reservation (shown to a park ranger via your phone or a printout). The only visitors who don’t need a reservation are those who hike or bike into the woods.
Shuttle buses to Muir Woods from Sausalito, Marin City and a park-and-ride lot near Tamalpais Valley will also require reservations. The shuttle buses run on weekends only during the winter and spring, with weekday bus service starting in July.
The reservation system is meant to reduce traffic jams and overcrowding at Muir Woods, which attracts 1.1 million visitors a year. Remember that there's no cell service or WiFi near the park, so make sure you download your pass or print it out before you head out.
Happy hiking!