Officials with Muir Woods National Monument say the park is ready to welcome more visitors as vaccination rates in Marin County continue to rise.
But at the same time, the COVID-19 crisis brought a silver lining to the park.
Muir Woods has operated on limited capacity since June, having already installed a reservation system pre-pandemic. Spokesperson Charles Strickfaden said light traffic among the majestic trees has led to an overall improved experience for visitors and others are taking notice.
"The Muir Woods reservation system and actually our partnership is now a national model," he said. "We're routinely consulted by other parks, Zion National Park, Rocky Mountain (National Park), about how the reservation system is working."
Coastal Redwood trees stand at Muir Woods National Monument on August 20, 2013 in Mill Valley, California.Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the park has aligned with Marin County's health guidelines.
Strickfaden said that further loosening of restrictions in Marin County means the park will not only allow more visitors but also increased interactions between visitors and park staff.
"We've been very limited on what we've been doing with our visitors and provided basic information socially distanced, and now we're able to…start to do interpretive walks and tours and also bring our volunteer groups back."
The pandemic also aided in the preservation of trails and park wildlife.
As for limiting vehicle traffic into Muir Woods, Strickfaden added that the park has achieved all of its long-term goals.
