Tired of getting your groove on in the gym? Hoping to enjoy the sunshine and get fit in the fresh air? Look no further than the great outdoors. Our recommendation? A hike in the beautiful Muir Woods. A quick 45 minute drive up scenic highway 280 brings you to the entrance of the State Park. With no entry fee, free parking and miles upon miles of groomed trails through groves of giant Redwoods, waterfalls and wildflowers, a hike here is a no-brainer. You can even make a day of it and hit nearby Stinson Beach for a post-hike swim, or drive back to campus through downtown San Francisco and stop for lunch. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring water and — if you’re like me and need Google Maps to find your way from your room to the bathroom — definitely don’t pass on the Visitor Center trail map. Happy hiking!
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Just one of the many scenic views from the Muir Woods trails. Terrible photography courtesy of Maria Bowe’s phone.