Muir Beach Parking Access

Hello All, I went to Muir Beach last weekend for a little salmon fishing and late season crabbing. I wanted to get there early but I know there are early morning parking issues. For those that don't know, the gate to the only parking area doesn't officially open until 9am and it kind of makes early morning launches difficult since there is no street parking allowed. The last thread I found on the NorCalKayakAnglers site was a little outdated and I was able to get some additional information from an individual with the Golden Gate NPS and a Muir Beach local. The local told me that they usually open the gates early (7:30is) on the weekends, and sure enough, they opened at 7:30 last Saturday. Plus, both the NPS and the local told me that if the gate is closed, you can unload at the gate and drive 100 yards up the road (between Muir Beach & Pelican Inn) to the cable/telephone service box (picture attached). There are "No Parking" signs on that stretch of road, but if you are off the road, you are OK (according to the local and NPS ranger). It's a short walk, but at least it opens up the possibility of a dawn launch during the salmon season. I appreciate that they are trying to keep the beach clean & free. At least there's a spot for the kayakers to park that's not to far away.

Thanks for the very useful info.

Good info bro, but sounds risky. I would be Furious if my truck was towed or ticketed! ! Can anyone else confirm this parking spot legal or safe? 730 is late for me.

I agree, it's a little risky, but I trusted the local that was actually parked in that spot and told me that it's not a problem. Plus, it confirmed what the NPS for the Golden Gate Parks told me. I've seen cars parked here before and it seems to be the best option for an early launch during the salmon season. If anyone has experienced otherwise, I would love to hear.

The Muir Beach situation sucks. They're keeping the lot closed so the locals can enjoy the beach without regular people coming in and mucking it up for them. So much for Muir being a public beach. Writing letters to the NPS would be a good start.

I think they should charge $5 or $8 for parking and remove the gate. Staff could pass through every morning and evening and ticket any overnighters or non-payers. I would pay $$$ to have 6AM access.

http://www.marinij.com/sports/20140724/fish-wrap-kayak-salmon-anglers-miffed-by-late-opening-of-muir-beach-parking-lot

I don't think there is a concerted effort to keep the beach closed to "outsiders" and make it exclusive for the locals. I would guess one issue is the proximity of the homes (especially on Pacific Way which runs parallel to the newly paved parking lot) and the disruption that it would cause to homeowners if it was less regulated. Keep in mind, all the homeowners on Pacific Way (you can google it) got screwed when they rotated the parking lot 90 degrees on it's axis. Instead of having a creek and trees in front of their homes, they now have a fence and HUGE parking lot. I don't live in Muir Beach, but would point out that the community has been back there long before Muir Beach and Muir Woods became a traffic choke point of mostly tourists (not respectful fishermen) on the weekends...unfortunately, regulation needs to exist back there due to the massive amouts of traffic, both foot and vehicle that the area receives. Would definatley be awesome if there was a solution for the gate to be opened at 6am! My 2 cents.

Josh

P.S. Sorry for the deviation from the original question about that parking spot. I know exactly what you are talking about. I've parked there before to fish the beach...mainly when construction was ongoing with the restoration. I was not ticketed or towed...that said, I never fully trusted it. My sense is you'd be fine, but just sucks to have that in the back of your mind when you are out fishing.

I don't think there is any ill will toward the public at play here, but I could be wrong. (I mean... I'm sure the locals are annoyed, but I don't think it's a factor).

They way it was described to me was that it's a staffing issue. First the staffer cleans the Muir Woods bathrooms and opens that gate, THEN he (or she?) heads to Muir and does the same.

I wish they'd just do it the other way around!!!

Thanks for your thoughts everyone. I usually use this beach as a crabbing spot (always get my 10 dungies), so I don't have to deal with the gate issue too often but I know it's been an ongoing concern. I was planning an early-ish launch last weekend for salmon (no luck), so I e-mailed the NPS and talked to a local that morning to try to get any updated info. I love this place and I'm happy they are able to keep it free to the public. I think everyone has the best intentions of keeping the park available to all and I'm at least happy to hear that there are some options for an early launch. If I hear anything else, I'll share.

Go 100 yrs past Pelican inn to Muir woods rd. on the right. Just park right there at the end, no restrictions, bring wheels. You can launch at 4 am if you want. Ive done to many times.

guitarzan - Sorry for the late reply. Appreciate your input. I'll keep that in mind as another option.