No hike in summertime is better than one beneath the shade of redwoods. To avoid the crowds of Muir Woods, consider one of these other redwood trails.
Roy's Redwoods
Roy’s Redwoods Loop Trail
Roy’s Redwoods Open Space Preserve
2.4 miles
This loop, with an optional inner loop at the hilltop, is lovely regardless of season, with some open trail but mostly redwoods.