Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
5
About
Minutes away from the city, this park has old redwoods.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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  • Jennifer Z
    San Francisco, California19 contributions
    Spacious, Shady, Well Maintained Sites
    This review is about CAMPING at Henry Cowell only. My family of 4 including 2 school aged kids camped here for 3 nights in July. Many of the sites here are generously spacious! The impressive site size was perfect for camping in times of Covid - I felt well spaced from neighbors. We had site 96 which though looks like it may be small on the site map, is actually decently large. Most of the sites were well shaded with tall study trees worthy of hammocks. We saw very few mosquitos and yellow jackets. The exception to the shady/ spaciousness were sites along the ridge in the 2-50 loop. However those ridge sites had beautiful vistas. The sites are so full of trees that one cannot view the loop roads, in case for example, you want to keep an eye on your kids biking around the loops. Dogs are allowed to camp here as long as they remain on leash. There are very few trials that are dog friendly, but the loops are plenty lovely for walks with dogs. The bathrooms were reassuringly clean. Many trash and recycling collection areas. Watch out for poison oak. Firewood is delivered to campsites for $10 a bundle. Easy 20 minute drive to Santa Cruz beaches, and less than 10 minutes to a supermarket in Felton. Highly recommend the Roaring Camp Railway ride for young and old alike.
    Visited July 2020
    Written 26 July 2020
  • wireless_in_CA
    United States4 829 contributions
    Worth the Drive to Hike Through This Amazing Park
    We’ve rode the Roaring Camp Railroad from Felton to Santa Cruz but never took the opportunity to cross the tracks and visit the park until now. Most of the trails are easy to navigate (Pipeline Road is paved) and dogs and horses were also allowed except where noted (unfortunately Redwood Grove Trail is the most popular). Inside the Redwood Grove Trail, lookout for the mother and father trees, banana slugs (stop 12), tree with albino leaves (stop 14), the giant tree (270 feet tall, 17 feet wide), etc. the high canopy of the trees obscured much of the sunlight in some areas. The walk was quiet due to our early morning visit but later the sounds of the Roaring Camp train escalated as they got ready for departure. We did not have trouble finding parking but it was good to arrive early as the lot was almost full near lunchtime.
    Visited April 2021
    Travelled with family
    Written 5 April 2021
  • SB from Oside
    Carlsbad, California45 contributions
    Beautiful place
    The drive on Hwy 1 to get here is also an enjoyable experience. There was plenty of parking in several lots. The loop is an easy stroll through the majestic redwoods. I went on a Tuesday around noon and could easily have enough space to take in the colors, scents and sounds without people right next to me. You can easily access the train next door from your parking space. You can hear it’s whistle occasionally and it adds charm to the experience. Not much in the way of food, drinks, coffee…you should bring your own and enjoy at a picnic table. There are porta-pottys and volunteer told me it’s because septic system is in need of repair. There are many different trails and places to breath in spectacular views. I’m so glad I saw this place and you will be too.
    Visited August 2021
    Travelled solo
    Written 18 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Ingo Schmökel
15 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
You not have to go to the MUIR or Sequoia if you wanna see some big redwoods - go to Henry Cowell Redwood State Park. It's easy to find beetween sillicon valley short before Santa Cruz/Monterey. Visiting costs USD 10,00. There's a restroom, a small shop and different parking lots. a round trail leads you through the biggest redwoods.The way is good enough for older persons and strollers as well. We've spent there a relaxing afternoon on our roadtrip "Highway 1".
Written 24 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Linda W
Los Angeles, CA86 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
This state park is absolutely beautiful. We did the Redwoods Grove Loop Trail which is only 0.9 miles. Super easy hike, flat ground, with many beautiful redwood trees to see. We went in July and the weather was great. There is also a small visitor center right by the trail entrance.
Written 22 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nicole S
San Diego, CA13 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Went to Henry Cowell as it was only 15 min from where we were staying in Santa Cruz. Beautiful hiking, fresh water. Great for families.
Written 11 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

muhlberg
San Francisco, CA258 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
We camped at Henry Cowell and took the Redwood Grove trail all the way to Roaring Camp Railroad. Beautiful trail and fun to watch the train come through. Surprised though that it crossed paths with pedestrians all around and on the tracks. There wasn’t a crossing alert sign or barricade. Just a trespassing sign which didn’t stop anyone from walking on the tracks. Beautiful nonetheless. It’s about a 4 mile round trip from the campground.
Written 11 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

KBinHarv
Harvest, AL78 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
Fascinating place!! Very easy .8 mile walk on the loop. Highly recommended to anyone seeking an opportunity to get in touch with nature!!
Written 5 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DaniCluj
29 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
A gem of a park. We hiked some trails in the park on our way back from Big Basin and it was an amazing experience. Highly recommend for an easy nature hike if in the area
Written 5 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Anne C
Lansing, MI90 contributions
May 2023
Perfect little stop with an easy 0.8 mile walk through the redwoods. The road to The Garden of Eden was closed, so we didn't get to explore that area, but the loop trail was a nice way to stretch our legs and see the amazing trees.
Written 15 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Erin M
Buffalo, NY17 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Spectacular park. Arrived by 8am. Completed Redwood Grove, Pipeline to Observation Deck and back with two kids under 10. Park rangers were super helpful and kind. Minimal muddy spots on trails. Actually spotted a banana slug thanks to another group on the trail. Trees were magnificent. Was at Big Basin 9 years ago and wanted to bring the kids there this trip, but with the fire recovery and all the rain we chose to come to Henry Cowell instead for this trip. So happy we did, it was magical.
Written 2 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Heather W
Montpelier, VT1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Solo
Fantastic park. The Redwoods are spectacular and the trails are picturesque. Great vista views of the mountains and the Pacific.
Written 30 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

One Sky For All
San Jose, CA95 contributions
Aug 2022
Our family hike took place at this amazing park. We enjoyed well maintained trails, all numbered trees with history. Great volunteer-guides gave us tour around the park where we learned new stories about the park. Children had so much fun, it was not crowded. When it was high temperature in the center of Silicon Valley, this refuge with century old giants gave fresh and cooler experiences to the visitors.
Written 19 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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HENRY COWELL REDWOODS STATE PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park