Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
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Minutes away from the city, this park has old redwoods.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- muhlberg266 contributionsTree hugger paradiseWe 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.Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten June 11, 2023
- Ingo Schmökel19 contributionsA good alternative if you want to see redwoodsYou 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".Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 24, 2023
- MootHouseBury St. Edmunds, United Kingdom714 contributionsBreathtaking. Calm, peaceful,Beautiful, peaceful, impressive park. Helpful rangers. Good facilities. Highly recommended. The paths are mostly smooth, suitable for a stroller or wheelchair. Good sign posts linked to the guide. A place I would happily return.Visited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 4, 2023
- Joanne ENewton, New Jersey24 contributionsNicer than MuirWe decided to go there last minute. It was such a nice surprise! It was so quiet and peaceful! The giant redwoods were huge. We hiked up to Overlook Point but it was too foggy to see much. We went to Muir a few days later and found it to be crowded and not as nice. This place is a hidden gem!Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 24, 2023
- Gabriela l1 contributionPet friendly <3Breath taking ! Everything was so beautiful the staff there are so nice and helpful , since I had two dogs they led me to the trail that would be safe for them and we all enjoyed every single bit of every water river we seen. do bring waters or snacks and comfortable shoes just beware of coyotes !Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 27, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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IntlEngineer
San Jose, CA6 contributions
Feb 2022
Absolutely one of my favorite parks to visit in the Bay Area. The redwoods are among the most marvelous of any forest in California. It’s a popular destination so you will encounter people on the trails, but the park is big enough that folks get spread out so it never feels crowded even if the lots are full.
I highly recommend the Observation Deck loop trail if you’re up for some mild elevation gain. The view from the top is great, and the biodiversity along the way is quite incredible for a 5 mile trail - you’ll feel like you went to 3 different parks instead of just 1.
If you go in the summer or early fall, bring plenty of water and a snack. The rangers are very friendly!
I highly recommend the Observation Deck loop trail if you’re up for some mild elevation gain. The view from the top is great, and the biodiversity along the way is quite incredible for a 5 mile trail - you’ll feel like you went to 3 different parks instead of just 1.
If you go in the summer or early fall, bring plenty of water and a snack. The rangers are very friendly!
Written February 12, 2022
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.
933cindyf
Wyandotte89 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
Oh my gosh!
My husband and I were in awe with the sheer size and the wonder of mother nature.
That was the second state park we visited. The entrance employee noticed our paid parking receipt on the dashboard. He stated since we paid for one entrance fee it was good for the same day to other state parks free entrance for parking.
This state park had a good layout map and trails were marked.
We even saw a banana slug!! A fellow nature person pointed one out to us, so that we wouldn't miss it.
This state park is a must!
My husband and I were in awe with the sheer size and the wonder of mother nature.
That was the second state park we visited. The entrance employee noticed our paid parking receipt on the dashboard. He stated since we paid for one entrance fee it was good for the same day to other state parks free entrance for parking.
This state park had a good layout map and trails were marked.
We even saw a banana slug!! A fellow nature person pointed one out to us, so that we wouldn't miss it.
This state park is a must!
Written November 6, 2020
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.
Mark951
Riverside, CA224 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
This is a limited review because of severe storms we were not able to see everything. We were able to take the loop walk by the visitor center through the trees. The area is full of many different types of trees including redwoods. There is an audio tour you can download which explains the numbered signs. There is a $10 fee to enter and park. It should have been $9 but I did know there was a discount for seniors and the person in the kiosk did not mention the discount. We will return when the weather improves so we can check out the visitor center which was closed and also ride the steam train
Written January 29, 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.
Ranjeet T
Cupertino, CA3 contributions
Jul 2020
The Fall Creek Unit is now my favorite place to hike in the Bay Area, by a factor of 14. Purisima Creek has 3 tree bridges right off the trail, Fall Creek and its surroundings has 40+ of varying heights, trunk widths, lengths, steepness and rottenness. There are 30+ tree bridges and cantilevered trunks between the Fall Creek trail junction with Bennett Creek Trail and the South Fork trail to Lime Kilns. The South Fork trail has another 5-10. Then, take the Cape Horn Trail to Lost Empire Trail to Big Ben (not the most impressive tree, BTW) , which has another 5 or so, including the one at Lost Camp that crosses a shallow pool with a small waterfall. Descend Big Ben trail to the upper section of Fall Creek Trail, where there are another 40+ in the Barrel Mill area, plus wading pools and small waterfalls and fern covered gullies. An adventure for any kid or anyone with a kid's heart.
Written August 7, 2020
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.
Rachel K
37 contributions
Jan 2021 • Friends
I can’t believe I’ve lived in the Bay Area my whole life and had never come here to see these redwoods! It is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. We did the Redwood Grove Loop trail (about one mile), and it was a very easy and light walk (no elevation), but with beautiful trees and scenery nonetheless. The pathway is also very wide, which makes it feel safe for socially distancing (and pretty much everyone was abiding by mask protocols). The parking can be a little confusing since there are multiple areas to park, so if you’re looking to do the Redwood Grove loop, make sure to park at the N Big Trees Park Rd Parking (101N N Big Trees Park Rd, Scotts Valley, CA 95060). Parking wasn’t an issue and it was a short walk to the trail.
We can’t wait to come back and explore other areas of the park!
We can’t wait to come back and explore other areas of the park!
Written March 7, 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.
Michael K
995 contributions
Aug 2021
We visited the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park after stepping off the train at the Roaring Camp Railroad. The park is just across the railroad tracks. We only hiked the Redwood Grove Loop Trail which is less than a mile. Even on a Saturday it wasn't that crowded. I like the redwood trees at Big Basin Redwoods State Park better, but driving to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is more convenient. Also, one can get access to food and restroom facility at the Roaring Camp Railroad just next door.
Written September 11, 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.
travelingCAgal
San Diego, CA804 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
On our way from Los Gatos to the central coast we stopped here to stroll among the beautiful redwoods near dusk. It is a pretty park with a nice loop trail into a an isolated grove of redwoods. It is a wonderful place to explore the quiet beauty of nature.
Written April 1, 2022
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.
Daniel T
Twickenham, UK408 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Did a hike approximately 5 miles up to the observation deck. Views are rewarding and the old growth in the short 1 mile loop near the visitor centre has some incredible huge trees. Recommend this location for some easy rewarding hikes.
Written January 24, 2020
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.
CADreamin
Felton, CA605 contributions
Feb 2021
This park is truly a hidden gem in the Santa Cruz Mountains. While many people have heard of Big Basin State Park (sadly, destroyed by the CZU Fire), those that visit Henry Cowell agree that it's just as beautiful and its smaller size and lovely "Redwood Loop" make it a park that seems 'intimate'. There are plenty of trails for all levels AND there's also another part of the park (Fall Creek) that sits in a valley with creeks, waterfalls and ferns ... in addition to Redwood trees. There's a Visitor's Center (currently closed) and a Park Store (open) which supports the park. There are also docents roaming the park who can answer questions. The park can be crowded during holidays and summer months so it's best to get there early. (Note: Roaring Camp Railroad is right next door.)
Written April 9, 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.
grits4
North Carolina284 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
While driving down the coast, we stayed in Santa Cruz one night. Our waitress at dinner suggested we visit this park to see the giant redwoods. It was only a few miles from town and we wanted to visit a redwood forest anyway. We took a walking trail along the river for about 20 minutes, but turned around in the interest of time. The redwood trees are majestic and the tallest in the world. Douglas Firs abound in the forest, and they are the 2nd largest. There was another interior trail that we didn’t have time to walk. We hoped to see the huge banana slugs, but they must have been hiding that day. The gift shop had some nice offerings and prices seemed reasonable. We were very glad we visited the park.
Written February 29, 2020
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.
jnkmlone
Saratoga Springs, NY186 contributions
Is it better to stay in the north or the south part of the park?
CADreamin
Felton, CA605 contributions
The only accommodations within the park are camping spaces; however, there are hotels and B&Bs in the area (e.g., Brookdale Lodge, Fairview Manor, various Airbnbs). This is a small but beautiful park with two sections: The main area, off Hwy 9, has a Visitor's Center, Nature Store and trails. The Fall Creek Unit, off Felton Empire Road, offers miles of hiking, the old Lime Kilns, creeks and, of course, lovely redwoods.
KniteRiter
Hickman, CA187 contributions
Are dogs allowed?
933cindyf
Wyandotte89 contributions
Yes they are allowed.
katie b
St. Petersburg, FL17 contributions
Hi all! Unfortunately, this park (and all nearby state parks) are booked the night we were hoping to camp here. Is there another place you would recommend? We will be coming from Sugarloaf Ridge SP and going to Pfeiffer Big Sur SP. Thank you!
Iwan v
California, United States10 contributions
I've heard good things about Smithwoods RV Park, but I have not been there myself. There are a bunch of campgrounds in the area, depending on what you are looking for.
We've been to Thousand Trails / Morgan Hill RV Resort a couple of times and we love it there too.
Campgroundreviews has a good list for Scott's Valley area
kfpanda1
San Jose, CA430 contributions
Trying to plan a camping trip for 4 families with children, we are not college aged party people. Read in some reviews that rangers are strict and do not allow occupants at one site to congregate at another site. Is that still the case? It would be nice to gather for campfires or meals together.
George Meredith
Windsor, Canada1,067 contributions
I know they do not allow hard partying or drinking or noise but you should call the park and see if they will let your family group get together.
kfpanda1
San Jose, CA430 contributions
Is alcohol really not allowed here or is just hard liquor that you can't bring. Read about that in some older reviews but maybe they changed the policy.
607happytraveler
Oxnard, CA68 contributions
I am clueless about this. I prefer water anyway.
Angela B
Sunol, CA5 contributions
Hi which side is the best to camp on ???? Do you have a favorite campsite at this park??? Looking to camp in may . Thanks
George Meredith
Windsor, Canada1,067 contributions
I did not camp overnight but considered it previously. Google maps has a good map of the campground and as I recall over 100 reviews where campers posted comments about locations close to restrooms, quiet areas and so on. This could be a good place to get useful information. I also recall this park fills up pretty quickly so get ahead of the crowds.
Carole-Coventry
Balsall Common, UK251 contributions
Is there any public transport from Monterey to Henry Cowell Park. We're not driving this trip but would love to visit the park
Thanks
gigidenise2015
Dayton, Nevada58 contributions
There is a bus that goes from Santa Cruz to the park.. and you can also take greyhound from Monterey to Santa Cruz if that helps?!
Sandy D
Carbondale, CO6 contributions
If I ride the beach train will I have time during the stop to walk around the redwoods before we go back to the beach?
Cowgirlvjs
Anaheim, CA109 contributions
I researched the train ride and was glad we just drove ourselves. The train stop is nowhere near the entrance to the nice paved walkway through the trees. Like the answer above, the visitor station is about a mile walk! That is not a train ride to the park by any definition! If you drive yourself, the parking is right outside the visitor center and restrooms. Just to the left is the walkway to see everything. Pick up a map that will tell you about each of the stops along the way.
Nelzgirl
London, United Kingdom77 contributions
What is the earliest time I can explore the park? I was hoping to do the loop trail at around 8.30am
rbdancer52
Las Vegas, New Mexico, United States276 contributions
The park is open sunrise to sunset. The visitor center hours are 10-4. Not sure if there's a self-pay station.
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Claim your listingHenry Cowell Redwoods State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Hotels near Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park:
- (0.18 mi) Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort
- (0.29 mi) Smithwoods RV Park
- (0.32 mi) Fern River Resort Motel
- (5.64 mi) Beach Street Inn And Suites
- (5.66 mi) West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn
- Restaurants near Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park:
- (0.56 mi) Cowboy Bar and Grill
- (4.53 mi) Marianne's Ice Cream
- (5.72 mi) Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge
- (5.74 mi) Linda's Seabreeze Cafe
- (0.74 mi) Monty's Log Cabin
- Attractions near Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park:
- (0.32 mi) Roaring Camp & Big Trees Narrow-Gauge Railroad
- (0.32 mi) Roaring Camp Railroads
- (0.19 mi) Fall Creek Unit
- (1.03 mi) Mount Hermon Adventures
- (0.35 mi) Cotillion Gardens RV Park