Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Tucked in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a redwoods wonderland, home to some of the most beautiful old-growth forests!

The oldest trees here are a staggering 1800 years old, and a walk through them really is a walk through the land of the giants.

Throw in a historic railroad and train ride, campsite, and mountainous landscape, and you have all the elements of a must-visit state park only 10 minutes from Santa Cruz!

Trails in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Over 30 miles of trails wind their way around the redwoods of Henry Cowell Redwood State Park outside Santa Cruz, so it is hard to know which to pick.

We have put together a list of the ones we loved. They allow you to see some of the park’s best and most unique features!

Note:

• No dogs allowed
• There is a $10 parking fee for the day-use area

Redwood Grove Loop Trail

Distance: 0.9 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 42 feet

If your aim is to see some of the biggest, oldest trees in the park, take the Redwood Grove Loop Trail and prepare to be amazed.

This trail takes you deep into the forest, showcasing some of the most impressive trees, such as the tallest tree within the park, and some with the widest circumference.

The trail is level and easily accessible, making it a popular way to explore the redwoods. The highlight is the Henry Cowell Redwood Grove, a densely populated old-growth grove.

Redwood Grove Loop Trail and Cowell Highlights Loop

Distance: 4.3 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 685 feet

Did the Redwood Grove Loop Trail leave you wanting more?

That’s what this trail is for, as not only do you get to experience one of the most popular hikes in the park but also some of the other many highlights, such as the observation deck.

From your lofty position, on a clear day, you’ll be able to see all the way to the ocean.

Another highlight is the Cathedral Redwoods, which helps you escape the crowds. Although the trees in this grove are on the younger side, they have grown in a perfect circle and are very impressive to witness.

Roaring Camp Loop Trail

Distance: 1.9 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 265 feet

Head into the trees on the trodden path leading to redwoods and the railroad on the Roaring Camp Loop Trail.

Along with the beautiful scenery, you can check out old and new railroads and train bridges. If you listen carefully, you’ll hear the chug and whistles of the roaring camp train as it makes its way up Bear Mountain.

TIP: Remember that this is a multiuser trail, so you may encounter some bikes.

Fall Creek to Lime Kilns Trail

Distance: 3.5 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 521 feet

Traverse pathways through the redwoods to some overgrown industrial ruins on this unique hike. The route is beautiful, passing wooden benches that span bubbling creeks, dripping canyons, and giant groves of redwoods.

Before long, you’ll come across the main attraction: the remains of a mine, where the historic lime kilns still remain, although now almost completely covered in moss.

Visit Roaring Camp

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers one of the most unique experiences around.

You can board a chugging stream train right in the middle of the forest and either:

• Take a scenic ride to the coast and Santa Cruz Boardwalk, or
• Take the route that leads through the redwoods, over an old trestle, and up to the summit of Bear Mountain via a narrow gauge grade.

On this route, once you reach the peak, you can disembark and explore a grove of redwoods for 10 minutes.

Whichever route you choose, you are in for a treat. The conductor will tell you the history of the railroad and forest as you travel, such as the fact that the railway was once used to haul timber out of the forest.

Even if you don’t hop on board, it is still worth heading to Roaring Camp to explore the historic village, pick up a warm cider, or attend one of the regular events.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Camping

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park has just over 100 campsites. Most of them can accommodate tents or RVs, and because the sites are tucked into the trees, they offer plenty of privacy—even more so when the ocean fog rolls in in the morning!

They all have picnic tables, fire rings, and food lockers, so you can tuck into a tasty meal after a day of hiking through the giants. This was our base, making us some of the first people to hit the trails.

TIP: Reservations are highly recommended, as although there are a lot of sites, they get booked up fast. We got lucky with a last-minute booking, though.

We hope this helped you plan your trip to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park!

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