Henry Cowell Redwood Grove Loop

Bay Area

Nature walk in a grove of huge, ancient trees.

Hiking Easy

Distance: 1.5 km
Ascent: 13 m
Descent: 13 m
Duration: 0-1 hrs

Low Point: 78 m
High Point: 88 m
Gradient: 1˚

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is one of the best places to see huge trees. This natural area is near Santa Cruz, but remains a reasonable drive from most part of the Bay Area. The little bit of extra distance makes it far less crowded than Muir Woods National Monument, and you can drive your own car right in, rather than taking a shuttle like at Muir Woods. This park also has a nice campground if you want to spend the weekend.

Photo from Henry Cowell Redwood Grove Loop — Photo: Shutterstock

Description

Because the main attraction is the trees, the best trail to see them is the park’s most popular. It’s the Redwood Grove Loop, a flat, wheelchair-accessible path through an ancient forest. The stars are coast redwood trees, which grow up to 275 feet tall here. One of them has a huge cavity near its base that you⁠—and the rest of the family⁠—can fit inside. There are also very tall Douglas fir trees and other, smaller residents like banana slugs. They thrive in this uniquely cool and damp environment beneath the canopy. Pick up a pamphlet near the trailhead and turn the loop into a self-guided nature tour.

Sources: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?pageid=546 https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/546/files/HenryCowellRedwoodGroveLoopTrail2013.pdf