Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park★5.0

How to Get There

From Santa Cruz, CA (6 mi): Take CA-9 N toward Felton, turn right onto Big Trees Park Road and follow signs to the main entrance of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

Overview

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a state park, preserving mainly forest and riparian areas in the watershed of the San Lorenzo River, including a grove of old-growth coast redwood. It is located primarily in the area between the cities of Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley, near the community of Felton and the University of California at Santa Cruz. The park includes a non-contiguous extension in the Fall Creek area north of Felton. The 4,623-acre (1,871 ha) park was established in 1953.

Geography

The main park covers approximately 1,750 acres (7.1 km2), and the separate Fall Creek (not to be confused with the Fall Creek farther north in San Mateo County) unit contains an additional 2,390 acres (9.7 km2). The park lies within the southern end of the Northern California coastal forests ecoregion. In the numerous stream canyons live large populations of coast redwood, coast Douglas fir, California bay laurel, tanbark oak, California hazelnut, bigleaf maple and many other native species.

Up-slope from the redwood forest are found transitional tree species such as Pacific madrone, along with a stand of Ponderosa pine, rare at such a low elevation. Some of the highest and driest ridge slopes in the park support fairly unusual chaparral communities known as "elfin forests" in addition to the rare and unique Santa Cruz Sandhills community. The old-growth grove of coast redwood, approximately 40 acres (16 ha) in size, is located entirely in the original section of the park, surrounded by many species of fern and plentiful redwood sorrel. Surrounding areas, including the non-contiguous Fall Creek unit, were logged extensively in the mid-to-late 1800s for lumber and as fuel for the many lime kilns that used to operate in the area, such as the ones preserved at nearby Cowell Lime Works. Logging activities mostly ceased by the 1920s, and the second growth redwoods are now up to several feet in diameter.

Features

Both portions of the park have much to offer vacationing families or nature enthusiasts. Hiking, fishing (depending on season), seasonal camping (including RV), birdwatching, and a few horse dog-friendly and mountain biking trails, and shopping at the Mountain Parks Nature Store await visitors to this park. Next door to the main parking lot is the Roaring Camp and Big Trees Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Main park

There are over 15 miles (24 km) of hiking trails, some of which lead to small, isolated sandy beaches on the San Lorenzo River, and others with overlook views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, with peeks at Monterey Bay.

The park has a more modern visitor center, which is open year-round to the public, and is staffed by California Parks employees and volunteer docents. Additionally, the Mountain Parks Nature Store is open during most park hours, and there is a direct entrance from the park's main parking lot to the grounds of Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railroad.

The Redwood Grove comprises old-growth "virgin" redwoods, the oldest trees of which are approximately 1,400-1,800 years old and grow to approximately 300 feet (91 m) tall and over 16 feet (4.9 m) in diameter. Referred to by locals as "the loop," the grove is primarily a self-guided walk—but on most summer weekends, and many other times year-round, free guided walks led by docents or park employees are available. Featured on the loop are unique old-growth redwoods, including one with albino growth lignotubers and the John C. Fremont tree (a tree hollowed out by fire that was once used as a resort honeymoon room). Next to the park's entrance kiosk, all three known types of redwood trees, the Coast Redwood, the Giant Sequoia, and the Dawn Redwood (the latter two not native to the area) are planted together, providing a unique place to instantly compare and contrast the members of this family of trees.

This park provides a good environment for the study of different habitats. Habitats in this park, often changing back and forth within a few hundred feet of one another, include riparian, sandhill community, mixed evergreen, and redwood forests. Anglers fish for Steelhead and salmon during the winter. There is a picnic area overlooking the San Lorenzo River.

Besides roads, the park may also be reached by the Santa Cruz, Big Trees and Pacific Railway. Tent and RV camping with no hook ups are available several miles from the main entrance to the park.

Garden of Eden

The Garden of Eden is a popular swimming hole in the San Lorenzo River within Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

It is accessible via Ox Fire Road off Highway 9 and has a parking area located 0.75 miles south of the park's main entrance. This route requires approximately 1.5 miles of hiking, roundtrip, with an elevation change of 200 feet.

The water depth at the Garden of Eden is insufficient to cushion the many large, sharp rocks on the pool's bottom and, as such, diving is not permitted. Likewise, alcohol, dogs, fires, and glass containers are also prohibited in the area.

Fall Creek Unit extension

The northern extension of Henry Cowell State Park, called Fall Creek Unit, contains over 20 miles (30 km) of hiking trails, mostly along the creeks that flow year-round and make beautiful mini waterfalls during the rainy season (November-March). There is also an 18-hole Disc Golf course, Black Mouse, run by a local school (Nature Academy). Along Fall Creek are the ruins of a 19th-century lime manufacturing operation, including a quarry and lime kilns built by I.X.L. Lime Company (established in 1874). The lime works were later acquired by industrialist Henry Cowell.

The Fall Creek in Santa Cruz County originates near Empire Grade Road, and flows 4-5 miles South and South-East before it meets San Lorenzo River, east of Highway 9.

Dogs and bicycles are not allowed in the Fall Creek Unit.

Things to Do

Walk Among Ancient Coast Redwoods

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is one of California's most beloved redwood parks, located in the Santa Cruz Mountains near Santa Cruz. The park protects approximately 4,700 acres of towering coast redwoods, mixed forests, river corridors, and scenic mountain landscapes. Visitors can experience some of the oldest and tallest trees in the region while enjoying a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities.

Explore the Famous Redwood Grove

The park's old-growth redwood grove is the centerpiece attraction and contains majestic trees that are more than 1,500 years old and rise over 250 feet into the sky. A self-guided nature trail allows visitors to walk among these ancient giants while learning about redwood ecology, history, and conservation.

Visit the Roaring Camp Railroads

Adjacent to the park, Roaring Camp Railroads offers historic steam train rides through redwood forests and into the Santa Cruz Mountains. Visitors can experience California's logging history while enjoying scenic rail excursions through spectacular natural landscapes.

Explore the San Lorenzo River and Forest Ecosystems

The park protects diverse habitats including redwood forests, oak woodlands, riparian corridors, and chaparral-covered hillsides. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, wildlife viewing, photography, and opportunities to experience several distinct ecosystems within a single park.

Enjoy Camping, Picnicking, and Nature Observation

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers campgrounds, picnic areas, and numerous recreational facilities. The peaceful forest environment makes the park an excellent destination for family outings, nature study, and relaxation.

Discover Scenic Views of the Santa Cruz Mountains

Beyond the redwood groves, the park contains trails that climb into higher elevations of the Santa Cruz Mountains. These routes provide panoramic views of forested ridges, surrounding valleys, and, on clear days, distant coastal areas.

Top Trails

Redwood Grove Loop Trail

Length: Approximately 0.8 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

This iconic self-guided nature trail travels through the park's old-growth redwood forest and introduces visitors to some of the largest and oldest trees in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It is suitable for all ages and is one of the most popular redwood walks in California.

Eagle Creek Trail

Length: Approximately 3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate

This scenic trail follows Eagle Creek through lush forest habitats and offers opportunities to observe redwoods, ferns, wildlife, and seasonal streams while enjoying a quieter section of the park.

Pipeline Road Trail

Length: Approximately 5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

One of the park's primary multi-use routes, Pipeline Road provides access to redwood forests, mountain views, and connecting trail systems. It is popular with hikers, equestrians, and cyclists in designated areas.

Rincon Fire Road to Observation Deck

Length: Approximately 5.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Significant
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

This challenging route climbs through diverse forest habitats to scenic viewpoints overlooking the Santa Cruz Mountains. Visitors are rewarded with expansive views and opportunities to experience remote sections of the park.

Sources: California State Parks official Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park information, including details on old-growth redwoods, hiking trails, camping facilities, recreational opportunities, wildlife habitats, and visitor amenities. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=546https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=546
Additional information verified through California State Parks and Santa Cruz County visitor resources covering the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, Eagle Creek Trail, Roaring Camp Railroads, forest ecosystems, scenic viewpoints, and outdoor recreation opportunities within Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. https://www.santacruz.orghttps://www.santacruz.org

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0