Under the Cathedral of Redwoods: Day Hikes and River Trails at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
A practical, immersive guide to walking beneath ancient coast redwoods near Santa Cruz
You step off the parking lot onto packed forest duff and the light changes. The canopy shuts like a cathedral door—a ceiling of fern-fringed limbs and ribbed redwood trunks that seem to measure time in inches of growth. Below, the San Lorenzo River threads silver through the ravine, daring you to follow its bends downstream. In Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park the immediacy of the forest is not an abstraction; it’s tactile. Moss slaps your calves. The bark smells of tannin and rain. Even the hum of nearby Highway 9 seems to dampen in the grove, as if the trees have absorbed the world’s hurry.
Trail Wisdom
Start early to beat crowds and catch golden light
Parking is limited at the main grove; the first two hours after sunrise offer the best light for photos and quieter trails.
Pack for wet roots and slick rocks
Trails can be muddy after rain—sturdy, grippy footwear prevents slips on roots and creek crossings.
Respect the old-growth restrictions
Some sections of the grove restrict dogs and mountain bikes to protect sensitive roots—follow posted signs.
Carry water and a small headlamp
Even shorter loops can take longer than expected if you explore side trails; a headlamp helps if you’re back in low light.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Fall Creek side trails and small swimming holes upstream from the main grove
- •Combine the park visit with a steam train ride at Roaring Camp & Big Trees in Felton
Wildlife
banana slug, black-tailed deer
Conservation Note
Trail stewardship and volunteer programs help limit root compaction and erosion; follow Leave No Trace practices and avoid stepping off designated paths to protect shallow redwood root systems.
The park protects old-growth redwood stands and second-growth forest once heavily logged; lands were acquired mid-20th century to conserve this coastal watershed.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: wildflowers, cool hiking temperatures, waterfalls at full flow
Challenges: muddy trails, poison oak flush, variable spring storms
Spring brings bud and bloom, swollen creeks, and comfortable hiking temps—pack mud-ready shoes.
summer
Best for: day camping, river paddling and swimming, longer daylight hours
Challenges: low river flows, crowded weekends, occasional heat in exposed areas
Summer is drier and popular; arrive early to secure parking and enjoy river pools when flows are low.
fall
Best for: clear views from ridgelines, cool, stable weather, fewer crowds
Challenges: shortening daylight, possible smoke from regional fires
Fall often yields the best hiking conditions—cool days, crisp air, and quieter trails.
winter
Best for: rough-weather solitude, impressive river flows, moss and lichen photography
Challenges: mud, washouts, and limited access after storms
Winter can be dramatic but wet; expect muddy, sometimes impassable sections after heavy rains.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Waterproof hiking shoesEssential
Grip and ankle support for rooty, muddy trails and creek crossings.
1–2 liters of water and a hydration packEssential
Streamside shade helps, but water sources aren't potable without treatment.
Light rain shell or windbreakerEssential
Weather in the Santa Cruz Mountains shifts quickly—bring a breathable layer.
Wide-angle lens or phone wide lens
A wide lens captures trunk scale and the vaulted canopy that define the grove.
Common Questions
How far is the main redwood grove from Santa Cruz?
About a 20–30 minute drive north from downtown Santa Cruz to Felton and the park entrance, depending on traffic.
Are dogs allowed in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park?
Dogs are permitted on some trails and in campgrounds but are restricted from the old-growth grove and certain sensitive areas—check current park regulations before visiting.
Is there camping available in the park?
Yes—there is a park campground and group/youth camping; reservations are typically required for group sites, and backcountry-style options are limited.
Do I need a permit or fee to enter?
Day-use parking may require a vehicle day-use fee or parking pass; fees and reservation rules can change seasonally—confirm on the California State Parks website before you go.
What wildlife might I see on the trails?
Expect black-tailed deer, banana slugs, various songbirds, and sometimes river otters near the San Lorenzo; larger predators are rare and typically avoid people.
Are trails accessible for strollers or wheelchairs?
The Redwood Grove Loop includes accessible sections that are relatively flat, but many other trails are rooty and uneven and are not suitable for strollers or most wheelchairs.
What to Pack
sturdy waterproof hiking shoes (protect footing); 1–2L water bottle or hydration bladder (stay hydrated); lightweight rain shell (sudden showers); camera or phone with extra battery (low-light canopy shots)
Did You Know
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park preserves an old-growth redwood grove alongside second-growth forest; coast redwoods here benefit from coastal fog and can reach heights well over 200 feet, forming a unique temperate rainforest ecosystem.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive before 9 a.m. on weekends to secure parking; download offline maps—cell service is spotty; pack insulated layers—temperatures vary dramatically under canopy; check park alerts for seasonal trail closures or fire restrictions.
Local Flavor
Pair your hike with a visit to Felton’s Roaring Camp & Big Trees Railroad for a timber-era steam train ride; finish in Santa Cruz for local seafood, farmers’ market produce, and microbreweries that celebrate the region’s farm-to-table culture.
Logistics Snapshot
Nearest town: Felton (5–10 minutes). Parking: limited, paid/permit possible. Trail types: flat grove loop to moderate singletrack. Cell service: limited. Fees: day-use fees may apply. Accessibility: partial—Redwood Grove Loop has accessible sections.
Sustainability Note
Stay on designated trails to protect redwood root systems, pack out trash, avoid using soap in waterways, and participate in local stewardship events to support trail maintenance and habitat protection.
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