Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
5
About
Minutes away from the city, this park has old redwoods.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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- Jennifer ZSan Francisco, California19 contributionsSpacious, Shady, Well Maintained SitesThis review is about CAMPING at Henry Cowell only. My family of 4 including 2 school aged kids camped here for 3 nights in July. Many of the sites here are generously spacious! The impressive site size was perfect for camping in times of Covid - I felt well spaced from neighbors. We had site 96 which though looks like it may be small on the site map, is actually decently large. Most of the sites were well shaded with tall study trees worthy of hammocks. We saw very few mosquitos and yellow jackets. The exception to the shady/ spaciousness were sites along the ridge in the 2-50 loop. However those ridge sites had beautiful vistas. The sites are so full of trees that one cannot view the loop roads, in case for example, you want to keep an eye on your kids biking around the loops. Dogs are allowed to camp here as long as they remain on leash. There are very few trials that are dog friendly, but the loops are plenty lovely for walks with dogs. The bathrooms were reassuringly clean. Many trash and recycling collection areas. Watch out for poison oak. Firewood is delivered to campsites for $10 a bundle. Easy 20 minute drive to Santa Cruz beaches, and less than 10 minutes to a supermarket in Felton. Highly recommend the Roaring Camp Railway ride for young and old alike.Visited July 2020Written 26 July 2020
- wireless_in_CAUnited States4,829 contributionsWorth the Drive to Hike Through This Amazing ParkWe’ve rode the Roaring Camp Railroad from Felton to Santa Cruz but never took the opportunity to cross the tracks and visit the park until now. Most of the trails are easy to navigate (Pipeline Road is paved) and dogs and horses were also allowed except where noted (unfortunately Redwood Grove Trail is the most popular). Inside the Redwood Grove Trail, lookout for the mother and father trees, banana slugs (stop 12), tree with albino leaves (stop 14), the giant tree (270 feet tall, 17 feet wide), etc. the high canopy of the trees obscured much of the sunlight in some areas. The walk was quiet due to our early morning visit but later the sounds of the Roaring Camp train escalated as they got ready for departure. We did not have trouble finding parking but it was good to arrive early as the lot was almost full near lunchtime.Visited April 2021Travelled with familyWritten 5 April 2021
- SB from OsideCarlsbad, California45 contributionsBeautiful placeThe drive on Hwy 1 to get here is also an enjoyable experience. There was plenty of parking in several lots. The loop is an easy stroll through the majestic redwoods. I went on a Tuesday around noon and could easily have enough space to take in the colors, scents and sounds without people right next to me. You can easily access the train next door from your parking space. You can hear it’s whistle occasionally and it adds charm to the experience. Not much in the way of food, drinks, coffee…you should bring your own and enjoy at a picnic table. There are porta-pottys and volunteer told me it’s because septic system is in need of repair. There are many different trails and places to breath in spectacular views. I’m so glad I saw this place and you will be too.Visited August 2021Travelled soloWritten 18 August 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.
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5.0
743 reviews
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618
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Ingo Schmökel
15 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
You 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".
Written 24 July 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.
Linda W
Los Angeles, CA86 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
This state park is absolutely beautiful. We did the Redwoods Grove Loop Trail which is only 0.9 miles. Super easy hike, flat ground, with many beautiful redwood trees to see. We went in July and the weather was great. There is also a small visitor center right by the trail entrance.
Written 22 July 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.
Nicole S
San Diego, CA13 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Went to Henry Cowell as it was only 15 min from where we were staying in Santa Cruz. Beautiful hiking, fresh water. Great for families.
Written 11 July 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.
muhlberg
San Francisco, CA258 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
We 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.
Written 11 June 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.
KBinHarv
Harvest, AL78 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
Fascinating place!! Very easy .8 mile walk on the loop. Highly recommended to anyone seeking an opportunity to get in touch with nature!!
Written 5 June 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.
DaniCluj
29 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
A gem of a park. We hiked some trails in the park on our way back from Big Basin and it was an amazing experience. Highly recommend for an easy nature hike if in the area
Written 5 June 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.
Anne C
Lansing, MI90 contributions
May 2023
Perfect little stop with an easy 0.8 mile walk through the redwoods. The road to The Garden of Eden was closed, so we didn't get to explore that area, but the loop trail was a nice way to stretch our legs and see the amazing trees.
Written 15 May 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.
Erin M
Buffalo, NY17 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Spectacular park. Arrived by 8am. Completed Redwood Grove, Pipeline to Observation Deck and back with two kids under 10. Park rangers were super helpful and kind. Minimal muddy spots on trails. Actually spotted a banana slug thanks to another group on the trail. Trees were magnificent. Was at Big Basin 9 years ago and wanted to bring the kids there this trip, but with the fire recovery and all the rain we chose to come to Henry Cowell instead for this trip. So happy we did, it was magical.
Written 2 April 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.
Heather W
Montpelier, VT1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Solo
Fantastic park. The Redwoods are spectacular and the trails are picturesque. Great vista views of the mountains and the Pacific.
Written 30 March 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.
One Sky For All
San Jose, CA95 contributions
Aug 2022
Our family hike took place at this amazing park. We enjoyed well maintained trails, all numbered trees with history. Great volunteer-guides gave us tour around the park where we learned new stories about the park. Children had so much fun, it was not crowded. When it was high temperature in the center of Silicon Valley, this refuge with century old giants gave fresh and cooler experiences to the visitors.
Written 19 March 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.
jnkmlone
Saratoga Springs, NY186 contributions
Is it better to stay in the north or the south part of the park?
CADreamin
Felton, CA587 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
Wyandotte85 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, CA416 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, CA416 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, UK249 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, Nevada57 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, CA108 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 (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Hotels near Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park:
- (0.29 km) Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort
- (0.47 km) Smithwoods RV Park
- (0.52 km) Fern River Resort Motel
- (9.03 km) Beach Street Inn and Suites
- (9.23 km) Sea & Sand Inn
- Restaurants near Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park:
- (0.90 km) Cowboy Bar and Grill
- (7.25 km) Marianne's Ice Cream
- (9.15 km) Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge
- (9.19 km) Linda's Seabreeze Cafe
- (1.19 km) Monty's Log Cabin
- Attractions near Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park:
- (0.52 km) Roaring Camp & Big Trees Narrow-Gauge Railroad
- (0.52 km) Roaring Camp Railroads
- (0.31 km) Fall Creek Unit
- (1.65 km) Mount Hermon Adventures
- (0.56 km) Cotillion Gardens RV Park






































































