This park features 15 miles of hiking and riding trails through a forest that looks much the same as it did 200 years ago. Zayante Indians once lived in the area, where they found shelter, water and game. Henry Cowell Redwoods is home to a centuries old Redwood Grove that features a self-guided nature path. It also boasts other old-growth woods such as Douglas fir, mandrone, oak and a stunning stand of Ponderosa pines. The park has a picnic area above the San Lorenzo River. Anglers fish for steelhead and salmon during the winter. The park has a nature center and bookstore.
The main park area contains the large, old-growth redwoods, while the northern area (Fall Creek) has about 20 miles of hiking trails. The tallest tree in the park is about 285 feet tall, and about 16 feet wide. The oldest trees in the park are about 1400 to 1800 years old.
Location - Directions
The park is near Felton on Highway 9 in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Traveling from San Jose to the main entrance: Take Highway 17 toward Santa Cruz. After you go over the mountains, turn right on Mt. Hermon Road. Follow Mt. Hermon road until it ends at Graham Hill Road. Turn right, and go to the next stop light (Highway 9). Turn left on Highway 9 and go through downtown Felton. The park entrance will be a half mile down on your left. You can park outside and walk a half mile into the park, or you can drive in and pay a fee.
To reach the campground entrance, turn left at Graham Hill Road, continue approximately 2.5 miles. The campground entrance is on the right side of the road.
Seasons - Climate - Recommended clothing
The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.
Facilities - Activities
The park has about 20 miles of trails, ranging from 0.4 miles long to 3.3 miles long. Some trails are very steep. Terrain varies from forest to chaparral. There are NO bridges at any river or creek crossing.
Hikers are allowed on all the trails and roads.
Dogs are welcome in the park but must be on a leash at all times, and kept in your car or tent at night. They may not be left unattended. Dogs are allowed in the picnic area, the campground, and on Pipeline Road, Graham Hill Trail, and Meadow Trail. They are not allowed on any other trails or interior roads.
Bicycles are allowed only on Pipeline Road, Rincon Fire Road, Ridge Fire Road, and Powder Mill Fire Road. Bicyclists under 18 must wear a helmet.
Horses are NOT allowed on the following trails:
Redwood Grove Trail
Meadow Trail
Ox Trail
Pipeline Road south of Rincon Fire Road
Motorcycles, cars, etc. are not permitted on any trail or interior road.
Trail Heads
Powder Mill Trail Head and parking lot is in the southeast corner of the park, on Graham Hill Road just north of Sims Road. Horse trailers are allowed, and horses may be ridden on all trails near the parking lot.
Rincon Fire Road and parking lot is on the south side of the park, on Highway 9 about three miles south of the main entrance.
Ox Trail Head and parking lot is on the west side of the park, on Highway 9 about 1.4 miles south of the main entrance.
Redwood Grove Trail is a flat, easy loop around the giant redwoods. Restrooms are available at the half-way point. Wheelchairs and strollers may use its smooth, packed trail. Self-guided brochures are available at the Nature Center for 25 cents. The trailhead is near the Nature Center.
Fishing is permitted in the San Lorenzo River during the Steelhead and Salmon season, approximately November through February. This activity is governed by the California Department of Fish and Game. They determine the exact fishing season, and require a Fishing license. No other fishing is permitted. The rules are enforced by both Park rangers and DFG wardens.
Roaring Camp Big Trees Railroad is next door to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. A brochure with general train information is available at the main entrance kiosk. You can call 831-335-4484 for more information. You can pay the day use fee, park in our parking lot, and walk a hundred yards to Roaring Camp.
Where is the tree I can drive through?
It's about 90 miles south of Eureka on Highway 101 in Myers Flat on the Avenue of the Giants.
