Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Overview
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 1,400 to 1,800 years old.
Activities
Bicycling
Bicycles are allowed on designated fire roads and paved roads only. The roads for bike travel are Pipeline Road, Rincon Fire Road, Ridge Fire Road, and Powder Mill Fire Road. No bikes are allowed on park trails. Ride cautiously; yield to hikers and horseback riders. Helmets are required for riders under 18 years of age.
Camping
There are a total of 107 campsites at the park. There are two restroom and shower locations in the campground. There is a water fill up station as well as certain campsites with water at the site. Bike campgrounds and handicap accessible sites are also available for reservation.
Fishing
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.
Hiking
The short Redwood Grove Nature Trail, which visits one of the finest first-growth groves south of San Francisco, is a good place to start your exploration of the Santa Cruz Mountains. This popular trail, complete with interpretive leaflet, loops along the San Lorenzo Riverbank among the redwoods, some of which have been given names. One of the larger commemorative redwoods honors President Theodore Roosevelt, who enjoyed his 1903 visit to the grove. The state park is hilly and with changes in elevation come changes in vegetation. Moisture-loving redwoods predominate on the lowlands while the park's upper ridges are cloaked with oak woodland and chaparral.
By connecting four of the park's trails, you can walk through all of the park's diverse ecosystems. You'll begin in the redwoods and ascend chaparral-covered slopes to an observation deck located in the middle of the park. Great mountain and coastal views are your reward for the ascent. Be sure to stop in at the park interpretive center, which has exhibits and sells maps and books. Redwood Grove Nature Trail begins near the center.
Historic Sites
This park has an extensive history, dating back to the 1800s, as photographs of the huge trees were published around the world. These grand trees remain, and visitors today can have the same experience as visitors 150 years ago.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is permitted in the park. There are, however, restrictions to which trails horses can travel on. Horses are NOT allowed on the following trails: Redwood Grove Trail, Meadow Trail, Ox Trail and Pipeline Road south of Rincon Fire Road.
Picnicking
Come and picnic near one of the largest redwood trees in the state. A developed picnic area is located above the San Lorenzo River.
Seasonality/Weather
The weather can be changeable in a Mediterranean-Continental zone, with summer conditions being warm, dry, and breezy (60's-80's F) and cooler, damper winter conditions (30's-60's F); layered clothing is recommended.
Park Partners
Mountain Parks Foundation
Mountain Parks Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit established in 1973 as one of the first three California State Park Cooperating Associations. It has long been recognized as a model organization for its fundraising capabilities, professional board members, talented staff and dedicated volunteers, all of whom work in partnership with California State Parks to provide multi-faceted visitor enrichment and education programs.
The Foundation acts as a bridge between the local community and California State Parks, and as the state park budget continues to be slashed while more and more people are enjoying the parks, this connection has become very important.
(831) 335-3174Directions
Driving
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.
Flying
The closest major airport to Henry Cowell Redwoods SP is San Jose International Airport, approximately 23 miles away. From there, myriad car rental services are available. For more information, call 408-392-3600.
Public Transportation
Santa Cruz Metro offers public transportation modes in the Santa Cruz-Felton area. For more information on fares and scheduling, call 831-425-4664.
Phone Numbers
Primary
(831) 438-2396Permits
(415) 456-0766Links
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