Henry Cowell Redwood Grove Loop Trail - Image 1
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Henry Cowell Redwood Grove Loop Trail

Felton, United States

Walk among giants on the accessible Redwood Grove Loop Trail, a serene 0.8-mile path through ancient old-growth redwoods.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Henry Cowell Redwood Grove Loop Trail - Image 1

Henry Cowell Redwood Grove Loop Trail

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Walk among giants on the accessible Redwood Grove Loop Trail, a serene 0.8-mile path through ancient old-growth redwoods.

"An easy, accessible loop through awe-inspiring ancient redwoods – a must-see in Santa Cruz!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Fee

Expect a day-use fee around $10. Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot!

👟 Comfortable Footwear

The trail is easy, but good shoes are always recommended for forest walks. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Towering Old-Growth Redwoods

Towering Old-Growth Redwoods

Redwood Grove Loop Trail

Walk among giants! Experience the awe-inspiring presence of ancient redwood trees, some over 1,500 years old.

Accessible Forest Floor

Accessible Forest Floor

Redwood Grove Loop Trail

An easy, flat, and often wheelchair-accessible path winds through the majestic grove, perfect for everyone.

Interpretive Nature Signs

Interpretive Nature Signs

Redwood Grove Loop Trail

Learn about the unique ecosystem, including the fascinating life cycle of redwoods and the forest floor.

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Planning Your Visit

Parking and Entry Fees

Be prepared for a day-use fee, typically around $10, to access the Redwood Grove Loop Trail. Parking can fill up, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended. Some visitors suggest checking if your park pass covers entry to avoid the fee.

Trail Accessibility and Conditions

The Redwood Grove Loop Trail is known for being very accessible, often described as wheelchair and stroller-friendly. It's a relatively short and flat loop, making it ideal for all ages and fitness levels. Wear comfortable shoes, and be aware that the forest floor can be damp, especially after rain.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
After rain
Why
See banana slugs!
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

⭐️BAY LEAF OR BANANA SLUG?!⭐️ This is the #1 question on Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Interpreter Emily's mind as she walks around the Redwood Grove Loop Trail trying to identify oblong yellow things on the forest floor. For the best luck finding banana slugs, visit the Redwood forest just after a rain. #bananaslug #redwoods #redwoodforest #rain #henrycowell #henrycowellredwoods #getoutsi...
santacruzmountainsstateparks
514 likes • 6.4K views

🚗 Parking Fee

Expect a day-use fee around $10. Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot! Instagram

👟 Comfortable Footwear

The trail is easy, but good shoes are always recommended for forest walks. :athletic_shoe:

Must do Hikes in Santa Cruz , CA📍 💫Old growth loop trail ( Forest of Nisene Mark state park ) 💫Pipeline trail ( Henry cowell state park) 💫Redwood Grove loop trail ( Henry cowell state park 💫Old landing cove trail ( wilder ranch state park ) Have you guys visited any of these yet? . . . . . . . #hiking #hikingadventures #hikingculture #hikingtrails #trails #exploreeverything #santacruzhikes #...
bhuti_hikes
16K likes • 486.1K views
📍Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton, California . Redwood Grove Loop Trail ✨ 0.9 Miles ✨ 42 Feet Elevation Gain ✨ Easy ✨ $10 Fee Day Use ✨ Picnic Tables ✨ 🚻 Bathroom Available ✨ 🅿️ Parking available ✨ ♿️ Wheelchair and stroller Accessible 📸 Video Taken April 27, 2024 #henrycowellstatepark #santacruzcounty #california #easyhike #wheelchairaccessible
lovemeroc
268 likes • 18.5K views

🐌 Banana Slug Spotting

Visit after rain for the best chance to spot these unique yellow creatures! TikTok

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Friendly

This accessible loop is perfect for strollers and wheelchairs, making it great for all ages. Instagram

Redwood Grove Loop Trail in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. 🌿 An easy 0.9 mile interpretative loop to do before checking out some of the longer hikes in the area. #californiaredwoods #redwoods #californiahikes #northerncalifornia #norcal #santacruz #henrycowellstatepark #hikingadventures
gabriella_viola
337 likes • 9.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Fee

Expect a day-use fee around $10. Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot! Instagram

👟 Comfortable Footwear

The trail is easy, but good shoes are always recommended for forest walks. :athletic_shoe:

🐌 Banana Slug Spotting

Visit after rain for the best chance to spot these unique yellow creatures! TikTok

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Friendly

This accessible loop is perfect for strollers and wheelchairs, making it great for all ages. Instagram

🌳 Redwood Roots

Learn how fallen redwoods support new growth and neighboring trees. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Redwood Grove Loop Trail for its stunning old-growth redwoods and incredible accessibility, making it a must-visit for all ages and abilities. While some find the parking fee a bit steep for a short trail, the awe-inspiring experience of walking among ancient giants is widely considered worth it.

What People Like

Majestic old-growth redwoods
Wheelchair and stroller accessible
Peaceful and serene atmosphere

What People Dislike

Parking fee for short trail

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The trail is located within Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Felton, California. You can drive to the park and follow signs for the Redwood Grove. Parking is available near the grove, but can fill up quickly on busy days. Instagram

Public transportation options to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park are limited. It's generally recommended to drive. Check local Santa Cruz transit schedules for any available bus routes that may get you close to the park entrance.

From Highway 17, take the Mount Hermon Road exit and head west. Turn right onto Graham Hill Road, and then left onto Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Road. Follow signs for the Redwood Grove parking area. Instagram

Yes, there is a dedicated parking area for the Redwood Grove. However, it is a popular spot, and parking can be limited, especially on weekends and holidays. Arriving early is advised. Instagram

Yes, you can use GPS by searching for 'Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park' or 'Redwood Grove Loop Trail, Felton, CA'. Ensure your GPS is updated for the most accurate directions. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is a day-use fee for Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, which typically costs around $10 per vehicle. This fee grants access to the park and its various trails, including the Redwood Grove Loop. Instagram

Advance ticket booking is generally not required for the Redwood Grove Loop Trail. You pay the day-use fee upon arrival. However, it's always a good idea to check the official California State Parks website for any updates or special reservation requirements, especially during peak seasons.

California State Parks offer various passes, such as the Poppy Pass or Golden Bear Pass, which may cover the day-use fees for state parks. If you plan to visit multiple state parks frequently, purchasing a pass might be cost-effective. Some visitors mention using park passes to avoid the fee. Reddit

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is typically open from 8 AM to sunset daily. The Redwood Grove Loop Trail is accessible during these hours. It's advisable to confirm the exact hours on the official California State Parks website before your visit.

The day-use fee is for access to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, which includes the Redwood Grove Loop Trail. The fee covers parking and general park access, not just a specific trail. Instagram

🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience

The Redwood Grove Loop Trail is a short and easy loop, typically measuring around 0.8 to 0.9 miles. It's designed for a leisurely stroll through the majestic redwood forest. Instagram+3

Yes, the Redwood Grove Loop Trail is considered very easy. It's a flat, well-maintained path that is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It's also noted as being wheelchair and stroller accessible. Instagram+1

You'll see towering old-growth redwood trees, some of the tallest and oldest in the region. The trail also features interpretive signs explaining the redwood ecosystem, and you might spot banana slugs after rain. TikTokInstagram+1

Yes, restrooms are available within the vicinity of the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, making it convenient for visitors. Instagram

Dogs are generally not permitted on the trails within Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, including the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, to protect the natural environment and wildlife. Please check the park's official regulations for the most current information.

📸 📸 Photography

The entire trail offers stunning photo opportunities with the massive redwood trees. Look for unique angles looking up at the canopy, sunbeams filtering through the trees, and the textures of the bark. The accessible path also makes it easy to frame shots. Instagram+1

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light, with soft, diffused rays filtering through the dense canopy. This 'golden hour' light can create a magical atmosphere. Midday sun can be harsh and create strong shadows. Instagram

Drone usage is typically prohibited in California State Parks to ensure visitor safety and protect the natural environment. Always check the park's specific regulations regarding drone operation before your visit.

A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the scale of the redwood trees. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions or long exposures. However, even a smartphone can capture beautiful images due to the natural grandeur of the forest. Instagram

Yes, if you're lucky enough to spot a banana slug, they make for unique and fascinating photo subjects! Be patient and try to get down to their level for a great shot. TikTok

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