Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park —
Your Complete Guide
A 40-acre grove of old-growth redwoods in Felton, a river to cool off in, sandhill ridges with views of Monterey Bay, and a quiet canyon of lime kilns at Fall Creek.
What is Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park?
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a California state park of more than 4,650 acres in Felton, in the Santa Cruz Mountains, best known for its 40-acre grove of old-growth coast redwoods, where the tallest tree stands about 277 feet. The flat, 0.8-mile Redwood Grove Loop Trail starts at the visitor center. The park is open every day from sunrise to sunset, and parking costs $10 a car.
Beyond the grove, the park takes in the San Lorenzo River, the rare Santa Cruz Sandhills with their ponderosa pines, a 107-site campground and the separate Fall Creek Unit, a quiet canyon of second-growth redwoods and old lime kilns. The grove was a tourist resort in the 1800s and became a county park in 1931; the state park was dedicated in 1954 (history).
Two things to know before you go. The park has three entrances that do not connect by road: the day-use area on Highway 9, the campground on Graham Hill Road in Scotts Valley, and Fall Creek on Felton Empire Road (directions). And dogs are allowed only on a few routes, never on the Redwood Grove Loop or in Fall Creek (dog rules).
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park at a Glance
What to Do at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
California State Parks lists hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, camping, fishing, biking on fire roads, guided walks and wildlife watching.
Redwood Grove Loop
A flat, accessible 0.8-mile loop through 40 acres of old growth. Step inside the Fremont Tree.
The Old-Growth Walk →
Camping
107 sites in pine and oak forest off Graham Hill Road. Reserve up to six months ahead.
Sites & Reservations →
Observation Deck
The park's high point at 805 feet, in the rare sandhills, with views of Monterey Bay.
Routes & Views →
Garden of Eden
A spot on the San Lorenzo River along the Ox Trail. Park at the Ox Fire Road trailhead on Highway 9.
Where to Park →
Fall Creek
almost 20 miles of trails in a quiet redwood canyon, with 19th-century lime kilns. No dogs or bikes.
Trails & Kilns →
Roaring Camp Railroad
The private steam railroad next to the park runs to Bear Mountain and to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Trains Next Door →Trails at Henry Cowell
About 30 miles of trails, from the accessible grove loop to steep sandhill climbs. Routes are complicated: carry a map.
The old-growth grove, The Giant and the Fremont Tree. No dogs.
Meadow and river from the entrance road. Leashed dogs on the Meadow Trail.
Pipeline Road, Eagle Creek and Pine trails up to 805 feet.
The agency's all-day pick: grove, deck, Overlook Bench, Cathedral Redwoods, Cable Car Beach.
Second-growth redwoods to Henry Cowell's limestone kilns in the Fall Creek Unit.
How to Get to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Three entrances, not connected by road.
Day-Use Area
101 North Big Trees Park Road, Felton, CA 95018, off Highway 9. Redwood Grove, visitor center, picnic areas. Parking guide.
Campground
2591 Graham Hill Road, Scotts Valley. Phone (831) 438-2396. Camping guide.
Fall Creek Unit
Trailheads on Felton Empire Road off Highway 9. Day use only. Fall Creek guide.
Nearby
Roaring Camp Railroads, a private steam railroad, sits next to the park on Graham Hill Road. Felton Covered Bridge County Park, a few minutes away, keeps an 1892–93 covered bridge over the San Lorenzo River. Big Basin Redwoods and Wilder Ranch are the nearby state parks the park brochure names (plan your visit).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get into Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park?
Parking is $10 a car, or $9 for seniors 62 and older, in the day-use area or campground. Buses pay $50 or $100. California State Parks annual passes are accepted.
What are Henry Cowell's hours?
Every day, sunrise to sunset. The visitor center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. All trails close at sunset.
Are dogs allowed at Henry Cowell?
Yes, on a 6-foot leash in picnic areas and campsites and on the Meadow Trail, Pipeline Road, Graham Hill Trail and Powder Mill Fire Road. Not on the Redwood Grove Loop or anywhere in the Fall Creek Unit.
How long is the Redwood Grove Loop Trail?
0.8 miles, flat and wheelchair accessible, starting at the visitor center. Most people walk it in under an hour.
Can you camp at Henry Cowell?
Yes. The campground has 107 sites off Graham Hill Road in Scotts Valley and is open seasonally. Reserve on ReserveCalifornia up to six months ahead.
Can you swim at Henry Cowell?
California State Parks lists swimming in the San Lorenzo River and suggests Cable Car Beach on the River Trail. No lifeguards are listed.
Is Roaring Camp part of Henry Cowell?
No. Roaring Camp Railroads is a private business next to the park. Its trains run through the park's forest; tickets are sold by Roaring Camp.