Henry Cowell FAQ
These are the questions visitors ask most about Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Felton, California, answered from California State Parks' own pages. The short version: the park is open sunrise to sunset, parking is $10 a car, the 0.8-mile Redwood Grove Loop is the walk to do, dogs are allowed only on a few routes, and the campground has its own entrance on Graham Hill Road.
Still Have a Question?
Call the park at (831) 335-4598, or the campground at (831) 438-2396. This site is independent of California State Parks; for current closures, check the official park page. See also plan your visit and rules and regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park?
Parking in the day-use area or campground is $10 a car, or $9 for seniors 62 and older. Buses pay $50 or $100. California State Parks annual passes and the State Library Parks Pass are accepted. See hours and fees.
What are Henry Cowell's hours?
Sunrise to sunset every day. The visitor center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the Nature Store 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Trails close at sunset.
Where is Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park?
In Felton, in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The day-use entrance is at 101 North Big Trees Park Road off Highway 9; the campground is at 2591 Graham Hill Road, Scotts Valley.
What is Henry Cowell known for?
Its 40-acre grove of old-growth coast redwoods on the 0.8-mile Redwood Grove Loop Trail, admired by John C. Frémont and Theodore Roosevelt. The tallest tree is about 277 to 282 feet tall and roughly 1,500 years old.
Are dogs allowed at Henry Cowell?
Only in picnic areas, campsites and on the Meadow Trail, Pipeline Road, Graham Hill Trail and Powder Mill Fire Road, on a 6-foot leash. Not on the Redwood Grove Loop or in Fall Creek.
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, and the river is fast in winter and spring.
Can you camp at Henry Cowell?
Yes, in the 107-site campground off Graham Hill Road, open seasonally. Book on ReserveCalifornia up to six months ahead; summer reservations are strongly recommended.
Is the Redwood Grove Loop wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The 0.8-mile loop is flat, with 30 feet of elevation change, and wheelchair accessible. There is an ADA restroom in the main parking lot.
Where is the Garden of Eden?
On the San Lorenzo River on the park's eastern side, along the Ox Trail. Park at the Ox Fire Road trailhead, 0.75 miles south of the main entrance on Highway 9.
Is Roaring Camp part of Henry Cowell?
No. Roaring Camp Railroads is a private steam railroad next to the park at 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton. Its trains run through the park's forest; tickets are sold separately.
What is the Fall Creek Unit?
The 2,390-acre northern section of the park, west of Felton on Felton Empire Road: second-growth redwoods, almost 20 miles of trails and old lime kilns. Day use only, with no dogs or bikes.
Can you ride a bike at Henry Cowell?
Only on Pipeline Road, Rincon Fire Road, Ridge Fire Road and Powder Mill Fire Road. Riders under 18 need a helmet.
Can you fly a drone at Henry Cowell?
No. Drones, model aircraft and gliders are banned in the park.
How long should you spend at Henry Cowell?
An hour for the Redwood Grove Loop, half a day for a 5-mile campground-to-grove walk, or a full day for the 5.9-mile Cowell Highlights Loop.
Is Henry Cowell the same as Big Basin?
No. Both are California state redwood parks in the Santa Cruz Mountains, but Big Basin is a separate park at Boulder Creek. Henry Cowell is in Felton, about 5 miles from Santa Cruz.
Can you drive through a tree at Henry Cowell?
No. California State Parks says no tree in the Santa Cruz Mountains can be driven through.