Rules & Regulations

California State Parks' main rules for Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: the park and every trail close at sunset; dogs are allowed only on a 6-foot leash in picnic areas, campsites and four named routes; bikes only on four fire roads; no drones; and in the Fall Creek Unit no dogs, bikes, camping, smoking or fires. Everything natural and historic in the park is protected by law, and the railroad tracks are private.

Hours

The park is open from sunrise to sunset. All trails close at sunset, and California State Parks does not allow night hiking, including to the Observation Deck for sunset. Campground quiet hours start at 10 p.m.

Dogs

Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and may not be left unattended. They are allowed in picnic areas and campsites and on the Meadow Trail, Pipeline Road, Graham Hill Trail and Powder Mill Fire Road. They are not allowed on the old-growth Redwood Grove Loop Trail, on other trails or fire roads, or anywhere in the Fall Creek Unit. Service animals are excepted. At night, keep dogs in a tent or vehicle. Details: dogs.

Bicycles

Bikes are allowed only on Pipeline Road, Rincon Fire Road, Ridge Fire Road and Powder Mill Fire Road. Not in the Fall Creek Unit or the Santa Cruz Sandhills. Riders under 18 must wear a helmet, and cyclists yield to hikers and horses. California State Parks also asks riders to stay on the fire road, avoid skidding and walk around mud. Details: mountain biking.

Horses

Horses are not allowed on the Redwood Grove Trail, the River Trail, the Ox Trail, or Pipeline Road south of Rincon Fire Road. In Fall Creek, horses use designated trails only. The campground has no facilities for horses.

Fall Creek Unit

Day use only. Camping, bicycles, smoking and fires are prohibited, and dogs are not allowed even on a leash. The Mountain Parks Foundation adds that firearms are not allowed and that some trails cross private land by permission that can be withdrawn. See Fall Creek.

Drones

The park is closed to model aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems (drones) and gliders in flight, to protect wildlife and cultural resources and for visitor and staff safety.

Camping and Fires

Camping and fires are allowed only in designated areas, which means the campground off Graham Hill Road. Campground rules include 8 people per site, generators only from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., smoking only at your campsite or on the paved road, and alcohol only for those of legal drinking age. See camping.

Protect the Park

• All natural and cultural features are protected by law. Do not pick, collect or disturb them.
• Stay on established trails and out of undeveloped areas and unlabeled trails.
• Keep food and crumbs packed away. The park is "Crumb Clean" to protect the endangered marbled murrelet.
• Pack out your trash.

The Railroad

The railroad tracks and trestles through the park are private property, used by the trains of Roaring Camp next door, and they are dangerous. Do not walk on them or cross a trestle.

Fishing

Limited catch-and-release steelhead fishing on the San Lorenzo River follows California Department of Fish and Wildlife rules; check wildlife.ca.gov. See the river.

Permits

• Commercial photography and filming: permit from the California Film Commission.
• Weddings, parties and special events: call (831) 335-6324 or email mtnspecevent@parks.ca.gov.

Safety

Poison oak is common. Be alert for rattlesnakes and mountain lions, and check for ticks after hiking. Don't cross the river where the water is above your knees.