General Information

User Groups:

Only hikers are allowed on the Redwood Grove loop. Horses are allowed on portions of the rest of the trail. Dogs and Mountain bikes are allowed on Pipeline road. The Redwood Grove Loop part of the trail is wheelchair accessible.

Subjective Trail Rating for Beauty and Difficulty:

This 3+ mile hike will traverse some of the most majestic old growth redwoods in the Santa Cruz mountains. The portion of the hike that does this is the Redwood Grove loop. This 0.9 of mile loop is level and easy to walk. It is wheelchair accessible except when muddy. This grove of old growth redwoods was originally Welsh's Big Trees resort. The remainder of the hike ventures into the more remote sections of the park and follows both the San Lorenzo river and Eagle Creek. A short section is quite steep but can be walked by most persons in average health. The trip through the beautiful canyon formed by Eagle creek is well worth the extra effort required.

Permits:

No permits are required.

Directions:

From San Jose, take Highway 17 south toward Santa Cruz and take the Mount Hermon exit in Scotts Valley. Take Mount Hermon road through Scotts Valley to the town of Felton. Turn left (South) on Highway 9 and go about one mile. The park entrance is on the left side of the road.

Maps:

Write Henry Cowell Park for a trail map. To obtain a USGS topographic map of the area, ask for Felton.

Who to contact:

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, 101 North Big Trees Road, Felton, CA 95018: (tel) 831-335-4598.