Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
4.8
About
Minutes away from the city, this park has old redwoods.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingWhat is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
61 within 5 kms
Attractions
117 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.8
763 reviews
Excellent
636
Very good
115
Average
5
Poor
3
Terrible
4
Jennifer J
Lakeville, MA23 contributions
Sept 2024 • Friends
While' in Yosemite our guide asked what else was on our itinerary and I mentioned Henry Cowell State Park. He nodded and said it was a great choice. He wasn't wrong. And don't tell the Mariposa Sequoias but I liked the Redwoods better!
We visited on a weekday, after Labor Day weekend. We stuck to the main grove loop trail, which was shady, wide, and flat. There were some families, some casual tourists, and some fitness walkers (how lucky, to have this at your doorstep for a weekday stroll!) - but overall it was pretty quiet. The path is well marked and there are so many opportunities for photos and just enjoying the scope of these majestic trees.
There is a self guided tour, so make sure to grab a pamphlet. There's also a small picnic area at about the halfway point in the trail, not sure if it's open to the public for use but there was nothing indicating it wasn't. The visitor center is small but informative and the gift shop has got some great little finds if you'd like something to take home - all staffed by some super friendly folks.
We visited on a weekday, after Labor Day weekend. We stuck to the main grove loop trail, which was shady, wide, and flat. There were some families, some casual tourists, and some fitness walkers (how lucky, to have this at your doorstep for a weekday stroll!) - but overall it was pretty quiet. The path is well marked and there are so many opportunities for photos and just enjoying the scope of these majestic trees.
There is a self guided tour, so make sure to grab a pamphlet. There's also a small picnic area at about the halfway point in the trail, not sure if it's open to the public for use but there was nothing indicating it wasn't. The visitor center is small but informative and the gift shop has got some great little finds if you'd like something to take home - all staffed by some super friendly folks.
Written 17 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bianka H
Jupiter, FL162 contributions
July 2024 • Family
This park is a wonderful choice if you're seeking a close-up experience with the majestic redwood forest. The staff at the information center were incredibly friendly and provided us with valuable assistance.
We thoroughly enjoyed exploring the park, taking in the sheer magnificence of the towering trees. One highlight not to be missed is the tree you can actually walk into, offering a unique and immersive experience.
An active train still operates within the park, allowing visitors to stroll along the same tracks. It's a nostalgic and charming feature that adds to the park's allure.
Don't be deterred by any lines you encounter; they tend to move quickly. The entrance fee is $10 per car, which we found to be a reasonable price for the experience. However, there is also the option to park elsewhere if you prefer.
We thoroughly enjoyed exploring the park, taking in the sheer magnificence of the towering trees. One highlight not to be missed is the tree you can actually walk into, offering a unique and immersive experience.
An active train still operates within the park, allowing visitors to stroll along the same tracks. It's a nostalgic and charming feature that adds to the park's allure.
Don't be deterred by any lines you encounter; they tend to move quickly. The entrance fee is $10 per car, which we found to be a reasonable price for the experience. However, there is also the option to park elsewhere if you prefer.
Written 5 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Polaroids & Drinkin Stories
United States2,463 contributions
Oct 2024 • Solo
$10 for the state park pass. Was here to enjoy some hiking through redwoods. I’ve been up north for the experience but this was close by and easily satisfied my redwood fix. They have bathroom facilities, visitor center and gift shop. I was here on a weekday and there were a few school buss of kids visiting too. Concerned me a little cause I was looking for peace and quiet as I enjoyed the redwoods. No issue though, only crossed paths with them once. The rest of time I felt almost like I was alone here. It was great. The main trail the Grove Loop was great. I left that at ventured deeper in. Made it to the observation deck for some nice views of the coast way in the distance. I wandered around the old west area with the train. Didn’t take the train ride but looks fun. Excellent time.
Written 2 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vbaker
Keymar, MD211 contributions
July 2024 • Couples
We arrived early for our tickets on the train through the Redwoods at Roaring Camp. We saw online that this park was right next door to it so we decided to kill time there. It took us about an hour to do the loop although we did book it a little fast at the end to be back in time so I would recommend allowing an hour and a half. It was an awesome chance to walk among the big trees and commune with nature!
Written 18 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy M
Long Beach, California674 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
We were pleased that this Redwood park had been spared in the recent fires. The Redwood Grove Loop Trail through the old-growth grove is an easy walk and beautiful. (Unfortunately we arrived during a quite smokey controlled burn so check ahead.) The Falls Creek Unit with younger trees was quite worth a visit with a cascading stream and lovely fern ground cover. We only had a day so just did two hikes as the controlled burn delayed fuller trekking, but there are plenty of challenging trails which can also be explored.
Written 22 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lee L
Cambridge, MN301 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
Amazing gem to see the magnificent Redwoods close to Monterey! They have “loaner” pamphlets that give facts about the trees as you walk the approx. Mike long loop (they are numbered spots sling the trial). You truly appreciate the wonder of nature, creation and how everything is connected! Makes you reflect on how truly small we are! Love this park!
Written 29 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
xcschlr
Milwaukee, WI986 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
We didn’t have a lot of time the day we visited the park and just walked the Redwood Grove Loop Trail to see the giant trees. Some of the trees have markers, so visitors can learn more about the park and trees by reading the information in the guide (available online at the Park’s website). It was a very enjoyable walk.
Written 15 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabriela l
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Family
Breath taking ! Everything was so beautiful the staff there are so nice and helpful , since I had two dogs they led me to the trail that would be safe for them and we all enjoyed every single bit of every water river we seen. do bring waters or snacks and comfortable shoes just beware of coyotes !
Written 27 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark951
Riverside, CA232 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
This is a limited review because of severe storms we were not able to see everything. We were able to take the loop walk by the visitor center through the trees. The area is full of many different types of trees including redwoods. There is an audio tour you can download which explains the numbered signs. There is a $10 fee to enter and park. It should have been $9 but I did know there was a discount for seniors and the person in the kiosk did not mention the discount. We will return when the weather improves so we can check out the visitor center which was closed and also ride the steam train
Written 29 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IntlEngineer
San Jose, CA5 contributions
Feb 2022
Absolutely one of my favorite parks to visit in the Bay Area. The redwoods are among the most marvelous of any forest in California. It’s a popular destination so you will encounter people on the trails, but the park is big enough that folks get spread out so it never feels crowded even if the lots are full.
I highly recommend the Observation Deck loop trail if you’re up for some mild elevation gain. The view from the top is great, and the biodiversity along the way is quite incredible for a 5 mile trail - you’ll feel like you went to 3 different parks instead of just 1.
If you go in the summer or early fall, bring plenty of water and a snack. The rangers are very friendly!
I highly recommend the Observation Deck loop trail if you’re up for some mild elevation gain. The view from the top is great, and the biodiversity along the way is quite incredible for a 5 mile trail - you’ll feel like you went to 3 different parks instead of just 1.
If you go in the summer or early fall, bring plenty of water and a snack. The rangers are very friendly!
Written 12 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it better to stay in the north or the south part of the park?
Written 3 February 2022
The only accommodations within the park are camping spaces; however, there are hotels and B&Bs in the area (e.g., Brookdale Lodge, Fairview Manor, various Airbnbs). This is a small but beautiful park with two sections: The main area, off Hwy 9, has a Visitor's Center, Nature Store and trails. The Fall Creek Unit, off Felton Empire Road, offers miles of hiking, the old Lime Kilns, creeks and, of course, lovely redwoods.
Written 18 February 2022
Hi all! Unfortunately, this park (and all nearby state parks) are booked the night we were hoping to camp here. Is there another place you would recommend? We will be coming from Sugarloaf Ridge SP and going to Pfeiffer Big Sur SP. Thank you!
Written 17 June 2019
I've heard good things about Smithwoods RV Park, but I have not been there myself. There are a bunch of campgrounds in the area, depending on what you are looking for.
We've been to Thousand Trails / Morgan Hill RV Resort a couple of times and we love it there too.
Campgroundreviews has a good list for Scott's Valley area
Written 17 June 2019
Trying to plan a camping trip for 4 families with children, we are not college aged party people. Read in some reviews that rangers are strict and do not allow occupants at one site to congregate at another site. Is that still the case? It would be nice to gather for campfires or meals together.
Written 23 February 2019
I know they do not allow hard partying or drinking or noise but you should call the park and see if they will let your family group get together.
Written 5 March 2019
Is alcohol really not allowed here or is just hard liquor that you can't bring. Read about that in some older reviews but maybe they changed the policy.
Written 23 February 2019
I am clueless about this. I prefer water anyway.
Written 25 February 2019
Hi which side is the best to camp on ???? Do you have a favorite campsite at this park??? Looking to camp in may . Thanks
Written 13 February 2019
I did not camp overnight but considered it previously. Google maps has a good map of the campground and as I recall over 100 reviews where campers posted comments about locations close to restrooms, quiet areas and so on. This could be a good place to get useful information. I also recall this park fills up pretty quickly so get ahead of the crowds.
Written 14 February 2019
Is there any public transport from Monterey to Henry Cowell Park. We're not driving this trip but would love to visit the park
Thanks
Written 20 September 2018
There is a bus that goes from Santa Cruz to the park.. and you can also take greyhound from Monterey to Santa Cruz if that helps?!
Written 21 September 2018
If I ride the beach train will I have time during the stop to walk around the redwoods before we go back to the beach?
Written 14 July 2018
I researched the train ride and was glad we just drove ourselves. The train stop is nowhere near the entrance to the nice paved walkway through the trees. Like the answer above, the visitor station is about a mile walk! That is not a train ride to the park by any definition! If you drive yourself, the parking is right outside the visitor center and restrooms. Just to the left is the walkway to see everything. Pick up a map that will tell you about each of the stops along the way.
Written 27 July 2018
What is the earliest time I can explore the park? I was hoping to do the loop trail at around 8.30am
Written 1 June 2018
The park is open sunrise to sunset. The visitor center hours are 10-4. Not sure if there's a self-pay station.
Written 2 June 2018
Showing results 1-10 of 23
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing