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Henry Cowell State Park

Read/Write Reviews

831-335-4598

101 North Big Trees Park , Road Felton California 95018

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=546

About

Before you go

Map/Directions

User Reviews

Henry Cowell State Park near Santa Cruz

Henry Cowell State Park features 15 miles of hiking trails that cut through scenic, wooded areas full of towering ancient redwoods and replete with an array of wildlife. Once home to the Zayante Indians, this lush area abounds with natural resources, including rare ancient marine deposits called Santa Cruz sandhills. A park and recreation area is located just above the San Lorenzo River, where you can watch anglers fish for salmon and steelhead during the winter. The park also has a nature center and bookstore.

Details

Hours -
Sunrise to Sunset
Admission -
Free admission
Camping -
$35.00 per night
Events
- Full Moon Madness Astronomy Nights – Take moonlit guided tours of the Redwoods and stargaze through telescopes. Held on Saturdays: June 2, June 30, and August 4, 2012 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm.
- Ohlone Day – Spend a day celebrating the Ohlone People of the past and present though traditional dance, stories, songs, language, and other demonstrations. Saturday, September 8, 2012 from 10:00am to 4:00pm
- Bug Day at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Learn about a wide variety of land and aquatic bugs. Held Saturday, June 30, 2012 from 4:00pm to 9:00pm.

For more information, call the visitor center at 831-335-7077.

Activities

Hiking
Camping
Fishing

Horseback Riding
Nature Center

Historic Redwoods

The main park area at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park contains a Redwood Grove with old-growth redwoods that date back to 200 AD. The tallest tree in the park is 285 feet tall and about 16 feet wide. The nature path is self-guided.

Favorite Hiking Trails

Powder Mill Trail Head and parking lot -

Located at the Southeast corner of the park, on Graham Hill Road. The trail is just north of Sims Road. The park allows horse trailers in the area and horses may be ridden on the trails.

Rincon Fire Road and parking lot -

Located on the south side of the park, the trail is about three miles south of the main entrance, just off Highway 9.

Ox Trail Head and parking lot -

Located on Highway 9, just 1.4 miles south of the main entrance on the west side of the park.

Redwood Grove Trail -

A quick loop around the Redwood Grove. Restrooms are located at the half-way point. Wheelchairs and strollers can be easily pushed here. A map can be purchased at the Nature Center for 25 cents.

FAQs

Are the trails kid or pet friendly?

The park is great for children, but some trails are very steep. Hikers may take the roads, but there are no bridges at river and creek crossings. The Redwood Grove path can be trekked by hikers of all ages. Trails range from 0.4 miles to 3.3 miles long. Refer to the self-guided map for trail details. You may bring your dog to the park, but it must be kept on a leash. At night, your dog must be kept in your car or in a tent. Dogs are allowed in the campground, picnic area, Pipeline Road, Graham Hill Trail, and Meadow Trail.

Are camping options available?

Yes. Campsites may be booked through the California Department of Parks and Recreation Website.