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Submission
Located South of Felton, on Graham Hill Road in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Exit from Highway 17 in Scotts Valley at the Mt. Hermon Road exit, go through Scotts Valley and continue on Mt. Hermon Road to Graham Hill Road. Turn left on Graham Hill Road, turn right into the Henry Cowell campground.
Really loved our time here. First time. Cane to be by Big Basin grew up going to every weekend, and Henry Cowell surpassed all expectations. The old growth live oak woods of the campground was magical. Nice, quiet, respectful campers! Beautiful campsites surrounded by very fairytale gnarly woods covered in moss! The redwoods of the park were so lovely and all the staff were really friendly. Lots of multi-use area of horse trails, biking, hiking, a river, dog friendly most places of park. Really consciousness dog owners. Close by to get supplies and even electric car chargers nearby! Highly recommend!
Restrooms kept very clean. Very kid friendly. Who needs a playground when you have the wilderness?! There are lots of great little picnic rest areas surrounded by huge redwood trees with some amazing caves in the trees.
Great place for a hike in the redwood and mixed forest. Dogs are allowed on the paved roads but not on the natural trails. Still there is good hikes with the dogs. Pinewood trail takes you to the Observation deck and you can actually Santa Cruz and ocean from that spot.
Very nice hike!
***Free parking tip*** We parked for free at the Roaring Camp Train Depot, which we visited first (the train ride ride is worth every penny), then walked the marked 75ft path to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park... The Redwood Grove Loop Trail is a little less than a mile, is perfectly level, and is an enjoyable little walk. We visited on a Monday morning in October and there was still several hundred people walking, jogging, and walking their dogs. The trees are stunning. The size and scale of the trees are difficult to capture photographically. If you're from the plains states, Midwest, East Coast, or any part of the country or world that has smaller trees (less than 75 feet), you'll be in awe of these behemoths. You'll see Redwoods well over 200 feet in height and 10 feet on diameter. We are from Washington State, where just about everyone has 100+ foot trees in their backyards, and we were impressed with these trees. Worth the time to stop by and walk the loop trail. Highly recommended!!!
Accidentally hiked 10 miles. Signs are good, but the total miles of hikes is not on signs. Parking is tight and place is free. Beautiful! No bathroom, FYI.
