Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

It is impossible not to be wowed by redwood trees. Standing up to 285 feet tall and at about 1800 years old, the trees in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park are no exception. One minute in their presence and visitors young and old's jaws gape at the marvelous trees. This small park in the Santa Cruz Mountains seems reserved for locals who jog under the sequoias, find swimming holes in the San Lorenzo River, mountain bike, fish for salmon and steelhead (but only for sport as you must release them when caught), and picnic along the river. Campers delight in well-kept campgrounds in the shade of old-growth redwoods, Douglas fir, madrone, oak and ...

It is impossible not to be wowed by redwood trees. Standing up to 285 feet tall and at about 1800 years old, the trees in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park are no exception. One minute in their presence and visitors young and old's jaws gape at the marvelous trees. This small park in the Santa Cruz Mountains seems reserved for locals who jog under the sequoias, find swimming holes in the San Lorenzo River, mountain bike, fish for salmon and steelhead (but only for sport as you must release them when caught), and picnic along the river. Campers delight in well-kept campgrounds in the shade of old-growth redwoods, Douglas fir, madrone, oak and Ponderosa pines. The famed Redwood Grove Trail is an easy path past the giant arbors. Roaring Camp Railroad, the former passageway from San Jose to the coast, now chugs tourists through tunnels of redwood trees to Santa Cruz. It is possible to walk to the railway from the park.

About the Expert

Michele Bigley is the author of Northern California: An Explorer's Guide and Great Destinations Kauai from Countryman Press.