The park's old-growth grove was preserved in 1867 by Joseph Welch, who recognized the historical value of the trees before widespread clear-cutting.
The park contains one of the oldest known redwood trees in the Santa Cruz Mountains, estimated to be between 1,500 and 2,000 years old.
The 'Redwood Grove' trail features an albino redwood, a rare genetic mutation that prevents the tree from producing chlorophyll.
The park is situated on a rare sandhill ecosystem, which supports endangered plant and insect species not found in the surrounding redwood forest.
The historic Felton Covered Bridge, located near the park entrance, dates back to 1892 and is one of the tallest covered bridges in the United States.
The park sits on a unique geological formation known as the Santa Cruz Mudstone, contributing to the distinct soil composition of the region.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park preserves 40 acres of old-growth redwood forest, including trees over 1,500 years old. The park features a 0.8-mile loop trail through the grove, providing access to coastal redwoods that reach heights of nearly 300 feet. Beyond the old-growth grove, the park expands into 4,650 acres of diverse ecosystems, including ponderosa pine forests, riparian areas, and chaparral. Visitors can access 20 miles of trails suitable for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The San Lorenzo River flows through the park, offering seasonal opportunities for swimming and fishing. The park maintains a campground in the forested hills, separate from the primary old-growth redwood loop. Evidence of the 19th-century logging industry remains visible in the form of old redwood stumps and rail remnants. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black-tailed deer, banana slugs, and over 100 species of birds.
The base of the 'Giant Tree' on the Redwood Grove Loop for scale.
Visit the Redwood Grove loop early in the morning to experience the quiet environment before the crowds arrive.
Bring layers, as temperatures in the shaded, dense redwood canopy are consistently cooler than in the surrounding sunny hills.
Check for ticks and poison oak when venturing onto trails outside of the main old-growth loop.
Attempting to climb or carve into the redwood trees; using flash photography in the densest parts of the forest, which can be disruptive to the ecosystem.
The park remains open year-round, though specific trail segments may close temporarily following heavy winter rains due to mudslides.
Stay on marked trails to protect the shallow root systems of the redwoods; dogs must remain on leash in designated areas and are prohibited on most hiking trails.
