Henry Cowell Redwoods

When friends and visitors want to see redwoods, I recommend a visit to the Redwood Grove loop in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Walking under the quiet shade of giant coastal redwoods is a beautiful, calming experience.

After enjoying this special walk, however, there is more to see and do in 4,650 acres and over 35 miles of trail. You can stroll on short and easy trails, or go deeper and climb higher into remote, less- traveled places. Visit the unique Santa Cruz Sandhills, riparian forests, and large meadows.

Take a peaceful walk along the San Lorenzo River. Ride your bike or horse along several trails. Bring your dog on some trails. You can even wet your feet or swim in deep pools. The trails vary in difficulty, length, and interest. Some are narrow tunnels surrounded by tall grass and trees. Others are wide roads, sometimes paved. Some are busy, others quiet.

Although I’ve hiked through much of Henry Cowell and the Fall Creek Unit, I usually entered at the main gate or at locations along Highway 9. This time I decided to explore the southern section via a campground entrance on Graham Hill Road.

It was a good choice. I drove to the campground kiosk parking area. A short path led me to a Pine Trail sign and an easy one-mile trek, first through thick brush, then on a sandy trail ending with a short, steep climb up stairs.

I was on the observation deck at 805 feet above sea level. Looking south (sometimes looking through a 500mm camera lens), I could see Fremont Peak, Monterey Bay, Salinas River Valley, the Santa Lucia Mountains of Big Sur, a little tip of the city of Santa Cruz, and the Pacific Ocean.

To the west and south, I saw the Santa Cruz Sandhills. To the east: Ben Lomond Mountain, Butano Ridge, Bear Mountain, Mt. Bielawski,