California's Underrated State Park Boasts Towering Redwoods And Scenic Mountain Views
California's popular public parks — like Yosemite National Park — attract millions of visitors every year. But California protects an impressive collection of state parks that deserve equal attention. Among them, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park stands out as a quiet treasure. Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, it offers a blend of towering redwoods and mountain ridges that rival California's better-known destinations.
The park covers more than 4,650 acres, with groves of redwoods that are 50 to 150 years old alongside ancient giants that have stood for 1,200 to 1,600 years and rise up to 282 feet high. Standing at the base of one of these trees, it's difficult to imagine that something so massive began from a seed no larger than a tomato seed. The San Lorenzo River winds through the park, a reminder of the Sayanta tribe who once lived and thrived along its banks. The land passed through many hands over the years before becoming a state park in 1954, when Samuel "Harry" Cowell donated 1,600 acres to California on the condition it be named after his father, Henry Cowell.
The closest airport to this state park is San José Mineta International Airport (SJC), about 2 hours and 15 minutes away. San Francisco International (SFO) is another option, just under 3 hours. From either airport, fares range from $8 to $27 to reach Highway 9. From there, it is only about 2 miles to the park's day-use entrance. Another option is renting a car from San Jose, which takes about an hour to reach the park. Once you arrive, the views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, along with the variety of wildlife and ancient redwoods, all make Henry Cowell one of the stunning U.S. state parks you'll wish you had visited sooner.
Exploring Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
With more than 30 miles of trails, a good place to begin is the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, a short walk of less than a mile that leads to some of the tallest redwoods in the park, with trunks wide enough to stop you in your tracks. From there, the Observation Deck Trail offers a 5.2-mile climb to the park's highest point, with an elevation gain of 805 feet. The reward is sweeping views of Monterey Bay and the Santa Cruz ridges. Another memorable route is the Fall Creek to Lime Kilns Trail, a 3.4-mile path that passes the remains of lime kilns once vital to San Francisco's building boom.
The park also has cool spots to relax, and the Garden of Eden is the most popular for swimming, fishing, or picnicking. It's an easy hike to reach, winding through shaded forest before opening to the river. Because water levels shift with the season, especially after rain, it's best to check conditions before swimming. Cyclists have options too. Bikes are allowed on roads like Pipeline Road and Rincon Fire Road, though they're off-limits on popular trails such as the Redwood Grove and Fall Creek. For those that want extra support, guided e-bike rentals in nearby Santa Cruz start at about $110 per person. Camping is another highlight here, with mornings that begin under soft light filtering through the trees. Pair that with a picnic surrounded by mountain views, and you'll understand why this park deserves more attention than it gets.
Everything you need to know when planning your trip to Henry Cowell State Park
Your visit to Henry Cowell State Park begins with a $10 entrance fee that also covers parking, day use, and camping. Before heading to the trails, stop at the Visitor Center for maps, self-guided brochures, or an audio tour. For your overnight stays, the Graham Hill Campground offers 107 campsites with picnic tables, food lockers, fire pits, and ADA access, but it's currently closed for construction to meet accessibility standards and is scheduled to reopen in April 2026. Until then, nearby hotels are the alternatives for visitors to choose from, with options such as the Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley, Inn at Pasatiempo, and Hampton Inn Santa Cruz, all within 5 miles of the park and highly rated on TripAdvisor, with prices usually ranging from $199 to $258 per night.
The park is open year-round, with each season offering something different. Spring brings out the wildlife, summer is perfect for swimming and camping, fall shows off colorful leaves, and winter offers quiet trails among the redwoods.
No matter when you go, pack warm clothing, a swimsuit, sun protection, and sturdy shoes. Most importantly, following park rules, including the principles of Leave No Trace, help protect the redwoods and ensure Henry Cowell remains one of the most spectacular state parks in California.