Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park was a lovely final stop on our Santa Cruz trip.

Tucked into the Santa Cruz Mountains, this park offers an escape into nature. We walked the popular Redwood Grove Loop Trail, with an easy extension down to the San Lorenzo River. The whole thing was about a mile – peaceful, shaded, and full of towering redwoods.

The gift shop was packed with art and items featuring redwoods, banana slugs, and other aspects of California. Right next door, the Visitor Center was full of thoughtfully curated displays and helpful info about the park and the region. The staff there were welcoming and knowledgeable, happy to share recommendations and answer questions.

Just next to the park is Roaring Camp, where you can catch a scenic train ride through the redwoods – a fun add-on if you have the time.

You can read about more of our Redwood State Parks explorations here.