This park features 15 miles of hiking and riding trails through a forest that looks much the same as it did 200 years ago. Zayante Indians once lived in the area, where they found shelter, water and game. Henry Cowell Redwoods is home to a centuries old Redwood Grove that features a self-guided nature path. It also boasts other old-growth woods such as Douglas fir, mandrone, oak and a stunning stand of Ponderosa pines. The park has a picnic area above the San Lorenzo River. Anglers fish for steelhead and salmon during the winter. The park has a nature center and bookstore.

The main park area contains the large, old-growth redwoods, while the northern area (Fall Creek) has about 20 miles of hiking trails. The tallest tree in the park is about 285 feet tall, and about 16 feet wide. The oldest trees in the park are about 1400 to 1800 years old.

Facilities - ActivitiesThe park has about 20 miles of trails, ranging from 0.4 miles long to 3.3 miles long. Some trails are very steep. Terrain varies from forest to chaparral. There are NO bridges at any river or creek crossing.

Hikers are allowed on all the trails and roads.

Dogs are welcome in the park but must be on a leash at all times, and kept in your car or tent at night. They may not be left unattended. Dogs are allowed in the picnic area, the campground, and on Pipeline Road, Graham Hill Trail, and Meadow Trail. They are not allowed on any other trails or interior roads.

Bicycles are allowed only on Pipeline Road, Rincon Fire Road, Ridge Fire Road, and Powder Mill Fire Road. Bicyclists under 18 must wear a helmet.

Horses are NOT allowed on the following trails:Redwood Grove TrailMeadow TrailOx TrailPipeline Road south of Rincon Fire Road

Motorcycles, cars, etc. are not permitted on any trail or interior road.

Early History - The Mexican Ranchos

In 1821 Mexico became independent from Spain and ruled this area until 1846. Portions of Alta California were divided into Land Grants and "sold" for very small fees to interested Mexican citizens. There were three Land Grants in the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park are: Rancho Carbonera, Rancho Zayante and Rancho Rincon. These Ranchos signaled the beginning of European settlement in the area of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

The park is near Felton on Highway 9 in the Santa Cruz Mountains.Traveling from San Jose to the main entrance: Take Highway 17 toward Santa Cruz. After you go over the mountains, turn right on Mt. Hermon Road. Follow Mt. Hermon road until it ends at Graham Hill Road. Turn right, and go to the next stop light (Highway 9). Turn left on Highway 9 and go through downtown Felton. The park entrance will be a half mile down on your left. You can park outside and walk a half mile into the park, or you can drive in and pay a fee. To reach the campground entrance, turn left at Graham Hill Road, continue approximately 2.5 miles. The campground entrance is on the right side of the road.