Visitor Center | Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Your immersion into California's pristine nature begins right here. The Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Visitor Center is a modern information hub located in picturesque Santa Cruz County. The center serves as a gateway to the wondrous world of ancient forests, protecting over 4,650 acres of unique ecosystems in the mountains of the USA.

This complex is more than just a museum; it's a living educational space. Experienced staff and volunteers are on hand to share the story of the rare redwoods—the coastal evergreens. It was these very trees that inspired early conservationists to create programs protecting the state's forest heritage.

Visitors can find detailed guides, audio tours, and interactive exhibits that reveal the secrets of local flora and fauna. It is the perfect starting point for travelers of all ages looking to experience nature's grandeur and learn more about one of the region's most significant conservation areas.

To clarify details before your trip or contact park staff, you can use the following contact information:

Official Contacts:

Inside the visitor center, engaging exhibits and the opportunity to pick up useful materials await you: from trail maps to self-guided brochures that help you dive deeper into the forest's history. Be sure to stop by the Mountain Parks Nature Store, where you can find unique nature books and memorable souvenirs.

The main draw for guests is the Redwood Loop Trail—an easy 0.8-mile (approx. 1.3 km) loop. This trail is wheelchair accessible and leads past the park's most impressive trees. One of the most popular stops is the Fremont Tree—a giant tree with a hollow interior where the whole family can step inside and feel like true explorers.

For those who prefer active recreation, the park offers over 15 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and some mountain biking. On summer weekends, volunteers often lead free guided tours, sharing fascinating facts about the ecosystem. And if you're traveling with children, a visit to the adjacent historic Roaring Camp railroad is a great addition, where steam trains run right through the ancient giants.

Getting to this natural corner is easy. The Henry Cowell Redwoods Visitor Center is located just one mile south of the small town of Felton on scenic Highway 9. If you're driving from downtown Santa Cruz, the trip by car or taxi takes about 15–20 minutes, passing through the lush forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

For those using private transport, convenient parking is provided in the Day Use Area. The entry fee is $10 per vehicle, with a discounted rate of $9 for visitors aged 62 and older. Payment can be made via automated terminals or to the friendly staff at the entry kiosk.

If you plan to arrive by public transport, it's best to check the Santa Cruz Metro bus schedules heading toward Felton in advance. However, a car or taxi remains the most convenient option, as the park is somewhat removed from the main residential districts.

The history of preserving this amazing place began long before the park was officially established in 1953. It owes its name to Henry Cowell, a local businessman and philanthropist whose family contributed immensely to the region's development. These lands were among the first in the USA where serious efforts were made to protect ancient redwood forests.

The most striking thing about the park is the age of its inhabitants. The old-growth trees in the main grove have been growing here for 1,400–1,800 years. The height of these "skyscrapers" reaches 91 meters, and trunk diameters can exceed 5 meters. Interestingly, the monumentality of these forests deeply impressed explorer John C. Frémont and even President Theodore Roosevelt, which only strengthened the public's resolve to preserve this heritage.

In addition to the giant redwoods, the park protects a unique ecosystem—the Santa Cruz Sandhills. These are ancient marine deposits preserved in the mountains, forming a rare habitat. Only the hardiest flora survives here, such as Ponderosa pines and endemic wildflowers that can be found nowhere else in the world.

To simply get acquainted with the visitor center and take a light stroll along the main Redwood Loop Trail, 1–2 hours will be quite sufficient. This is enough time to explore the exhibits and take a few impressive photos against the backdrop of the giant trees.

If your goal is a full immersion into nature, visiting the famous Fremont Tree, and browsing the souvenir shop, it's better to set aside about 3 hours. For avid hikers wishing to explore the park's more remote trails spanning over 15 miles, it is worth planning a whole day and bringing snacks and water.

The information center welcomes guests daily, making it very convenient to plan your trip any day of the week. Official operating hours are from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Keep in mind that the park grounds themselves are accessible for much longer—you can walk among the redwoods from sunrise to sunset. This allows you to enjoy the forest's silence in the early morning hours or catch the soft evening light before the visitor center closes.

A walk among the ancient redwoods is just part of the adventure awaiting you in this region. The surroundings of Felton and the nearby coast offer many unique locations, from historic railroads to sunny beaches with amusement rides.

After exploring the park's nature, consider visiting the following nearby attractions: