Redwood Grove Loop

The Redwood Grove Loop at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers an accessible and intimate encounter with old-growth coast redwoods in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, just minutes from the university town of Santa Cruz. The loop winds among ancient trees reaching 285 feet in height and up to 1,500 years in age, their massive trunks towering above a lush understory of ferns, redwood sorrel, and trillium. The trail is paved in its main section to accommodate visitors of all abilities, with benches and interpretive panels explaining the ecology and natural history of this remarkable forest community. The grove's proximity to the San Lorenzo River creates a cool, moist microclimate that supports the redwoods and nurtures an exceptional diversity of fungi, lichens, and mosses. Banana slugs are abundant year-round and delight younger visitors. The loop passes the Cathedral Redwoods, a particularly impressive cluster of trees arranged in a circle around a common root system. Despite the park's popularity, the grove retains a serene, timeless atmosphere. Docent-led nature walks are offered on weekends, providing deeper insights into the forest ecosystem.