It’s always been on my bucket list to hike through the California redwoods…

And this RV adventure finally gave us that opportunity.

There’s something about standing next to trees that have been here for over 1,000 years that puts everything into perspective.

Where Is Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park?

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is located less than 10 miles from Santa Cruz, California, making it one of the best and most accessible redwood experiences on the Central Coast.

👉 Easy to reach
👉 Close to the ocean
👉 Perfect stop on an RV road trip through California

The drive into the park alone is worth it.

Winding roads, towering trees, and that classic Northern California scenery…

Honestly, one of the best drives we had on the trip.

(Good thing all those years playing Rad Racer finally paid off 😄)

The Perfect Redwood Hike (Even If You Don’t Love Hiking)

This place ended up being a win/win for us.

If you’re anything like me, when you think “hiking,” you think:
👉 Long hikes
👉 Elevation
👉 Earning the view

But Danielle?

She’s more:
👉 “Let’s see something amazing… without hiking all day”

And Henry Cowell is perfect for that.

The Redwood Grove Loop Trail is:

• Less than 1 mile
• Completely flat
• No elevation gain
• Surrounded by massive old-growth redwoods

👉 It’s one of the most scenic and easiest hikes you’ll find anywhere.

You’re walking through trees that are:

• 250+ feet tall
• Thousands of years old
• Bigger than anything you’ve seen in person

And you don’t have to work for it.

Parking & Access (RV Friendly Options)

You can:

• Park directly inside the state park (paid parking)
• Or park just outside for free and walk in

We chose to park outside and take the scenic walk in — and honestly, it added to the experience.

On the way in, we saw:

• Deer moving through the trees
• A peaceful river running alongside the trail
• Quiet, secluded forest paths

👉 The kind of stuff you don’t get when you just pull into a parking lot and walk 100 feet

For RV travelers, this is an ideal stop:

• Easy access
• Short hikes
• Great for a quick day trip or stop along your route

Why This Is a Must-Stop on an RV Trip Through California

If you’re planning an RV trip through California — especially along Highway 1 or the Central Coast — this is an easy add that delivers a big payoff.

You get:

• One of the best redwood experiences in California
• Close proximity to Santa Cruz beaches
• A quick, low-effort stop that still feels like a major destination

👉 Perfect for:

• Families
• Couples
• First-time RV travelers
• Anyone mixing travel days with short adventures

What This Trip Reinforced for Me

Being in places like this… it hits you.

This is what people are chasing when they start looking at RVs.

Not:

• Slide-outs
• Specs
• Price tags

But:
👉 Walking through redwoods that have been here for centuries
👉 Pulling off the road and finding something unexpected
👉 Having the flexibility to just stop and explore

That’s the lifestyle.

And it’s something most dealerships still don’t fully show in their marketing.

Trips like this — quick stops, easy hikes, unforgettable scenery — are exactly what buyers are trying to picture when they’re scrolling online.

Final Thoughts: Is Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Worth It?

100%.

If you’re looking for:

• An easy redwood experience
• A scenic stop near Santa Cruz
• A quick but memorable RV destination

👉 This is one of the best low-effort, high-reward stops you can make.

And whether you’re a hardcore hiker…
Or just want to walk through something incredible and get back to the RV…

This place delivers.