Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park has:

• Redwood Forests with species up to 277 feet tall and 1,500 years old
• Riverside Habitat that provides sanctuary for threatened steelhead trout and coho salmon
• Santa Cruz Sandhills which is home to plants and animals that cannot be found anywhere else in the world
• Grasslands offering habitat for white-tailed kites, deer and coyotes

Want to experience these ecosystems in one day? Look no further than this diverse guided hike. On this 3-hour hike, you will gain 500 feet over 4.5 miles. The elevation gain is worth it! You will have incredible views of the Monterey Bay! Please go prepared with good walking shoes and plenty of water and snacks. Plan to meet your guide in front of the Visitor Center. You will drive past grasslands to get to the parking lot, and if you arrive early, you can explore the river habitat on trails behind the Visitor Center.

Although this event is free, parking at state parks costs $10. Hold on to that receipt! Once you have paid for one state park, you have paid for all of them, and there are 14 in Santa Cruz County alone!