Where Can You See Redwoods Near Santa Cruz Ca?

Planning A Trip To Santa Cruz, Ca And Wondering Where You Can See The Redwoods Near The City?

Years ago on my first visit to Northern California, adding in a trip to the Redwoods was a must for me because I love peaceful natural areas, and I was super happy to find out that there was an easy place near Santa Cruz, Ca (where I was already traveling) where I could explore the Redwoods a little, and I ended up having the perfect forest experience.

🌲 Where Can You See Redwoods Near Santa Cruz, Ca?

Although some of the more famous areas are further north, there are still plenty of places you can seem them nearby the city.

There are Redwoods all over Northern California and although some areas are more famous than these, here are a few places near Santa Cruz, Ca where you can see them:

🌲 Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – about 20 minutes from town

🌲 Behind UCSC – about 15 minutes from town

🌲 Bear Creek Redwoods – about 30 minutes from town

🌲 Big Basin Redwoods State Park – about 45 minutes from town

🌲 Portola Redwoods State Park – about an hour and 15 minutes from town

🌲 Purisima Creek Redwoods – about an hour from town

🌲 The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park – about 20 minutes

➡️ Looking for other interesting things to see or do in Santa Cruz? here is a list of some of the best things to see or do in this surf town

📍 Quickest Redwoods Spot Near Santa Cruz, Ca

The Henry Cowell Redwoods park is the most near to Santa Cruz, Ca.

When I visited Santa Cruz, I flew into San Jose (where the famous Winchester Mystery House is located) and then planned on traveling the next day to Santa Cruz, so since it was sort of on the way and very close to town, the Henry Cowell State Park was perfect for my quick visit to the Redwoods.

This park can definitely be visited on a quick trip (more on this below), but there are also plenty of trails throughout this park that could take you all day to explore.

Redwood Grove Loop Trail

If you want or only have time for a quick view of the Redwoods, I definitely recommend Henry Cowell State Park and suggest walking along the Redwood Grove Loop Trail.

It’s less than a mile and very easy to walk, but it still gives you a great view of the Redwoods.

You can get some really great photos and views of the Redwoods at this park and it's so near to Santa Cruz, Ca so it's the perfect stop.

I went early in the morning here (probably arrived around 8:00am), and had a fantastic time with the cool dewy morning, some wildlife viewing, and very few people.

There are some really cool trees within this little loop trail (all of my tree pictures on this post are from this trail) so I feel like it’s the perfect option for those with limited time.

There are some really cool trees in this park.

Ox Trail

I still think the Redwood Grove Loop Trail is the best option for a short trip, but I also checked out the Ox Trail and enjoyed it.

Unlike Redwood Grove, the parking for Ox Trail is just a few spots along the side of the road (pictured above) so getting there early can help you find a spot.

I think the other trail is better for typical redwoods, but the ox trail is still cool and is also very near to Santa Cruz, Ca.

Although I felt like the Redwood Grove Loop had better and cooler Redwood trees, I still got some really cool pictures on the Ox trail of the railroad in the forest and I got to see a famous Santa Cruz Banana Slug, so I’m still glad I explored it a little.

This area is famous for its banana slugs.

➡️ Santa Cruz is a big surf town so if you’re into adventurous activities, it’s definitely a good for surfing or learning to surf

🔁 Sum Up: Redwoods Near Santa Cruz, Ca

Although there are more famous Redwoods around the Northern California area, if you’re visiting Santa Cruz, Ca and just want something near to town, there are some really beautiful and cool Redwood Forests close-by. If you don’t have much time, I recommend the Redwood Grove Loop Trail in Henry Cowell State Park for a quick and beautiful Redwood experience.