Massive and magnificent – these are perhaps two of the best words that describe the California redwood trees. They are the tallest living trees in the world, with some reaching a height equivalent to that of a 30-story building.
Redwoods are amongst the most popular California native trees. They are found in various forests, many of which have become tourist attractions in the Golden State. If you are clueless about where to head, we’ll talk about some of the best places worth checking out!
Spot California Redwood Trees In these Locations
Looking for the best redwood forest in California? Here are some of the top locations that should be on your radar!
1. Redwood National and State Parks
An area that comprises four parks, this is one of the places that should be on the top of your list! With ancient redwoods looking as if they are touching the sky, you will feel dwarfed! A designated UNESCO site, the park has a total of 53,000 hectares! One of its highlights is the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, a 1.5-mile hiking path that will put you next to some of the most amazing redwoods you will ever see in your life.
2. Yosemite National Park
Providers of tree services California will agree, Yosemite National Park is an unrivaled destination for some of the most exquisite trees, including redwoods. One of the best sections of the park is Mariposa Grove, which is located at the southern entrance. For the best experience, take the short hiking path from the Grizzly Giant to the California Tunnel. Around the grove, you will find over 500 mature redwoods.
3. Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Established in 1902, this state park is popular for being the oldest in California. The park has 80 miles of trail, leaving you with a lot of areas to explore. There is also a camping ground on-site if you wish to stay longer. Aside from redwoods, you will also enjoy the park because of the numerous waterfalls. Birdlife is also abundant in the forest, including woodpeckers and egrets.
4. Muir Woods National Monument
Located around 12 miles from the north of San Francisco, this is one of the most accessible places for seeing redwood trees. Understandably, this is also the most visited redwood forest. Nonetheless, it is also one of the smallest parks on our list. Despite its underwhelming size, it has an impressive collection of towering redwoods that you can see up-close as you explore the park’s hiking trails. Make sure to get there early as it can get packed and parking can be a problem!
5. Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve
This natural reserve is also home to a two-mile hiking trail, which will take approximately two hours for you to complete. Throughout the hike, you will be mesmerized by the towering redwoods that you will be surrounded by. One of the highlights of the park is a redwood standing at almost 368 feet, which has once been thought of being the tallest of its kind in the world.
6. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
If you are a fan of fantasy flicks, then chances are, you have already seen this redwood forest as one of the filming locations. It is a part of the Humboldt County Redwood Park. To see some of the best redwoods in the park, explore its most popular hiking trails, such as The Brown Creek Loop, The Big Tree Loop, The Ten Taypo Trail. Aside from redwoods, the place is also popular because of its exotic ferns cascading in canyon walls.
7. Humboldt Redwoods State Park
This California state park is home to the Rockefeller Forest, which is known as the largest remaining contiguous old-growth coast redwood forest in the world. The best thing about this place is that you can see the redwoods without the need to leave your car. It is where you will find the Avenue of Giants, which stretches at 32 miles. For a more educational experience, consider hiring an auto tour guide from the Visitor Center.
8. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
It has about 7% of the old-growth redwoods in the world, making it one of the most special places on our list. A highlight of this state park is the .6-mile loop trail that will take you to Stout Grove. This is the path where you can see stunning redwoods and a forest carpet of ferns. Being here is sure to be a surreal experience!
9. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
If you are in Santa Cruz, then this is one of the top places for seeing redwood trees. It is less than five miles from sunny beaches, making it easily accessible. The old-growth redwoods in the area include those that have been there as early as the 19th-century. While you are in the area, another popular attraction to check out is the Garden of Eden, which is a swimming hole perfect to beat the summer heat!
10. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
For outdoor enthusiasts, this is one of the must-visits to see redwoods in California. You can enjoy hiking, swimming, and camping, among other fun activities. There are more than 189 campsites throughout the park where you can pitch your tent. The Big Sur River and Santa Lucia Mountains make this place more attractive.
FAQs
Q: Where are the giant redwood trees in California?
A: The giant redwood trees in California are found in Redwood National and State Parks, Yosemite National Park, Muir Woods National Monument, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, among others.
Q: Do redwoods only grow in California?
A: Technically speaking, redwoods do not grow exclusively in California. While redwoods used to grow in different places in the Northern Hemisphere, today, they grow only within a 50-mile range of the coasts of Central California, which can extend all the way to Southern Oregon.
Q: Is it illegal to cut down a redwood tree in California?
A: As California’s state tree, it is illegal to cut a redwood tree. Even if you hire professionals offering tree removal California, it is still not allowed to cut a giant redwood tree. More than 80% of these trees are protected in forest reserves and parks.
Q: How old are the redwood trees in California?
A: Some of the oldest known California redwood trees are up to 3,000 years old. On average, however, most of the redwoods will live anywhere from 500 to 800 years old.
Q: What is the difference between a redwood and a sequoia?
A: While redwood and sequoia are related, they have a lot of differences. The giant sequoia is the largest tree in the world in terms of volume and has a massive trunk. The redwood, on the other hand, is the tallest tree in the world and has a slender trunk. More so, sequoias are inland trees while redwoods grow in coastal regions.
Local Tree Experts Overview
Whether you want to go hiking or don’t want to get out of your car, there are numerous places for checking out California redwood trees. The forest and parks mentioned above house some of the oldest and rarest redwoods you can ever find! Not to mention, they are the perfect background for a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity with massive ancient trees!
