Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 2015-10-30

Santa Cruz offers some of the best redwood hikes in bay area and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park will not disappoint on that count. The main entrance (fee) can be accessed from Big Tree Parks Rd (off Hwy 9). I had parked at the southern boundary of the park, just north of Sims Rd & Graham Hill Rd. While there are several miles of trails in this state park, dogs are allowed only in the southern section and specifically in Pipeline Rd, Powder Mill Fire Rd and Graham Hill Trail. Do read the brochure and print the map from the last page if you want to park at the south side and do the hike described in this blog.

Pipeline Rd.

Apollo and I started our hike in Pipeline Rd, a paved, blacktop road that goes from the south boundary to the visitors center by the main entrance up north. Right off the bat, the road enters a thick redwood forest and for the 3/4 mile or so, the trail makes its way through tall and majestic redwood trees. 

Coming off the thick redwood forest, the trail comes to an open spot at Powder Mill Rd & Powder Mill trail junction. We continued up by Pipeline Rd. The predominantly redwood forest opens up to oak trees and others for the next mile or so before coming up on the overlook point with a bench.

Overlook point

It was a sight for sore eyes to see lush green forests on the Santa Cruz mountains from the overlook point. As the trail goes up north, it passes by several other trail junctions with very specific restrictions on usage by equestrians and bikers. 

San Lorenzo River

During the first two miles, Pipeline Rd climbs gradually gaining about 300 feet. And after the overlook point, the trail descends briskly as it gets right by San Lorenzo river. We went as far as the rail road bridge over the river, probably 1/2 a mile short of the main entrance and started our return.

Powder Mill Rd.

On our way back, we turned left on Powder Mill (Fire) Rd that allows dogs, not to be confused with Powder Mill Trail that does not. Powder Mill Rd is a dirt trail that goes in a north easterly direction to the camp grounds. The dirt trail and the fauna provides a nice variation from the first section of our hike.

Graham Hill trail

The entrance to the campgrounds is from Graham Hill Rd. My goal was to complete the hike by taking the Graham Hill trail to where I had parked the car. The entrance to the Graham Hill trail is right by the entrance to the campgrounds on Graham Hill Rd. We had to walk about 1/4 mile following the direction to Exit to come to the Graham Hill trail head.

This is a single track dirt trail that runs nearly parallel to Graham Hill Rd. The road noise is unmistakable, but I am sure Apollo didn't mind it one bit - the dirt trail was filled with sand most of the way which I am sure was perfectly acceptable to Mr. Paws! 

Graham Hill trail also goes nicely shaded, going through thick woods with occasional redwoods dotting the sides. The nearly mile and a half trail ends right at the parking area on the southern boundary.

Our 7.4 mile hike today was involved gaining about 800 feet elevation. And was through dense forests with complete shade cover! A perfect hiking location for a warm day. It would be nice if couple of more trails are opened to dogs, but I am glad the state park welcomes dogs in the first place.

More pictures from our hike.
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