HENRY COWELL REDWOODS STATE PARK
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, located's Santa Cruz Mountains, is a natural sanctuary boasting 1,750 acres of old-growth redwood trees. The park features stunning landscapes with diverse ecosystems including lush forests and riparian areas along the San Lorenzo River. Visitors can explore over 20 miles of hiking trails or visit the nature center to learn about local wildlife and ecology. It also offers picnic spots, camping facilities as well as seasonal fishing opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, located in California's Santa Cruz Mountains, is a natural sanctuary characterized by its towering old-growth redwood forest. The park spans over 4,650 acres of diverse ecosystems including riparian zones along the San Lorenzo River and sandy beaches that offer stunning views of Monterey Bay. It also features grasslands dotted with oaks and pines as well as chaparral-covered ridges offering panoramic vistas. Wildlife such as deer, bobcats and various bird species are commonly spotted within this serene environment which offers visitors an array of outdoor activities like hiking through trails winding amidst majestic trees or exploring limestone caves formed from marine deposits millions years ago.
Located in Santa Cruz County, the park was established in 1954. It's named after Henry Cowell, a local businessman and philanthropist.
Cowell owned Big Trees Ranch where he operated a successful lime kiln business during the late 19th century.
After his death in 1903, his family sold some of their land to S.H. Cowell Foundation who donated it for public use.
The state purchased additional adjacent lands over time expanding its size to approximately 1,750 acres today.
It is renowned for its old-growth redwood grove which includes trees that are more than two millennia old.
In addition to preserving these ancient giants, this area also protects grasslands and riparian habitats along with diverse wildlife species.
Today it offers recreational activities like hiking trails through towering Redwoods as well as educational programs about nature conservation efforts at visitor centers.
