Sample Itineraries
California > Redwood National and State Parks
4-day itinerary from San Francisco
4 days is about the right amount of time for a trip to the redwoods. If coming from out of state, days 1 and 4 can either be skipped or combined into a Humboldt Redwoods day.
Day 1: Humboldt Redwoods State Park
On the way to Redwood National and State Parks, drive Humboldt Redwoods’ famous Avenue of the Giants and stop at one or more of its roadside groves.
★★★★
Grieg-French-Bell Grove
Length 0.6 mi · Climbing 10 ft
A network of unofficial trails in an extraordinarily plush carpet of redwood sorrel. One of the highlights of Humboldt Redwoods.
Day 2: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
★★★★★
Miners’ Ridge and James Irvine
Length 12.1 mi · Climbing 1350 ft
The best all-day redwood hike, with spectacular redwood forest, the wild and scenic Gold Bluffs Beach, and a fern-covered slot canyon.
★★★★★
Miners’ Ridge and James Irvine
Length 12.1 mi · Climbing 1350 ft
If 12 miles is too long, try the West Ridge and Prairie Creek Trail instead; it actually has better redwoods, but there’s a little traffic noise.
Day 3: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Drive scenic Howland Hill Road and visit one or more of its redwood groves.
★★★★★
Boy Scout Tree Trail
Length 5.3 mi · Climbing 750 ft
An extraordinary out-and-back hike through a showcase of the world’s best redwood scenery.
★★★★★
Grove of Titans
Length 1.7 mi · Climbing 200 ft
A very scenic grove with some of the world’s largest known redwoods by volume.
★★★★★
Stout Grove
Length 0.6 mi · Climbing 40 ft
This small grove by the side of the Smith River is the most scenic stand of redwoods. Gets somewhat crowded on summer weekends.
Day 4: Humboldt Redwoods State Park
On the way back, drive narrow, bumpy Mattole Road through Bull Creek Flats and visit one or more of its magnificent groves.
★★★★
Big Trees Area
Length 0.6 mi · Climbing 10 ft
A large alluvial-flat grove with huge trees and a remarkably expansive appearance, relatively unspoiled by roads or traffic noise.
★★★★
Rockefeller Loop
Length 0.7 mi · Climbing 20 ft
A loop through a very dense, cathdedral-like stand of big lowland redwoods next to Bull Creek.
Off the beaten track
To experience the serenity of the redwoods on a busy summer weekend, try visiting these lesser-known trails.
Day 1: Humboldt Redwoods State Park
★★★★
Children’s Forest Trail
Length 1.8 mi · Climbing 70 ft
A large, peaceful, and exceptionally scenic grove across the Eel River from the Avenue of the Giants. Can be visited in summer and early fall only.
★★★★
Children’s Forest Trail
Length 1.8 mi · Climbing 70 ft
If the bridge to the Children’s Forest isn’t installed, visit the High Rock Trail instead.
Day 2: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
★★★
West Ridge and Rhododendron
Length 7.7 mi · Climbing 1430 ft
A peaceful, little-used loop that winds dramatically through canyons and over ridges through lush redwood uplands.
Day 3: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
★★★
Nickerson Ranch Trail
Length 2.6 mi · Climbing 110 ft
Starting along the banks of Mill Creek, this hike leads to an impressive lowland redwood grove just across the road from the Boy Scout Tree Trail.
★★★
Leiffer and Ellsworth Loops
Length 2.1 mi · Climbing 330 ft
These little-used loops start at scenic Walker Road and pass through remarkably lush old-growth lowlands before climbing a hillside into more mundane uplands.
Day 4: Humboldt Redwoods State Park
★★★
West Ridge and Rhododendron
Length 7.7 mi · Climbing 1430 ft
★★★
Nickerson Ranch Trail
Length 2.6 mi · Climbing 110 ft
Starting along the banks of Mill Creek, this hike leads to an impressive lowland redwood grove just across the road from the Boy Scout Tree Trail.
★★★
Leiffer and Ellsworth Loops
Length 2.1 mi · Climbing 330 ft
These little-used loops start at scenic Walker Road and pass through remarkably lush old-growth lowlands before climbing a hillside into more mundane uplands.
Day 4: Humboldt Redwoods State Park
On the way back, drive narrow, bumpy Mattole Road through Bull Creek Flats and visit one or more of its magnificent groves.
★★★★
Homestead and Big Trees Loop
Length 2.4 mi · Climbing 110 ft
A superb hike through a cathedral-like lowland redwood grove.