Road Tripping Through the Redwoods

Road Trip Through Humboldt Redwoods

08.17.2017

Tall, majestic, and totally road trip–worthy, the redwoods of Humboldt County are unparalleled. Humboldt Redwoods State Park has hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, many of which splinter off directly from the Avenue of the Giants and the Mattole Road, right off of Highway 101. Browse some of the Top 10 Must-See Redwoods and pick your favorite.

It’s easy to hop out of the car and hike amongst the giants. Not to be missed: Founder’s Grove Nature Loop Trail, home to the famous Dyerville Giant, once the tallest tree in the world until it fell in 1991 with a thunderous crash, leaving a massive crater. Also in Humboldt Redwoods State Park: the Grieg French Bell Grove and the Girdled Tree, a true survivor after being “scarred” a century ago, when 30 feet of its bark was removed and stitched together for an exhibition in San Francisco.

Take a break along the Eel River at the Hearthstone in the Women’s Federation Grove—a four-chimney stone fireplace designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan of Hearst Castle fame. And wind down in historic Eureka, with its Victorian architecture, ghostly past, and variety of restaurants and lodging. Discover your perfect redwood road trip itinerary.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View
  2. Fountain to Falls trail Monrovia

    Fountain to the Falls

    There are three ways to reach the lovely Monrovia Canyon Falls, but only one of them is worthy of being named a good challenge, with a lovely old town stroll included.

    View

  3. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View

  4. Stairstruck in Hollywood

    Beachwood Canyon in Hollywoodland has an action-packed adventure with A-list workouts, big-budget views, and a stair-studded cast. Running time is 1.25 miles with five staircases.

    View