Julie1958

We are planning a trip to Calif. in December for 5 days (weekend before Christmas, possibly including Christmas Day). I posted earlier when we didn't know where in the world we wanted to go. We are leaning toward northern Ca (fly into San Francisco) because we really want to see Redwoods and do some hiking. We are thinking about a day to see some of SF (2 nights) and then we are flexible.
I've heard good things about:
Muir Woods
Armstrong Redwoods
Montgomery Woods
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Henry Cowell

I know Humboldt is a lot farther from SF than the others. Is it worth the drive? What's different? Is it accurate that there are a lot more and bigger trees at Humboldt?

Also, we would need a place to stay near whichever redwoods we decide on. Preferably not a chain - prefer something like a lodge. I know Muir Woods is close to SF so we could stay in SF if that's what we decide. We need lodging for 5 adults.

Also, where would we have the best chance of seeing whales?

Julie1958

And…what about Big Sur State Park. I've read that rainy weather can be a problem if driving along Big Sur, but what about the park?

Shanti

It's the rainy season (at least it usually is) and the further north you go the higher the likelihood of rain. Muir Woods gets too crowded for me. I like Armstrong and Henry Cowell. Henry Cowell would be easier to combine with Big Sur.

MichelleY

I agree with Shanti.

Julie1958

I didn't know about more rain as you go north. Good to know
What about Pfeifer Big Sur State Park? Crowded? A lot of redwoods?

MichelleY

The more rain is why the trees are bigger and taller.

jamie99

For whales, probably Monterey is a good bet. You could stop at Henry Cowell State Park near Santa Cruz on your way down for your redwood fix.

Michael

My recollection is that the redwoods in Pfeiffer Big Sur are mainly around the campground. For a walk, Henry Cowell is preferable. Big Basin is another option although more isolated than Henry Cowell--the section on CA1 is not close to the redwoods. In terms of scenic drives, Alpine Road from CA35 to the coast will offer views from the hills and some driving through redwoods.

The advantage of Muir Woods is its proximity to the SF Bay Area and after visiting the woods once can drive up to Mt. Tam for a view over the area.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/4866642011

Julie1958

Thanks! I"ve heard many people recommend Henry Cowell. That might be the best location especially if that is the best area for possible whale sightings.

What's the best site to go to for lodging recommendations? Or does anyone have any?
A night or two in SF then something for a couple nights near Monterey. There are 5 of us. A lodge type place would be nice - something with character. We could split between two rooms if there is nothing for 5. A cabin or house is ok too.

november_moon

Henry Cowell is definitely a good choice. Great trees, easy to get to, and good for combining with whale watching, Monterey, Big Sur, etc.

What's your budget for lodging? And do you want to stay in civilization or outside of it?

Julie1958

november_moon. Well we don't want to camp. In SF convenience is important. Close to the water would be nice if not cost prohibitive. (Under $300/nt in SF if we are all in one room) Near Monterey lower price hopefully. We don't want to be totally isolated but not right in the center of a busy town would be nice. Again, near water would be nice. Scenic. Nature. Does that help?

spirobulldog

While you Muir Woods is nice, these aren't the really big trees. Best place for Redwoods is Praire Grove State Park(yes this is part of the National Park).

However, I think the best place to see Big Trees is Sequoia National Park. They are better than the Redwoods, IMOP. You could need a 4 wheel drive and possibly chains(depending on weather). The trees at Sequoia are a lot bigger in diameter than the Redwoods. They are about 250 feet tall, while the Redwoods are about 350, but just seeing the size or their trunks is mind-blowing. The snow play areas at Sequoia are fun. We were there the last week of Decemember a few years ago and really like it. The trees there are easily just as jaw-dropping as the Grand Canyon. I've been to most of our National Parks and Sequoia

Michael

Calaveras Big Tree State Park is much closer to the bay area than Sequoia NP.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calaver...ees_State_Park

But if the OP wants to see big trees and have a nice hike, there's nothing like the combination of Muir Woods and Mt. Tam.

Julie1958

Everytime someone mentions the big Sequoias I want to go there. Except when I think about the potential for winter weather in the mountains...
Is the weather at Calaveras likely to be as wintry as it could be at Sequoia Nat'l Park?
We'll be renting a car - we've never used chains and I don't thing rental cars allow them. So will that prohibit us from seeing Sequoias?

As for Muir Woods - I've heard its crazy busy there but wonder if it will be peaceful in December or still busy

Shanti

Calaveras is very, very nice but there probably will be snow. They have their winter festival around Christmas time and if there's enough snow they have sleigh rides. Here's info from bigtrees.org (a volunteer organization associated with Calaveras SP):

"Winter: Variable snow conditions (Chains recommended for any vehicles) sometimes suitable for cross-country skiing. Typically, highs in the 30′s and 40′s, lows in the 20′s or even ‘teens. Occasionally, highs in the 50′s or 60′s.
Winter Closure – Weather Permitting
The Walter Smith Parkway beyond the North Grove which leads to the Stanislaus River and South Grove is closed from mid November to late April. The Oak Hollow campground is closed from early October until mid May. The North Grove campground is closed from the end of November until early March."

Rental cars don't let you use chains.

tomfuller

Decide which of the big trees you want to see. The Coast Redwoods are found from sea level to about 3000' elevation in the coastal region of California. If it is not too busy, which it should not be in December, visit Muir Woods first.
If you want to see more, head south toward Santa Cruz. The Coast Redwoods grow taller but with a smaller diameter than the Giant Sequoias.
The place I would go to see Giant Sequoias in December would be the Mari[osa Grove in the south end of Yosemite.
After coming in the south entrance from Oakhurst, turn right to go to Mariposa Grove (about 3 miles).
My rule of thumb is: Don't drive on an unplowed road in snow unless you have real winter tires (not all-season). I do own chains for my own car but have not put them on the past 3 winters. Oregon requires me to have them with me but I'll turn around if I come to a place where the chains are required.
True winter tires have a 3 peak mountain and a snowflake on the sidewall.
I don't think they put real winter tires on rentals unless they have 4WD.
Just so you know, you can buy a set of chains at most Les Schwab tire stores and if you do not open them to put them on, you can return them for a full refund at the end of the snow season.

spirobulldog

I would get a 4 wheel drive if I were going to Sequoia. Rentals do not allow them. That said, you can rent the chains and have someone put them on for you. You would be responsible if the chains came off and damaged the rim, tire, or even the body of the car. I don't advocate breaking the rules of car rentals, but if Govt/Law requires you to have chains on your car, well then I break the car rules and will pay for it if I damage the car.

Now, some cars have GPS tracking devices on them now, so not sure if they get you or not even if there is no damage.

MichelleY

You only have 5 days. Stick to your plan to stay on the coast.

Gardyloo

Me, I'd head south from SF. Stop at Big Basin, spend a couple of nights around Monterey/Pacific Grove/Carmel. Do a couple of day trips that could include so much more than just big trees - down to Pfeiffer/Big Sur, for amazing scenery en route, stop at Point Lobos for beautiful scenery and wildlife, maybe go all the way down to San Simeon either for a tour of the Hearst Castle or just to see the elephant seals on the beach, or - easy and stunning, visit the Monarch butterfly sanctuaries in Pacific Grove or Santa Cruz. Not just a twofer, but a threefer or fivefer.

Photos from a similar trip in January a couple of years ago -

Big Sur coast - http://gardyloo.us/20130119_61H1a.jpg
Elephant seals, San Simeon - http://gardyloo.us/20130119_90a.JPG
Butterflies, Pacific Grove - http://gardyloo.us/20130124_187a.JPG

spirobulldog

I like the coast too, but the topic asked about trees. I'm not sure which one is the most important to the OP