northern california redwoods
 

Hello again,

We will be in Monterey Peninsula and San Francisco the last week of March and I wondered do we need to go to Muir woods to see redwoods or will they be in Big Sur as well? We were planning on getting rid of our car once we get to San Fran (after spending 4 nights in Monterey), but I suppose we could drive to see Muir Woods before turning in the car.

I've seen some posts recommending Big Basin on the way to San Jose, but I'm confused since I suspect they're from that San Jose nut. we are not planning to travel via San Jose.

There are indeed redwoods in Big Sur - check out Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Limekiln State Park, or Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (or all three :) )

Muir Woods is a decent option. I don't care for it as much because there are generally a lot of people there. Last time I was there was in October on a Thursday and we couldn't find a place to park. ACK!

Big Basin is a famous for it's redwood groves. The park is pretty large and has a lot to offer. It's one of my favorite places. On weekends and during the summer the park can get crowded, but most people congregate around the visitor's center. Hiking as little as a 1/2 mile away from the road and you can be totally away from the people.

If you choose to visit Big Basin, it's a bit of a drive up the mountain from Santa Cruz, but the drive is very scenic and you will pass through a few little mountain towns. On your way from Big Basin to SF, if you continue on Hwy 9 you will come over the mountain into the town of Saratoga where you can connect up with the freeway. It's a nice drive - curvy, but nice.

The Crowell Red Wood grove south of Palo Alto, near Santa Cruz, are worth a look, too. It is a state park.

J Correa-Ahhh the Muir Woods-beautiful on a weekday before noon-parking waAAAAy down the road after that.
We used to live off the Panaoramic Hwy
in Mill Valley and when friends would come into town we would simply hike over a hill and down into the Woods.
Am looking forward to discovering your Big Basin!
R5

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, which is the one I believe Brookwood is refering to, is another good option. It's right outside of the town of Felton. It's smaller than Big Basin, but closer to main highways. Next door is Roaring Camp - which is a recreated railroad town. There is a narrow gage stream train that you can ride through the redwoods or down to Santa Cruz.

There are two different trains at Henry Cowell State Park. One is a steam train that does a circuit in the redwoods, and the other is a diesel engine train that goes down to Santa Cruz. Henry Cowell is a good choice to see redwoods, although the groves are not as extensive as the ones in Big Basin; but getting there is easier.

Just an FYI..probably won't fit into your trip this time but my favorite place to see the redwoods is Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve in the Russian River Valley/ Guernville. Wonderful wide mulch trails to hike and a fabulous place for a picnic. Lots of info on how the stae is perserving Redwoods and you can get close enough to hug the trees. Little benches to rest on and lay down and look up at teh top of teh Redwoods and se the sunshine filter through. Fabulou wood smell. We usually stay at the Ridenhour Ranch House Inn. Not a fancy B & B but very nice rooms, great breakfasts and free refridgerated drinks when you come back from long hikes. Nice location too to the Russian River Wineries.

Two of the best parks foe redwoods are in the San Jose area: either Big Basin or Henry Cowell. Both parks have nicer trees than either Muir Woods or Big Sur. The Roaring Camp Steam train at Felton in Henry Cowell is a lot of fun. Going to Muir Woods would require you to backtrack to the Peninsula since it's north of SF.