There’s something pretty magical about standing under a tree that’s taller than a skyscraper and older than your great-great-great-grandparents.
On this California road trip, you’ll wind through forests so massive you’ll feel like you’ve shrunk to the size of an ant.
Along the way, expect shaded trails, misty groves, and secret spots where you can walk, hike, and even drive through living giants.
If you’re ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure full of wild beauty and pure wow moments, keep reading because this redwoods road trip is calling your name.
1. Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument is tucked into a quiet canyon in Marin County, just 35 minutes from San Francisco.
This peaceful forest was named after naturalist John Muir and has been protected since 1908, making it one of the oldest national monuments in the U.S.
It’s famous for its ancient coast redwoods, some of which are over 600 years old and soar more than 250 feet tall.
To explore at your own pace, start with the 2-mile Main Trail loop along Redwood Creek or challenge yourself on the longer Dipsea Trail.
(At the time of writing, Muir Woods is temporarily closed due to a government shutdown, with visitor access suspended. Please check online for updates before planning your visit.)
2. Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
If you’re craving redwoods without the crowds, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is the spot.
It’s located just outside the town of Guerneville in Sonoma County, about 1.5 hours from San Francisco.
This reserve is home to some seriously massive trees, including the 310-foot Parson Jones Tree and the 1,400-year-old Colonel Armstrong Tree.
You can take it all in on the mellow 1.5-mile Pioneer Nature Trail, perfect for a slow stroll, with shaded picnic spots where you can chill under the giants.
3. Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree
Next up is a redwood you can truly drive through, and it’s the real deal.
It’s called the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree, located in Leggett right off Highway 101 in Mendocino County, and it’s been blowing minds since the 1930s.
This coast redwood stands 276 feet tall, measures 16 feet wide at the base, and has a car-sized tunnel carved through its trunk.
It’s part of Drive-Thru Tree Park, so you’ll also find picnic tables, walking trails, and a gift shop full of unique souvenirs.
4. Founders Grove
Just when you think the redwoods can’t get any more epic, Founders Grove comes along and proves you wrong.
It’s found inside Humboldt Redwoods State Park along the Avenue of the Giants, around 50 minutes from Leggett.
The highlight here is the short, half-mile loop trail that winds through jaw-dropping giants like the 346-foot Founders Tree.
You’ll also see the massive Dyerville Giant, a fallen redwood that once stood 362 feet tall before it crashed to the forest floor in 1991.
5. Avenue of the Giants
Keep the redwood magic going with a scenic cruise down the Avenue of the Giants.
This 31-mile stretch of road runs parallel to Highway 101 and winds straight through the heart of Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Along the way, you’ll pass by towering groves, charming pullouts, tiny towns like Miranda and Phillipsville, and some of the tallest trees on Earth.
With over 17,000 acres of redwoods here, you’ll find plenty of places to pull over, stretch your legs, and just stare up in awe.
6. Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
For a redwood hike with incredible sky-high views, the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail is a total standout.
It’s located in Redwood National Park just off Highway 101, where the 1.5-mile loop takes you through a mix of old-growth redwoods and open ridges.
You’ll also come across a plaque that tells the story of conservation here and the reason it was named after the former First Lady.
And because the trail sits at 1,200 feet above sea level, the fog often drifts through it, giving the forest a magical, otherworldly feel you won’t forget.
7. Trees of Mystery
Ready for something a little quirky? Look no further than Trees of Mystery near Klamath.
Here, giant redwoods share the stage with classic roadside fun, starting with the 49-foot-tall statue of Paul Bunyan waving out front.
Inside the park, you can walk along the Trail of Tall Tales, take in views from the 100-foot-high Canopy Trail, or ride the SkyTrail gondola.
Before you head out, make sure to stop by the museum packed with Native American artifacts and a gift shop that leans fully into Bunyan-themed goods.
8. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
To end your road trip with that wild, untamed redwood vibe, make your way to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
It’s located in Del Norte County near Crescent City, where the trees grow thick, the air smells like moss, and the forest feels almost prehistoric.
What makes this place even more special is its dense old-growth redwoods, with trails like the 0.6-mile Stout Grove Loop and the 5.5-mile Boy Scout Tree Trail.
You can also wind along the bumpy, narrow Howland Hill Road for an up-close experience that feels straight out of Jurassic Park.
Related Posts
