Highlight • Natural Monument
Fremont Tree
Hiking
5.0
(26)
This Highlight is in a protected area
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Tips
June 14, 2022
Hiking
November 20, 2025
Hiking
May 24, 2021
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Fremont Tree
4.8
(27)
183
hikers
7.71km
02:24
190m
190m
The Redwood Grove and Cowell Highlights Loop offers a fantastic blend of towering ancient redwoods and expansive panoramic views, making it a truly memorable hike. You'll wander through the cool, fern-carpeted Redwood Grove, home to giants like the 1,500-year-old "The Giant" and the historic Frémont Tree, before ascending through unique Santa Cruz Sandhills. The trail transitions from soft forest floor to more varied terrain, culminating in breathtaking vistas from the Sandhills Observation Deck that can reach the Pacific Ocean.
This moderate 4.8-mile (7.7 km) hiking loop involves 629 feet (192 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 2 hours and 23 minutes to complete. Parking is available at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, but it's wise to arrive early, especially on busy days, as the park is quite popular. While the initial redwood section is very accessible, the full loop includes a steady climb, so be prepared for some effort and sun exposure on the upper parts.
What makes this route special is its incredible ecological diversity, moving from old-growth redwood forests along the San Lorenzo River to rare sandhill habitats. The park played a crucial role in California's redwood preservation efforts, with its ancient trees inspiring conservationists over a century ago. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like banana slugs and black-tailed deer in these serene forests.
5.0
(3)
94
hikers
2.26km
00:35
10m
20m
Step into a world of ancient giants on the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, an easy 1.4-mile (2.3 km) hike that takes you through a majestic redwood forest. You will gain a gentle 48 feet (15 metres) in elevation, making this route accessible for most visitors, and can complete it in about 35 minutes. As you wander, you will be surrounded by towering old-growth Coast Redwoods, creating a cool and serene atmosphere, with the impressive Fremont Tree, a hollowed-out redwood you can explore, as a highlight.
This trail is widely accessible, including for strollers and wheelchairs, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone. You will find benches along the way if you need to rest, and restrooms and a drinking fountain are conveniently located near the trailhead and in the main parking lot. Be aware that the path can become muddy after rainfall, so consider your footwear choices before you set out.
Discover the unique ecology of this ancient forest, home to trees that have stood for over a thousand years. Keep an eye out for fascinating features like 'fairy rings,' where new redwoods grow in circles around the base of an older, fallen tree, and even a rare albino redwood. This short loop offers a perfect introduction to the grandeur of these magnificent trees and the natural wonders of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
3.81km
01:08
100m
30m
Hike the moderate 2.4-mile River Trail in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, featuring riverside views, old-growth trees, and historic bridge
Details
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Elevation 70 m
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