Highlight • Beach
Cable Car Beach
Hiking
4.7
(17)
This Highlight is in a protected area
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Tips
December 23, 2016
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Cable Car Beach
4.8
(27)
181
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.
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
1.56km
00:34
0m
110m
Hike the 1.0-mile Eagle Creek Trail in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, a moderate route through lush forest to Cable Car Beach.
Details
Informations
Elevation 30 m
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Friday 12 June
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