Walk among the tallest trees in the world and stare up in wonder. 🤩 Create the ultimate Redwood National Park itinerary with gorgeous scenic drives, trails among the giants, and explore the rugged coastline. The California Redwoods will simply blow you away!
I’ve been to the Redwoods twice and I’m not going to lie, the first time I felt like I could have planned a lot more in advance. I missed out on things that I wanted to do and I didn’t optimize my time. 😣 So, on our second trip through this stunning area, I made sure to do my research and it turned out incrediby!
However, visiting the Redwoods can be a little bit confusing with a number of parks to explore. So I’ve created this guide for you with a one day itinerary as well as suggestions for more time in the area. I hope you have a fantastic trip!
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Redwood National Park Planning Guide
Where is Redwood National Park?
Redwood National Park is in the Northwestern area of California, just North of Eureka. This park sits on the coastline where the tall trees meet the gorgeous beaches. It’s a stunning area that you truly have to see to believe. 👀
One of the things you may not know before visiting is that Redwoods National Park is also connected to various state parks in the area. All of these parks have gorgeous tree groves and wonderful spots to explore. So, read more to plan your time there!
How to Get to the Redwoods
Redwood National and State Parks are right off of Highway 101, making them a fantastic road trip destination! 🚗 That being said, if you are flying in from out of the area you may have to fly into a larger city and drive to the park.
The closest major airports are in Sacramento, San Francisco, and Portland. All of these areas are at least a 5 hour drive. But, there is a smaller airport in Eureka that you can look into as well!
Things to Know Before You Go
💵 There is no fee to enter Redwood National Park or many of the state parks surrounding it. The only place that requires a fee is at the Gold Bluffs area and it is $12 or you can use your America the Beautiful Pass.
☀️ Redwood National Park is very rainy from the months of October to April and then typically has a drier summer. But, it’s best to bring layers regardless!
⛺️ There are four campgrounds within the park. They are managed by the California Department of Parks & Recreation. If you plan on visiting in the summer, then you will want to get a reservation far in advance.
🐻 Redwoods is home to bears and cougars, so be mindful as you explore. Always keep your distance when you see any animal!
🌳 You will need free permits if you plan on hiking the Tall Trees Grove.
🦮 Pets are not allowed on the trails in the National Park. They are allowed at developed campgrounds and parking areas.
⚠️ During the peak season, you will need permits to enter Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon trail.
🍃 Remember to follow the Leave No Trace Principles. As always, you want to leave nature looking better than you found it.
Best Time to Visit the Redwoods
In my opinion, the best time to visit the Redwoods is in the spring months. During these months, the weather is a bit warmer, flowers start to bloom 🌸, it’s often drier, and the crowds haven’t arrived yet. This makes it the perfect time to hit the trails.
April and May are great times to visit the Redwoods!
However, because the Redwoods are more temperate you can visit at any time of year. Summer is much more crowded with nice temperatures, winter is wet and trees are bare, while fall is dry but less lush. Whenever you visit, you’ll have a great time!
Where to Stay
There are no hotels and lodges within the park, but there are still tons of great spots to stay nearby in towns like Trinidad or Eureka. 🏨 If you want to camp, then you can book reservations at the four developed campgrounds within the park!
I’ve written an entire guide on where to stay near the Redwoods here!
Lodging Near Redwoods:
Packing Guide for the Redwoods
Redwood National Park is a bit cooler than you might think because of the coast and the mountainous areas there. So, you will definitely want to pack some layers for your trip. It’s often cool in the morning and at night, but warms up in the day.
Also, there is a fair amount of rain in this area 🌧, so it’s best to be prepared with waterproof gear as well!
Packing List
- Comfortable Hiking Boots
- Tevas or Water Shoes
- Day Pack
- Hiking poles
- Water Reservoir
- Snacks and Food
- First Aid Kit
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Rain jacket
- Light winter jacket
- Satellite phone
- Camera Clip
Redwood National Park Itinerary
One Day Redwood National Park Itinerary:
Although you could spend a lot of time in this area. I’ve got you covered on a one day Redwood National Park itinerary! 📝 This itinerary is in the order that I suggest, however, you can definitely mix things around or add other things in as well. I have recommendations on what to add for more time below.
Tall Trees Grove
This trail was featured in a National Geographic Magazine in the 1960s, which led to the creation of Redwood National Park. This grove gets its name for having a number of Redwoods over 350 feet high. I felt so small sitting among some of the tallest trees in the world. 🌳
However, this trail is tough and not for everyone! You’ll have to climb down and then back up 800 feet. 💪🏻
In order to get here, you will need to reserve an online permit in advance. They only allow 50 permits a day, so plan this one in advance. If you miss out or you feel that you are not physically able to do this one, I highly suggest doing Trillium Falls or Lady Bird Johnson Grove instead!
Tall Trees Grove Hike Info
Distance: 4.5 miles
Elevation: 680 Feet
Type: Lollipop
Length: 1.5-3 hours
Difficulty: Hard (you will hike up a steep incline to get back)
Prairie Creek Elk Meadows
Wildlife fans will definitely want to stop in the Elk Meadows area of the Redwoods. Here, you will often see Elk wandering around and grazing on the tall grass. Luckily, you’ll have to drive through this area to get North so it’s an easy spot to add for a quick stop!
Fern Canyon
Now, this is the one hike in Redwood National Park that you do not want to miss! Jurassic Park was filmed in this stunning fern lined canyon that looks like you’ve entered a mossy paradise.
You will need free reservations & pay the park entry of $12 to enter Gold Bluffs and hike Fern Canyon in the peak season!
This trail is only a mile, but it’s one of the most unforgettable areas that I’ve ever been. You’ll walk over river crossings with ferns covering the walls of the canyon on either side of you. It’s truly a sight to behold! Just don’t forget your water shoes. 💦
Fern Canyon Hike Info
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation: 125 Feet
Type: Loop
Length: 30 minutes-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Gold Bluffs Beach
Gold Bluffs Beach is part of the gorgeous coastline of Redwood National Park. You’ll notice the rugged rock formations that sit in the ocean. 🌊 While elk often venture into this area to graze.
If you want to stay longer on this secluded beach, consider getting a campground for your stay in the park! It’s definitely one of the best places to spend the night. 😴
You will need a permit to access this area during the peak season. This also gives access to Fern Canyon! The day use fee is $12 or you can use your parks pass.
With Two or More Days:
If you have more time in the area, then I recommend exploring the Redwood state parks around Redwood National Park. Some of the best ones include Jedidiah Smith, Humboldt, and Del Norte Coast. Below you can read my suggestions on more things to do!
Avenue of the Giants
Avenue of the Giants is located in Humboldt State Park is probably the most scenic forest drive in the entire world! 🌎 Drive 31 miles through this tree lined road with gorgeous groves to stop at along the way.
If you are coming from the South, then you may want to take this drive on your way to Redwood National Park. If not, you can venture down here after your time exploring the other spots. But, it’s worth adding!
Lady Bird Johnson Grove
Walk through an Old Growth forest on this lovely family friendly trail! Once you get up Bald Hills Road, you will see this grove along the road. It’s a great substitute for the Tall Trees Grove with tall Redwoods and a lush landscape.
Make sure to pick up a trail guide at the beginning, so that you can follow the numbered interpretive signs 🪧 to learn more about the ecosystem. We did this hike on our first visit and really enjoyed it!
Lady Bird Johnson Grove Info
Distance: 1.4 miles
Elevation: 100 Feet
Type: Loop
Length: 30 minutes- 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Trillium Falls
Trillium Falls is one of the most beautiful trails (pictured in the blog’s featured photo) and something you should definitely add to your Redwood National Park itinerary. Walking through this lush old growth forest will make you feel like you’ve entered a different world. 😮
Once you get to the end, you will see a small waterfall that is surrounded by ferns and trees. It’s a fantastic family friendly trail to explore on your trip. Plus, it’s a good substitute if you don’t manage to get permits for Fern Canyon or Tall Trees!
Trillium Falls Hike Info
Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation: 420 Feet
Type: Loop
Length: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Stout Memorial Grove
Unfortunately, this is one of the trails that I haven’t been able to do yet. But, it’s one of the highlights in Jedidiah Smith State Park. You’ll walk down to Smith River and then cross the bridge to get into the grove of tall trees. It’s a fantastic spot to spend some time in the summer and enjoy the river as well! 😎
Final Tips on Visiting the Redwoods
Add the Redwoods to your next California road trip! They are an incredible sight to behold in person. Just remember to plan in advance if you want to get any permits or campgrounds. That way you will have a fantastic time and get to see everything that you want!
Let me know if you enjoyed this itinerary in the comments!
👇 Get more advice on planning your trip to the Redwoods here 👇
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I’ve always wanted to visit Fern Canyon but couldn’t get the permit. Next time! Thanks for this guide. 🙂
You really gotta go, it’s an amazing hike!
Lisa, Thank you for this! I’m planning a trip to the Redwoods in July and it has been a daunting and overwhelming process because there is so much information out there. You’re guide had made it easy to plan my trip. I too plan on visiting every state park so I am looking forward to reading more or your travel guides!
I’m so glad! Have an amazing trip
Wow this national park looks incredible! I’ve always wanted to see the Redwoods – adding your itinerary to my bucket list 😍
I hope you go and love it!
Your blog is so helpful! I am going to visit redwoods in October. Used your information about nearby lodging. Thank you!
That’s great, I hope you have an amazing trip!