The avenue of the giants is surrounded by the humboldt redwoods state park which has the largest remaining stand of virgin redwoods in the world. There are virtually no birds, no bugs, and no hint of. My favorite of all of the parks with redwoods near san francisco is humboldt redwoods state park. Giant redwoods and san francisco bay cruise for a great way to spend a day exploring the areas near san francisco, tour the ancient muir woods and the mediterraneanstyle town of sausalito. They refuse to travel to redwood national park due to the distance from san fran.
Giant redwoods is a term often used for the sierra redwoods, which are much bulkier, though not as tall, as the coatal redwoods you will see in the aforementioned places. Not quite as tall as the thin coastal redwoods at muir woods and big basin, but massive. Big basin is located in the mountains about 65 miles south of san francisco, between san jose and the town of santa cruz. Its easy to see why as they are aweinspiring every time you see them. This is the only 1day yosemite valley tour from san francisco where you will experience the solitude of the tuolumne grove of giant sequoias, the largest living things on the earth. Sep 26, 2017 genetic probe of redwoods, giant sequoias is key to restoring forests.
Portola redwoods hike san mateo county this 7mile loop with an option for a shorter 5mile hike is wonderful gem tucked away in the middle of the peninsula. Where to see the redwoods near san francisco dylans tours. Tree in leggett and the klamath tree in redwood national and state parks. Giant redwood trees grow near the coast in northern california. Save the redwoods league create a customized itinerary.
Capture wonderful photos of the san francisco skyline during a stroll along the waterfront, pop into one of the many art galleries and grab a cappuccino or ice cream at a. Giant redwood trees and forests sequoia national park. Some of the giants in this park are more than 50 feet in circumference. Walk among old growth coast redwoods, cooling their roots in the fresh water of redwood creek and lifting their crowns to reach the sun and fog.
The largest city, eureka, is roughly a 5hour drive north of san francisco but what a drive. The san francisco bay area is the perfect starting point for visiting these giant trees because there are so many different options within proximity of the city, but what are really the best places to see giant redwoods from san francisco. Travelers to and residents of san francisco need only drive 16 miles to walk. Check out 8 amazing places to see redwood trees in california.
These giant redwoods near san francisco were one of the filming locations for the forest of endor in george lucas star wars. Then take a short cruise on the bay in this san francisco half day tour. Your heart will race as you enter yosemite valley for 5 glorious. The 3 best places to see the redwoods near san francisco. Where is the best place to get up close and personal with the giant redwoods. The unofficial mascot for stanford university is even a redwood tree. The air is pungent with damp earth and tree smells. The redwood belt extends on a latitude for about 450 miles north and south of san francisco from the oregon border to big sur, so the city is within easy reach of the redwoods natural habitat. The oldest of the three drivethree redwood trees is the shine drivethru tree and its just to the south of humboldt redwood state park, which is about 4 hours north of san francisco. In general, there are three types of redwood trees coast redwoods, giant sequoias, and dawn redwoods. Includes california redwoods map, tips for hiking, how to help save redwoods and more. Muir woods tours redwoods wine tour visit alcatraz.
Youll pass by lots of grassy mountains, rows of vineyards, grazing cows, and best of all, the redwood forest. Giant sequoias thrive in higher elevation habitats than giant redwoods and grow naturally only along the western slope of the sierra nevada mountains, primarily between 5,000 and 7,000 feet in elevation. Travelers to and residents of san francisco need only drive 16 miles to walk through towering stands of enchanting coastal redwood trees. They are only found in a very limited area near the sierra nevada. The drive to muir woods takes you through some of the bay areas best scenery. There are other places near san francisco to see giant redwoods. If youre starting in either san francisco or sacramento, its less than a 2hour drive to get to the redwoods. Many travelers want to see redwoods near san francisco, as theyve been popularized in movies return of the jedi, anyone. Mar 06, 2018 for many, seeing giant redwoods is the highlight of their trip to san francisco. United states looking for the closest redwoods to san diego and other beautiful weekend getawaysthanksll hi the title speaks for itself i love.
From san francisco to humboldt redwoods state park, nonstop, its about 5hrs. The best way to experience these giants is to get out on a trail and explore a grove though, and here are my ten. The town of orick, near the center of redwood national park, has several small cafes, a small market, lodging, gas and other conveniences farther south, between 20 and 30 miles, trinidad, mckinleyville and arcata acv offer more city amenities like supermarkets, hotel chains, etc. Marvel at the world famous muir woods, an ancient forest of giant redwood trees. Muir woods enchanting world is just a short coastal drive of less than an hour from downtown san francisco, over the beautiful golden gate bridge, and through the scenic marin headland hills. What is the closest redwood forest to san francisco.
Nov 14, 2015 the widest trees in the usa are coast redwoods up near the northern part of humboldt county area, but there will be no directions for them like the giant sequoias. Closest place to see redwoodssequoias from san francisco. Then enjoy fern canyon, giant elk and miles of secluded hikes, beaches and back roads, all in californias only international biosphere reserve and world heritage site. The giant redwood, or coastal redwood, thrives in the damp climate found along northern. Head over to the chabot space and science center 0 skyline blvd. Discover point reyes national seashore and giant redwoods. The park is affordable and has trails for just about everyone, including wheelchairaccessible trails. Discover the best places to find giant redwood trees in california. Nov 29, 2019 where to see the redwoods near san francisco plan a day trip to see some of the tallest trees in the world. My family would rather visit tourist destinations in san fransisco, while i would rather see the trees.
The state park hosts the largest continuous stand of giant redwoods south of san francisco, and has more than 80 miles of trails. Giant redwoods and san francisco bay cruise shore excursions. See the super trees for an amazing experience in redwood national and state parks, home to the tallest living beings on the planet, soaring as high as 380 feet. I really wouldnt take a day like that, or two days which would be my minimum out of my time in san francisco unless i had a week. My family and i are planning a visit to california this summer. With crashing waves along the coast and soaring redwood trees blanketing miles of uncrowded parkland, this is one of californias most spectacular regions.
Whether youre visiting san francisco or driving the pacific coast highway, the call of these ancient giants is powerful. Grove, which reopened in the summer of 2018 after a threeyear restoration project, is the largest with 500 mature giant sequoias. You will pay on your way back into san francisco as exiting san francisco is free. Groves of redwood trees estimated at 800 to 1,200 years of age are found exclusively.
There are two closely related but distinct species. Muir woods national monument, near san francisco, california. About 23 feet diameter is the widest coast redwood that rangers will probably offer directions or a map to. Sep 27, 2019 near san francisco, the only redwoods you can see are sequoia sempervirens, californias coastal redwoods. The trees there the giant sequoias are the largest living things on earth. Pdf 804 kb roads only two main roads penetrate the santa cruz mountains south of silicon valley.
Just a short drive across the golden gate bridge, the protected nature reserve is home to one of the worlds last remaining coastal redwood forests. Muir woods national monument is the closest place to san francisco where visitors can see coastal redwood trees, just a few miles north of the golden gate bridge. Aug 14, 2010 you are probably thinking of coastal redwoods which are the species in redwood national park in northern california. What to do about a backyard redwood tree threatening towards. Once you embark on a redwood highway journey, the voices in your head will mutter in disappointment every time you roar past another touristoptimized marvel of nature.
It is by far the most outstanding display of these giant trees in the entire 500mile redwood belt and is accessible to all with convenient services provided along the way. I have four days in san francisco and 3 days in seattle at the end of february. Best places to see giant redwoods from san francisco. Coastal sequoias, more commonly known as redwood trees, are synonymous with california. Muir woods national monument is a mustsee destination on any visit to the san francisco bay area. Giant redwoods typically outreach their giant cousins in height, standing up to 378 feet tall. One of the lesstraveled state parks in the bay area, youll be pleasantly surprised with its tall redwoods, waterfalls, and creeks running throughout. The giant redwoods of northern california are the biggest trees in the world. Big tree drivethru, avenue of the giants, california. This park has 18 miles of trails that connect with four adjacent san mateo county parks. The sequoia national park is a place everyone should see. It was hollowed out by a lightning storm and then left as is by loggers that didnt think it was valuable enough to cut down.
I am a forester, so i want to see the giant redwoods in addition to the giant. Redwood and sequoia forests near sacramento in december. Seeing the giant redwoods has always been on my bucket list but just never made it. Humboldt county worlds tallest tree, a redwood, confirmed. This experience to the towering granite cliffs and gushing waterfalls of yosemite national park and its giant sequoias takes off 365 days a year. Lots of people want to visit it, but its not always what they expect. When i moved to gold country, i learned the giant sequoias are close by and made a visit to calaveras big trees state park. After visiting giant redwoods, your guide will drive you back to your hotel through sausalito where you can walk around, shop, go wine tasting, or eat dinner, returning to san francisco on your own by ferry across the bay. If youve never seen a towering redwood tree in person, its an absolute. Sep 29, 2006 two san francisco michelin star chefs collaborate on a.
Little known redwoods near san francisco armstrong redwoods state natural reserve. Redwoods are hidden throughout san francisco and oakland. Giant sequoias thrive in higher elevation habitats than giant redwoods and grow naturally only along the western slope of the sierra nevada mountains, primarily between 5,000 and 7,000 feet in. The 5 best spots around santa cruz to see redwoods. If you want to see the larger trees, need to head someplace like yosemite. It originally opened in 1902 and is californias oldest state park. Best places to see giant redwoods from san francisco taketours. Its home to the largest forest of old growth coastal redwoods which is called rockefeller forest. Not sure that im up to driving so a tour may be best. Federally protected as a national monument since 1908, this primeval forest is both refuge and laboratory, revealing our relationship with the living landscape. There are many places in northern california with more impressive redwood trees, but muir woods is very popular receiving nearly one million visitors each year on account of its proximity to san francisco, just 15 miles south via the golden gate bridge. The other species of redwood is the giant sequoia sequoiadendron giganteum.
Big basin redwoods state park map, showing the layout of the campgrounds and the location of the trails near the visitor center from the california state park service. After driving over the golden gate bridge and along. The ten best redwood groves in california california. Looking for the closest redwoods to san diego and other. Redwood coast parks the worlds tallest trees and more. Giant sequoias only exist in parts of eastern california, and redwoods are only in southern oregon and northern california. North coast redwood trees were used to rebuild san francisco after the 1906 earthquake and fire, but even then, people. In your opinion, what is the best redwood forest or park. Reason number 92 why living in the bay area is the best. Ive seen one or two in parks in the uk but theyre nowhere near as tall as the ones you get in california.
This old growth forest covers about 17,000 acres or about onethird of this state park out of a total 53,000 acres. It always takes a minute or two to readjust to the outside world once you leave the peace of a redwood forest. While you are here, make sure to step inside the famous fremont. Many san francisco visitors who want to see californias big trees go to muir woods. If youre one of those travelers, here are my tips to see california redwoods on your trip. Tucked away in the hills east of highway 1, near both hi point montara lighthouse hostel and hi pigeon point lighthouse hostel, portola redwoods state park is another secluded and serene place to visit the redwoods. Muir woods is closest to sf and the redwoods are very tall but the tallest are in the redwood national park about a six hour drive compared to a 30 mins drive from sf to reach muir woods and imho muir woods is grand if you go early or late so that the crowds are less. Hike through the giant redwoods at the muir woods natl monument located 10 miles north of san francisco. Jul 12, 2006 there are redwood trees all over the place near san francisco in wine coutnry, in redwood thats what its named for, mount tam, the santa cruz mountains to the south. Muir woods national monument giant redwoods 3 mile trail. Lucas, a native to the area, knew the redwoods in the bay area would be the perfect setting for the ewoks. Muir woods and sausalito half day tour optional sausalito. Jul 05, 2019 the giant redwoods of california are one of the biggest draws for people who visit the state.
Big basin redwoods state park is another great option for those wanting to see redwoods near san francisco. The unofficial mascot for stanford university is even a. Giant redwood trees san francisco or seattle california. Genetic probe of redwoods, giant sequoias is key to restoring. Muir woods ancient redwood forest san francisco to do. Rangers also give frequent guided walks that will help you learn about the redwood forest. These are our top picks for the best redwoods near san francisco that you need to visit. Tuolumne grove is more remote and home to 24 or so mature trees. Redwood, also known as coast redwood sequoia sempervirens, grows in a very narrow strip along the coast of california from the extreme southwestern corner of oregon to 150 miles south of san francisco in the soda springs drainage of big sur. Located near the south entrance, its also the busiest of the bunch. There are sequoias right in san francisco and around the bay area. But most arent giant because they are not old growth.
And getting to the avenue of the giants from san francisco is just a 4 hour drive. What giant redwood forest is closest to san francisco. After muir woods, take a short drive to the artistic bayside village of sausalito. Visit muir beach, the coastal town of sausalito, the golden gate bridge, the marina district, san francisco s fishermans wharf and spend an afternoon exploring legendary alcatraz island and its world famous prison with all taxes, ferries and alcatraz. Enormous sequoia trees in the redwood national park near san francisco. Yosemite national park is less than a fourhour drive east of san francisco. Near san francisco, the only redwoods you can see are sequoia sempervirens, california s coastal redwoods. If youre curious how far the redwoods are from san francisco, you might be surprised. The tallest tree in henry cowell redwoods state park is 277 feet tall and about 1,500 years old. I dont know whether the oneday tours from san francisco take you to the sequoia grove, but realize that you would be on tour four or five miles up and the same back. In california, there are two different species of redwood trees. To help you through the transition, our bay area scouts have a few suggestions for posthike fun oaklands redwood regional park.
With a lifelong interest in horticulture and trees i have always wanted to see some of the giant redwood trees in california. In the original oldgrowth coast redwood forests, the giant trees. Get more detailed information, hours, and fees at the big basin redwoods state park. Thorn tree forum country forums united states of america. Coast redwood trees can grow as tall as 350 feet and up to 26 feet wide. San francisco to yosemite national park day trip with. Hello all, will be in san francisco with my wife in october, and we really want to see some redwoodssequoias were going to be spending a bulk of our time in the city and wine coutry, but will have a rental car and would like to see some of these legendary trees. Visiting avenue of the giants gives us the chance to witness the splendid coast redwoods that have made their home in humboldt redwoods state park. Stroll along forest paths surrounded by the giant redwood trees, some of which stretch as high as 250 feet 76 meters and date back nearly 800 years.
A giant redwoods california guide bright lights of america. Muir woods, sausalito, and alcatraz island combo tour. You dont need to go all the way to redwood national park to see large, oldgrowth redwoods. The largest city, eureka, is roughly a 5hour drive north of san franciscobut what a drive. In california, the largest trees, and the most famous locations, are quite far north redwood national park, humboldt redwoods, but many extensive groves are found around san francisco bay, both in marin county to the north, at mount tamalpais and muir woods, and in the south, where the steepsided mountains between san jose and santa cruz are covered by dense redwood forests stretching over. I am a forester, so i want to see the giant redwoods in addition to the giant sequoias. Sep 18, 20 at big basin redwoods state park, a giant redwood off the meteor trail was measured last year at 328. For many, seeing giant redwoods is the highlight of their trip to san francisco. Its a pretty, easily accessible redwood forest, with three wellgroomed hiking trails most anyone can manage. Where is the best place to see giant redwood trees in. Big basin redwoods state park, near san jose, california. Theres something almost otherworldly about meandering through groves of giant redwoods and breathing in the cool damp airespecially if you can refrain from instagramming those glistening beams of light just at the moment. A magnificent 31mile scenic drive just 5 hours north of san francisco and 2 hours south of the oregon border.