Redwoods

Question

Coming to SF in early February. Bringing an exchange student with me. We will be ending our trip with a couple days in Monterey. Debating whether we rent a car to go see Muir Woods, or if Henry Cowell is better - we’ll already have a car and can go see that on our way to Monterey. I grew up in SJ and have been to Big Basin many times, but don’t think I’ve been to the others. I don’t think Big Basin is probably worth seeing right now for the student?

Answer

Great question. Both Muir Woods and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offer wonderful redwood-tree experiences, but they feel quite different — and given your trip logistics (starting in SF, ending in Monterey), one might be more practical or meaningful for your exchange student. Here’s a breakdown of each, plus pros and trade-offs, and my recommendation.

What is Muir Woods?

- Muir Woods National Monument is a protected grove of *old-growth coastal redwoods* just north of San Francisco, in Marin County. - The park covers about 554 acres, with ~240 acres of old-growth redwoods. - There are several trails (about 6 miles total) including boardwalks and paved paths, making parts very accessible. - The trees there are very tall and majestic — some reach up to ~258 ft, and many are hundreds of years old (in the 500–800 year range for many). - Because it’s very close to SF, it’s a very popular tourist destination; parking is limited, and visitors often need reservations.

What is Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park?

- Located in Santa Cruz County (near Felton), Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is much larger overall (~4,623 acres) and includes a grove of old-growth redwoods plus a lot of second-growth forest. - The iconic Redwood Grove Loop is an easy, flat ~0.8-mile self-guided trail that takes you right through the heart of a 40-acre old-growth grove. - Some of the redwoods there are *very* old — up to ~1,500 years — and some reach heights of ~280 ft. - The grove is accessible very close to parking, which makes it good for a relatively short, peaceful visit. - The park also has other ecosystems (riparian streams, sandhill areas), so there are opportunities to explore more than just redwoods. - Winter (February) weather: the area can be cool and damp; according to the park documentation, winter temperatures may drop into the upper 30s to mid-50s in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Comparing Muir Woods vs. Henry Cowell Redwoods — Pros & Trade-offs

Proximity & timing with your trip: - *Muir Woods* is very convenient when you're staying in San Francisco. - *Henry Cowell* aligns more naturally with your plan to drive down toward Monterey — you could make a detour on your way along Highway 1 or other coastal routes.
Visitor experience & crowding: - Muir Woods is very popular and can feel crowded. - Henry Cowell is less touristy, more intimate; many people appreciate its peaceful, less commercial feel. > “Going to Henry Cowell … while less famous … somehow more intimate.”
Trail difficulty & accessibility: - Muir Woods: has paved boardwalks and easier access, good for a gentle walk. - Henry Cowell: the 0.8-mile loop is very accessible; there are also more challenging trails if you want to explore.
Tree age & size: - Muir Woods has very tall, impressive redwoods, though they are not necessarily the *oldest*. - Henry Cowell has some *very old* trees (up to ~1,500 years) in its grove.
Cost & logistics: - Muir Woods may require reservation and has tight parking; logistical planning is more necessary. - Henry Cowell has a day-use fee for the grove, but it's straightforward to visit and walk the loop.

Is Big Basin a better choice?

Since you mentioned Big Basin, note that while it’s historically been a fantastic redwood destination, it experienced significant damage in past wildfires. Given your limited time and that you're already planning a route, Big Basin might not be the best choice for this trip, especially if you're prioritizing a reliable old-growth redwood experience.

My Recommendation — Given Your Trip:

Given that you'll be *ending* your trip in Monterey and already will have a car, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is likely the *smarter and more meaningful* stop for your redwood experience: - It offers a peaceful, less touristy grove, which could make a lasting impression for your exchange student. - The Old-Growth Grove Loop is manageable and family-friendly, so it's ideal for a relaxed visit without needing to carve out a full-day redwood hike. - Since you're heading south anyway, detouring into Santa Cruz / Highway 9 is very doable and adds a beautiful, off-the-beaten-path nature moment to your drive.

However, if you have a morning (or afternoon) in San Francisco before leaving, you could still swing by Muir Woods for its iconic feel and its convenience. If you go that route, plan for reservations or the shuttle, and aim to arrive early to beat the crowds.

In summary: skip Big Basin for this trip, and pick Henry Cowell for a calm, memorable redwood stop on your way to Monterey — unless you want a quick, classic redwood walk right out of SF, in which case Muir Woods is perfect.

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