One Day

Question

Is this feasible? Leaving Crescent City at 6am, go to Lady Bird, Trillium, Grove of Titans and finish at Stout Memorial Grove? Should we leave earlier? What should we do instead or skip? Did not get passes for Fern Canyon.

Answer

Doing a full day in Redwood National and State Parks from Crescent City is definitely feasible, but it will be a long day with a lot of driving and hiking. Starting at 6am gives you a solid head start, but you should plan your route carefully to maximize the time at each grove and trail.

Here’s a suggested approach for your day:

Lady Bird Johnson Grove: This is a relatively short hike (~1.5 miles loop) and an excellent introduction to old-growth redwoods. Starting here early is smart to enjoy the cooler morning and fewer crowds.
Trillium Falls: Located nearby, this trail is moderate (~2.5 miles roundtrip) with scenic waterfalls. It’s a good second stop, allowing you to see both forest and creek features.
Grove of Titans: This is one of the highlights, but it’s a bit more remote and the trailhead can be tricky to find. The hike is around 2.5 miles roundtrip with some steep sections. Allocate extra time for this if you want to fully explore and take photos.
Stout Memorial Grove: A relatively easy stop, this grove offers a peaceful end to your day. Shorter trails (~1 mile), less crowded, and a good place to unwind before heading back to Crescent City.

Tips to make the day more manageable:

Leave earlier than 6am if possible, especially if you want more time at each location or if you anticipate traffic or parking issues at popular trailheads.
Pack water, snacks, and layers. Weather can be variable in the redwoods, and some trails are exposed to fog or drizzle.
Fern Canyon requires a timed pass, so since you don’t have one, plan a different scenic stop instead. Consider Gold Bluffs Beach or the Prairie Creek Visitor Center for a quick educational break.
Be realistic about your pace. If you spend too long at one site, you may have to skip another to avoid returning to Crescent City too late.

Alternative options if pressed for time:

Skip Trillium Falls or combine it with a quick stop at another nearby trail to save time.
Focus on the Grove of Titans and one other grove for a more relaxed day, ensuring quality time at each stop.
Consider leaving Crescent City closer to 5am if you want to include all planned locations comfortably without rushing.

Overall, the route you proposed is doable in one day, but starting a bit earlier and prioritizing your must-see locations will make it much more enjoyable.