Road Tripping Through the Redwoods

Road Trip Through Humboldt Redwoods

Tall, majestic, and totally road trip–worthy, the redwoods of Humboldt County are unparalleled. Humboldt Redwoods State Park has hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, many of which splinter off directly from the Avenue of the Giants and the Mattole Road, right off of Highway 101. Browse some of the Top 10 Must-See Redwoods and pick your favorite.

It’s easy to hop out of the car and hike amongst the giants. Not to be missed: Founder’s Grove Nature Loop Trail, home to the famous Dyerville Giant, once the tallest tree in the world until it fell in 1991 with a thunderous crash, leaving a massive crater. Also in Humboldt Redwoods State Park: the Grieg French Bell Grove and the Girdled Tree, a true survivor after being “scarred” a century ago, when 30 feet of its bark was removed and stitched together for an exhibition in San Francisco.

Take a break along the Eel River at the Hearthstone in the Women’s Federation Grove—a four-chimney stone fireplace designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan of Hearst Castle fame. And wind down in historic Eureka, with its Victorian architecture, ghostly past, and variety of restaurants and lodging. Discover your perfect redwood road trip itinerary.

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  1. Taking the Stage: Tyler Ranch

    Hike the recently opened Tyler Ranch Staging Area in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, with 18 miles of new trails. This 6.5-mile loop up Sunol Peak is a challenge and rewards with exceptional views of seasonal iridescent hills.

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  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike (and Manly Lake Vista!) at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. On clear days you get views of both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous U.S. 

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  3. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

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  4. The Carson Show

    Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.

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  1. Lava Lava

    Once a land of volcanic activity, Mojave National Preserve shares plenty about its past via a quick yet adventurous hike to the Lava Tube in the Cima Dome Volcanic Field.

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  2. Kelso Dunes

    The hike to the top of Kelso Dunes in the Mojave National Preserve is only 3 miles (out and back), but you’ll feel like you’ve hiked much farther by the time you’re done.

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  3. William Kenyon Overlook

    Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

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  4. Beaudry Bountiful

    There are no cars allowed on Beaudry Loop, but this 6-mile hike takes you on a wild ride. You’ll be climbing 1,500 feet up the southern Verdugos along a chaparral-lined trail with gorgeous mountain and urban vistas every step of the way.

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