Camping in May (Part 1), Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

I was lucky to experience one of the most gorgeous and stunning outdoor getaways during a delightful camping trip over at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park this past weekend. With tall, majestic trees towering high above into the sky and grounds covered with with everything from lush grasses, green clovers, to different species of pinecones, these redwood forests were absolutely one of a kind to walk through. There were definitely moments when I just needed to stop and admire the sunlight glistening through the giant redwoods and foliage from across the way. I also loved that there were all sorts of lovely ferns that would cover both sides of the shaded trails! There was even a river (the San Lorenzo River) that flowed throughout the park and alongside the paths. One of the trails we hiked required us to walk through it, giving us and our feet a rejuvenating break from those hiking boots and an all-natural foot massage! 

Clay and I had the privilege of hiking all over these woods (non-stop!) for an entire day with Shira and Justin, a couple of our friends who also love exploring God's creation. Glad we got this one scheduled on our calendar just in time before Shira goes off to New York for her typeface & design program - super duper excited for her! Anyway, here was our trail itinerary for the day:

1. Campgrounds  -->  Eagle Creek Trail
2. Eagle Creek Trail  -->  River Trail, a small trail alongside the San Lorenzo River
3. River Trail  -->  Pipeline Road, a larger paved road that leads to the visitor center & gift shop
4. Pipeline Road  -->  Redwood Grove Trail, a short loop with beautiful redwoods (flat & wheelchair friendly)
5. Redwood Grove Trail  -->  John C. Fremont Tree, a giant redwood that could fit all 4 of us together inside!
6. John C. Fremont Tree  -->  River Trail
7. River Trail  -->  Rincon Fire Road
8. Rincon Fire Road  -->  Big Rock Hole Trail
9. Big Rock Hole Trail  -->  Cathedral Redwoods, a nice picnic & resting spot encircled by tall redwoods
10. Cathedral Redwoods  -->  Big Rock Hole Trail
11. Big Rock Hole Trail  -->  Buckeye Trail, where we crossed the river twice & then hiked steeper switchbacks uphill
12. Buckeye Trail  -->  Powder Mill Fire Road
13. Powder Mill Fire Road  -->  Observation Deck, a great spot for picnics & a grand vista of the surrounding redwoods
14. Observation Deck  -->  Pine Trail, where you can see bright orange sticky monkeyflowers!
15. Pine Trail  -->  Campgrounds (Site #74)

Not sure how many miles we completed that day, but just looking back at these trails that we stepped foot on makes me excited that we were able to see so much within a day! We returned back to our campsite with just enough daylight to cook up a tasty dinner & relax around the campfire the rest of the evening. Here are a couple of photos that Clay managed to capture of the stars!