The Tall Trees Grove protects some of the tallest trees on Earth, including five redwoods over 350 feet tall. This permit-only trail drops 800 feet through old-growth forest to reach an exclusive grove on Redwood Creek's floodplain. The access alone — seven miles of single-lane dirt road plus a locked gate — ensures you'll share this cathedral with fewer than 50 other parties per day.
Trail Details
- 🏃Activities
- Hiking
- 📊Difficulty
- Moderate
- 🔁Trail Type
- out and back
- 📏Distance
- 4.5 miles
- ⬇️Elevation Loss
- 800 ft
- 🪨Surface
- aggregate and wood material with occasional tree roots
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- january, february, march, april, may, june, july, august, september, october, november, december
- 📍Location
- CA
- 🐕Dogs Allowed
- No
- 💵Fee
- Free
- 📋Permit Required
- Yes
Overview
The trail itself is straightforward: a steep descent through mature forest, followed by a one-mile loop among giants that predate European contact by centuries. What makes this hike notable isn't technical difficulty but exclusivity and scale. The permit system keeps crowds manageable, and the remote trailhead filters out casual tourists. You're walking among trees that rank in the top tier globally for height, including the original "Tall Tree" that held the world record until storm damage knocked it to 34th place in 1994.
The forest changes character as you descend. The upper reaches feel like standard coastal redwood habitat — dense canopy, ferns, sorrel. But the grove itself sits on Redwood Creek's alluvial plain, where periodic flooding has created ideal growing conditions. The trees here aren't just tall; they're massive in every dimension, with buttressed bases that can exceed 20 feet in diameter.
What to Expect
The first 1.5 miles drop 800 feet via switchbacks that exceed 10% grade in places. The trail surface combines aggregate and wood material with occasional root crossings — nothing technical, but it's not ADA accessible. Trail width runs four to six feet, adequate for passing but narrow enough that you'll need to coordinate with uphill hikers on busy days.
The descent ends at the loop portion, which winds through the grove proper. This is where the permit system pays off. Even on full-capacity days, 50 parties spread across several hours rarely creates crowding issues. The trees command enough respect that most visitors naturally lower their voices and slow their pace.
Digital maps perform poorly in this area due to dense canopy cover. Rangers provide specific directions with your permit, and those are more reliable than GPS for navigation. The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, but cell service is nonexistent throughout the route.
Tips & Logistics
Book permits online up to four weeks out, but no less than 48 hours ahead. The system opens reservations at midnight Pacific time, and weekend slots fill quickly during summer months. Winter availability is generally better, though trail conditions can be muddy from November through May.
The drive to the trailhead requires planning. Factor an hour from the nearest visitor center, including seven miles on Tall Trees Access Road. This single-lane gravel route is narrow and winding, with limited turnouts. RVs over 21 feet and vehicles towing trailers cannot navigate the access road. The parking area is small, so carpooling makes sense for groups.
Your permit includes a gate code for the locked barrier on Bald Hills Road. Write it down or screenshot it — cell service cuts out well before you reach the gate. The code changes regularly, so don't rely on old information.
Bring rain gear regardless of season. The coastal influence means weather can shift quickly, and the canopy creates its own microclimate. A flashlight is recommended even for day hikes, as the grove can be surprisingly dark under full canopy. Water and food are essential — this isn't a casual stroll, and the return climb gains back every foot of that initial descent.
Dogs are prohibited on all national and state park trails, including this one. Service animals are welcome with proper documentation.