Things to Do in Portola Redwoods State Park
Portola Redwoods State Park is a state park encompassing 2,800 acres within a deep redwood canyon in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This rugged, natural basin is forested with towering coast redwoods, Douglas firs, and live oaks, some of which are over 1,200 years old. The convergence of Peters Creek and Pescadero Creek creates a lush environment, providing a secluded setting for outdoor activities. Portola Redwoods State Park offers opportunities for several sports like hiking, jogging, road cycling, touring cycling, and…
78
Routes
4.8
(73)
Average rating
1294
People visited
5.0
(6)
59
hikers
11.4km
03:23
350m
360m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(4)
26
hikers
13.4km
04:12
510m
530m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.0
(1)
23
hikers
19.0km
05:42
610m
590m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
hikers
16.4km
04:55
520m
520m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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8
runners
7.35km
00:53
150m
150m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8.19km
00:58
240m
240m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
runners
12.0km
01:20
290m
290m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
11.6km
01:27
520m
520m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(3)
57
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
25
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
16
riders
9.89km
01:10
360m
360m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
riders
27.4km
03:00
770m
770m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(3)
62
riders
58.2km
02:45
740m
740m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
37
riders
72.1km
03:29
940m
940m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
46
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
12
riders
24.7km
01:03
170m
170m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(1)
63
riders
53.7km
04:00
1,240m
1,240m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
28
riders
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
20
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
20
riders
41.0km
02:34
460m
460m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
5
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
58.8km
05:08
1,350m
1,350m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
49.1km
04:17
1,150m
1,150m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
54.0km
03:50
1,160m
1,160m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Most popular attractions in Portola Redwoods State Park
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Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in Portola Redwoods State Park?
Portola Redwoods State Park offers various outdoor activities including hiking, jogging, road cycling, and touring cycling. The park has 11 routes available across these sports. Visitors have rated the park's routes an average of 4.55 out of 5 stars.
What are the notable natural features in Portola Redwoods State Park?
The park is known for its towering coast redwoods, some over 1,200 years old and standing over 300 feet tall. Peters Creek and Pescadero Creek converge here, creating a lush environment with thick ferns and redwood sorrel. Waterfalls on Fall and Pescadero creeks also contribute to the picturesque scenery.
Are there easy hiking trails in Portola Redwoods State Park?
Yes, Portola Redwoods State Park offers several easy hiking trails suitable for beginners. The Old Tree Trail is an easy 1.2-mile [1.9 km] loop, and the Sequoia Nature Trail is a 1.5-mile [2.4 km] loop with interpretive signs. For more options, consult the Easy hikes in Portola Redwoods State Park guide.
Are there family-friendly hiking options in Portola Redwoods State Park?
Portola Redwoods State Park provides family-friendly hiking options. The Old Tree Trail is an easy 1.2-mile [1.9 km] loop leading to a majestic 1,200-year-old redwood. The Sequoia Nature Trail is also suitable for families, featuring interpretive signs along Pescadero Creek. Additional family-friendly routes are detailed in the Family-friendly hikes in Portola Redwoods State Park guide.
Can I cycle in Portola Redwoods State Park?
Bicycles are generally not allowed on hiking trails, but the Old Haul Service Road is open to cyclists. This road winds through redwoods and extends out of the park to Memorial County Park, offering a scenic 10-mile [16.1 km] round trip. For more information, see the Road Cycling Routes in Portola Redwoods State Park guide.
Are there waterfalls in Portola Redwoods State Park?
Yes, Portola Redwoods State Park features waterfalls on Fall and Pescadero creeks. Tip Toe Falls is a charming 6-foot [1.8 m] waterfall accessible via the Iverson Trail, which connects to the Sequoia Nature Trail. The Waterfall hikes in Portola Redwoods State Park guide provides more details.
What is the Peters Creek Loop Trail?
The Peters Creek Loop Trail is a more challenging 11.9 to 12-mile [19.2 to 19.3 km] loop in Portola Redwoods State Park. It offers an immersive experience through dense old-growth redwood groves and along bubbling creeks. This trail is considered one of the best old-growth redwood hikes in the Bay Area.
Are dogs allowed on trails in Portola Redwoods State Park?
Information regarding dog access on trails in Portola Redwoods State Park is available. Specific guidelines for bringing dogs can be found in the Dog-friendly hikes in Portola Redwoods State Park guide.
How popular is Portola Redwoods State Park on komoot?
Portola Redwoods State Park is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 13,000 visitors sharing their experiences. The park's 11 routes have received an average rating of 4.55 out of 5 stars from 983 ratings.
What is the official website for Portola Redwoods State Park?
The official website for Portola Redwoods State Park is part of the California State Parks website. It can be found at www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=539.
What is the phone number for Portola Redwoods State Park?
The phone number for Portola Redwoods State Park is (650) 948-9098. This number can be used for inquiries regarding park information and services.
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