Garden of Eden: A Redwood Oasis
Escape to a serene redwood swimming hole in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, a natural oasis perfect for relaxation and outdoor fun.
The Garden of Eden, nestled within Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, is a cherished swimming hole along the San Lorenzo River, surrounded by towering redwoods and lush greenery. It offers a refreshing escape and a chance to connect with nature, attracting visitors with its tranquil beauty and opportunities for relaxation and adventure.
A brief summary to Garden of Eden - Henry Cowell Redwood State Park
- CA-9, Felton, California, 95018, US
- +1831-335-4598
- Visit website
- Monday 6 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-6 pm
- Thursday 6 am-6 pm
- Friday 6 am-6 pm
- Saturday 6 am-6 pm
- Sunday 6 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking is limited and the swimming hole can get crowded.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy on the sandy beach, but remember that campfires, glass containers, and alcohol are prohibited.
- Wear appropriate footwear for the hike and be cautious of slippery rocks in and around the water.
- Consider exploring upstream or downstream for more secluded swimming spots if the main area is crowded.
- Check the water temperature before swimming, as the San Lorenzo River can be quite cold, especially in September.
Getting There
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Driving
From Santa Cruz, drive approximately 3 miles north on Highway 9. Look for the sign for the North Entrance to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and the Ox Fire Road Trailhead, a large dirt lot on the right with two green metal gates. Parking costs $10 for day use. From the Ox Fire Road Trailhead, follow the wide trail down the hill. At the fork, take the path to the right and continue until you reach the railroad tracks. Follow the tracks to the right until you see signs for the Garden of Eden swimming pools on your left. The walk to the pools is approximately 0.75 miles.
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Walking
From the main Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park entrance, follow Pipeline Road. Cross over the footbridge and then the railroad tracks to get to the east side of the tracks. Continue until you hit the Ox Fire Trail, where you will see an opening to walk down to the river. Note that dogs are not allowed on this route. The total walk is about 3 miles round trip.
Discover more about Garden of Eden - Henry Cowell Redwood State Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Visitor Center | Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
1.7 km
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Redwood Grove Loop Trail
1.7 km
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Fall Creek Unit | Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
3.6 km
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San Lorenzo Valley Museum, Grace Episcopal Gallery
11.7 km
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SS Palo Alto
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Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
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Unmissable attractions to see
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
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Roaring Camp
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San Lorenzo Park
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Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing
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Rexford Winery
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Boardwalk Bowl
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Boardwalk's Cocoanut Grove
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Neptune's Kingdom
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Cowell Beach
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Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
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Santa Cruz Wharf
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Essential places to dine
Nonno's Italian
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Locanda Sorrento
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One Fish Raw Bar
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Kirkwood Plaza
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