Portola Redwoods State Park —
Your Complete Guide
2,800 acres of redwood forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains: creekside trails, waterfalls, an old-growth grove and a campground under the trees.
What is Portola Redwoods State Park?
Portola Redwoods State Park is a 2,800-acre California state park near La Honda, in a deep redwood basin in the Santa Cruz Mountains, with 18 miles of trails, creekside waterfalls and a 55-site campground. Day use runs from 6 a.m. to sunset and costs $10 per vehicle. The park is at the end of a steep, winding road, and there is no gas, no store and no cell reception.
California State Parks describes it as a hushed getaway from nearby Silicon Valley and the South Bay. The road drops from the ridgetop into shaded forest, the visitor center (once a Shriners' recreation hall) feels like a wilderness lodge, and the remote old-growth Peters Creek Grove is a long day's hike in. The park opened in 1945 (history).
Two things to plan for. Fill up before you leave: the nearest gas is 14 miles away at Sky Londa (directions). And dogs are allowed only in campsites, picnic areas, on paved roads and the Upper and Lower Escape Roads, never on hiking trails (dog rules).
Portola Redwoods State Park at a Glance
What to Do at Portola Redwoods State Park
Camping, hiking, waterfalls, an old-growth grove, and a quiet ride on the Old Haul Road.
Camping
55 family sites under the redwoods, 4 group camps, hike-and-bike sites and the 6-site Slate Creek Trail Camp. No hookups.
Sites & Reservations →
Hiking
18 miles, from the ¾-mile Sequoia Nature Trail to the strenuous 13-mile round trip to Peters Creek.
Best Trails →
Peters Creek Grove
A 1.3-mile loop through ancient old-growth redwoods, one of the most remote groves in the region.
The Big Hike →
Tiptoe Falls
Waterfalls on Fall Creek and Pescadero Creek, with a marked trail to Tiptoe Falls on the State Parks map.
The Waterfalls →
Old Haul Road
Apart from paved roads, the only route open to bikes and horses: 10 miles round trip to Memorial County Park.
Bike & Ride →
Dogs
Leashed dogs in campsites, picnic areas, on paved roads and the Upper and Lower Escape Roads. Not on hiking trails, dirt roads or in the visitor center.
Where Dogs Can Go →Trails at Portola Redwoods
18 miles of trails, easy to strenuous. Dogs, bikes and horses are not allowed on hiking trails.
Starts near park headquarters and crosses Pescadero Creek; a 0.18-mile section is accessible.
A second short, easy redwood walk.
Through redwoods to the Page Mill site, past Slate Creek Trail Camp.
Ends in a 1.3-mile loop through the old-growth Peters Creek Grove.
How to Get to Portola Redwoods State Park
One road in, no services on the way down.
Directions
Highway 35 to Alpine Road, west 3 miles, then Portola State Park Road to the end. Directions.
Before You Go
No gas, no store, no cell reception. Nearest gas at Sky Londa, 14 miles. What to bring.
Park Office
9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, CA 94020. Phone (650) 948-9098. Visitor center 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Nearby
The Old Haul Road links Portola to San Mateo County's Pescadero Creek and Memorial county parks, and Sam McDonald County Park is a few miles west of La Honda. Up on Skyline Boulevard, Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve has open grassland and spring wildflowers, and Castle Rock and Butano are the nearest other state redwood parks (nearby parks).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get into Portola Redwoods State Park?
$10 per vehicle, or $9 for seniors 62 and older. Buses pay $50 for 10 to 24 passengers and $100 for 25 or more.
What are Portola Redwoods's hours?
Day use is 6 a.m. to sunset every day; the park may close in severe weather. The visitor center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Are dogs allowed at Portola Redwoods?
Only in campsites, picnic areas, on paved roads and the Upper and Lower Escape Roads, on a leash no longer than six feet. Not on hiking trails, dirt roads or in the visitor center.
Can you camp at Portola Redwoods?
Yes. There are 55 family campsites, 4 group campgrounds, four hike-and-bike sites and the 6-site Slate Creek Trail Camp. Reserve family and group sites at ReserveCalifornia.com.
Is there cell service at Portola Redwoods?
No. There is no cell reception in the park or the surrounding area, so download maps and reservations before you go.
How big is Portola Redwoods State Park?
About 2,800 acres, with 18 miles of hiking trails.
How do you get to Portola Redwoods?
From Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard), turn west on Alpine Road, drive 3 miles, and turn onto Portola State Park Road, which ends in the park.