Parking & Directions

Portola Redwoods State Park is at 9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, at the dead end of a steep, winding road in the Santa Cruz Mountains. From Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard), turn west onto Alpine Road, drive 3 miles, and turn onto Portola State Park Road. California State Parks says to expect 1½ to 2 hours from most Bay Area locations, and to use low gear.

Driving Directions

The official route starts on the ridgetop:

1. Take Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) to Alpine Road.
2. Turn west onto Alpine Road and follow it for 3 miles.
3. Turn onto Portola State Park Road. It drops down into the redwoods and ends inside the park.

Both Alpine Road and Portola State Park Road are steep and winding. The brochure asks drivers to use extreme care on the last few miles, where the road downhill is narrow. Shift to a low gear on the way down rather than riding the brakes.

Fill Up Before You Leave

There is no gasoline and no store at or near the park. The closest gas is at Sky Londa, where Highway 84 meets Highway 35, 14 miles away. Groceries are at Sky Londa and in La Honda, about 9 miles away on Highway 84. Bring food, water and a full tank, especially if you are camping.

No Cell Reception

State Parks says there is no cell reception in the park or the surrounding area, and for that reason it does not recommend ridesharing: a car service may drop you off, but you will have no way to call one back. Download a map and your campsite confirmation before you drive up.

Where to Park

Day visitors pay the $10 vehicle fee ($9 for seniors 62 and over). Accessible parking is in the lot behind the visitor center, close to the Sequoia Nature Trail, which starts near park headquarters. Campers park at their site; each family site takes up to two cars. Backpackers heading to Slate Creek Trail Camp may park overnight only in designated trailhead lots. See hours and fees and camping.

Buses and Groups

Bus parking costs $50 for 10 to 24 passengers and $100 for 25 or more. Group campgrounds charge extra for more than 6 cars at Ravine Group Camp or more than 12 cars at the other group camps. For weddings or special events, call (831) 335-6324.

Arriving by Bike

Road cyclists reach the park by the same roads as cars. Inside the park, bikes are allowed only on paved roads and on the Old Haul service road; see Old Haul Road. There are four first-come, first-served hike-and-bike campsites for people who arrive on foot or by bicycle.