Deep in California‘s northern rainforest lies one of the most remarkable groves of coast redwoods on Earth. The Grove of the Titans in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is home to some of the largest trees by volume anywhere in the world — and thankfully, after years of being trampled by off-trail visitors, it’s now protected by a stunning elevated boardwalk that lets you walk amongst these behemoths without damaging their delicate roots.
The Grove of the Titans contains three of the 10 largest coast redwood trees by volume, including Lost Monarch, Del Norte Titan, and El Viejo del Norte. These aren’t just tall trees — they’re absolutely massive in girth and complexity, with enormous burls and root systems that have been growing for hundreds, sometimes thousands, of years.
Getting to the Grove of the Titans
The Grove of the Titans trailhead is located on Howland Hill Road in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, about 9 miles east of Crescent City in Del Norte County, Northern California. The nearest town with proper facilities is Crescent City, roughly 25-30 minutes’ drive from the trailhead.
From Crescent City: Take US Highway 101 north, turn right onto Humboldt Road, drive 1.5 miles north, then turn right onto Howland Hill Road. Drive east for 3.8 miles to reach the parking area.
Here’s the thing about Howland Hill Road: it’s a narrow, unpaved, single-lane road that winds through magnificent old-growth redwoods. It’s well-maintained but absolutely not suitable for large motorhomes or trailers.
Grove of the Titans parking
The parking area is small — space for roughly 15-20 vehicles — and it fills up quickly, especially during summer and weekends. Arrive early. I mean really early. If you’re there by 7.00am or 8.00am, you’ll have no problem. By mid-morning in summer, the car park can be rammed. The parking area includes ADA-accessible spaces and accessible vault toilets across the road.
Admission fees for the Grove of the Titans
Redwood National Park has no entrance fee. However, the Grove of the Titans is in the neighbouring Jebediah Smith Redwoods State Park, for which there is an $8 per vehicle entry fee. The Grove of the Titans trail itself is free to access and you don’t need to pay the state park day-use fee if you’re just visiting the trailhead.
Opening hours for the Grove of the Titans
The Grove of the Titans is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. There are no gates or restricted access times.
The Grove of the Titans trail
The Grove of the Titans trail is a 1.7-mile out-and-back hike with approximately 147 feet of elevation gain. This is generally considered an easy trail suitable for families with children and reasonably fit hikers. Expect the hike to take 30-60 minutes depending on how long you spend in the grove itself.
The trail begins from the parking area and winds through gorgeous old-growth forest. You’re surrounded by towering redwoods from the start, along with western hemlock, Sitka spruce, and a lush understorey of California sword ferns and redwood sorrel.
The final section features the 1,300-foot elevated metal boardwalk that weaves through the grove. The walkway has wide platforms with no railings, giving you unobstructed views up into the canopy. Standing on that boardwalk, surrounded by trees with trunks so wide it would take a dozen people holding hands to encircle them, is pretty special.
Accessibility at the Grove of the Titans
The Grove of the Titans trail is NOT fully ADA accessible. While there’s ADA-accessible parking and toilets at the trailhead, the trail itself includes many metal steps and stairs, uneven terrain, and elevation changes that make it unsuitable for standard wheelchairs. Contact the park on 707-464-6101 for specific accessibility information.
Best time to visit the Grove of the Titans
Summer (June-August): Peak season with warmest weather but absolutely heaving with visitors. If you visit in summer, you must arrive before 8.00am.
Shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October): Arguably the best times to visit the Grove of the Titans. Weather is reasonable, crowds are smaller, and the forest is particularly beautiful with spring wildflowers or autumn colours.
Winter (November-March): The wettest season — bring proper waterproof gear. However, if you don’t mind the rain, winter offers incredible atmosphere with virtually no crowds.
What to bring for your Grove of the Titans visit
- Proper hiking footwear — the trail can be muddy and slippery.
- Layers — the dense forest canopy keeps things cool and damp even in summer.
- Rain gear — this is coastal California rainforest.
- Water and snacks — no facilities on the trail.
- Camera — though photographs never quite capture the scale.
There are no bins, so pack out everything you bring in.
Important rules for visiting the Grove of the Titans
These rules exist to protect the grove, which was nearly destroyed before the walkway was built:
- Stay on the designated trail at all times. Off-trail walking damages the shallow root systems of these ancient trees.
- No dogs allowed on any trails in this section of the park.
- No climbing on trees or touching the bark.
- Pack out all rubbish.
Where to stay near the Grove of the Titans
Crescent City (25-30 minutes from the grove) is the nearest town with hotels, motels, and services. Jedediah Smith Campground, located near the grove, offers campsites including RV hookups and tent sites. Reservations through ReserveCalifornia.com are strongly recommended.
Combining the Grove of the Titans with other attractions
Don’t miss Stout Grove, another spectacular old-growth grove just a few miles away. The Boy Scout Tree Trail, also accessed from Howland Hill Road, is a stunning 5.6-mile hike through incredible old-growth forest.
You could also visit Elk Meadow in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
More California travel
Other California travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A visit to Death Valley – the hottest place on earth.
- Why Dante’s View may be the best view in California.
- Planning a visit to the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles.
- Complete guide to day tours to Monterey and Carmel from San Francisco.
- Inside Hearst Castle – the most expensive home ever built.
