The best running trails in Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park offers a wide variety of trails for running. The park features over 250 miles of trails, with options ranging from easy loops to challenging long-distance routes. Our guide highlights 6 specific jogging routes, including 4 moderate and 2 difficult options, to help you explore the diverse landscapes.

Yes, Redwood National Park has many trails suitable for beginners and those looking for an easier run. While our guide focuses on a mix of moderate and difficult routes, the park itself boasts around 60 easy trails. These often include flat coastal paths or gentle loops through the redwood groves, such as the well-known Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail.

Jogging in Redwood National Park offers an incredible array of natural wonders. You'll primarily experience the awe-inspiring ancient redwood forests, with trails winding through groves of the world's tallest trees. Many routes also feature diverse landscapes like open prairies, pristine rivers, and rugged coastline with stunning ocean views. Keep an eye out for specific highlights like the Big Tree or the unique Grove of Titans.

Yes, many of the running routes in Redwood National Park are designed as loops, offering a varied experience without retracing your steps. For example, the Running loop from Rotary Memorial Grove is a popular moderate circular route, and the Carl Schenck Grove loop from Carl Shenck Grove provides a shorter, moderate loop through giant redwoods.

Absolutely. The park offers numerous trails that are ideal for families, especially those looking for a leisurely jog or walk. Many easy, relatively flat loops, such as the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, are perfect for all ages. These trails allow families to experience the majestic redwoods in a peaceful and accessible setting.

While dogs are generally welcome in developed areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and along roads, most designated hiking and jogging trails within Redwood National and State Parks do not permit dogs. It's always best to check the specific regulations for the trail you plan to use before heading out. Service animals are an exception to this rule.

Redwood National Park is a fantastic destination for running year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Spring and fall generally provide mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making them ideal. Summer is popular but can be busier, while winter brings cooler, wetter conditions, often creating a misty, serene atmosphere beneath the redwood canopy. The thick canopy provides shade, making summer runs pleasant, and protects from some rain in winter.

Yes, the park is home to abundant wildlife, and certain areas are known for sightings. The prairies and meadows, particularly those bordering the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and near the Prairie Creek Visitor Center, are prime spots to see Roosevelt elk grazing. Running routes that traverse these open areas, such as sections of the Prairie Creek/Foothills Loop (now Carl Knapp Foothill Trail), offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Parking is available at various trailheads and visitor centers throughout Redwood National Park. Popular starting points like the Rotary Memorial Grove, Hunnewell-Donald Memorial Grove, and Carl Schenck Grove all offer designated parking areas for trail access. For coastal routes, parking can be found near Crescent City or at specific beach access points.

Yes, Redwood National Park boasts 40 miles of rugged coastline, offering stunning ocean views for runners. The Coastal Trail has sections like the Crescent Beach Section Loop, which provides a moderate run with beautiful Pacific vistas. You can also explore routes like the Crescent City Lighthouse loop from Crescent City for a run combining coastal scenery with a landmark.

Running in Redwood National Park is unparalleled due to the immersive experience of jogging beneath the world's tallest trees. The ancient redwood groves create a tranquil, cathedral-like atmosphere, often enveloped in mist. Beyond the redwoods, the park's diverse landscapes, including rugged coastlines, open prairies, and lush fern canyons, offer a constantly changing and awe-inspiring backdrop for your run. It's a humbling and serene experience that connects you deeply with nature.

The komoot community highly values the running experience in Redwood National Park. Runners frequently praise the unique opportunity to jog among the colossal old-growth redwoods, highlighting the peaceful and awe-inspiring atmosphere. Many appreciate the variety of trails, from easy, flat paths to more challenging routes, and the stunning coastal views. The park's relatively uncrowded nature also contributes to a serene and immersive outdoor adventure.

Yes, for those seeking a truly unique natural wonder, the Big Tree – Fern Canyon loop from Hunnewell- Donald Memorial Grove is a challenging but highly rewarding option. This difficult 16.2-mile (26.1 km) route leads through iconic landscapes, including some of the park's tallest trees and the otherworldly Fern Canyon, where canyon walls are completely blanketed in lush ferns and mosses.