Exploring the Tall Trees Grove Trail
The Tall Trees Grove Trail offers one of the most pristine and strictly protected hiking experiences in Redwood National Park.
Trail Overview
| Length | 4.5 miles round-trip |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Strenuous |
| Elevation change | 800-foot descent, to flat loop, to 800-foot ascent |
| Time required | ~4 hours total (includes the dirt-road drive and hike) |
What to expect
This hike is incredibly rewarding but requires serious physical preparation due to the layout of the trail.
- The Route: The trail operates as an out-and-back with a loop at the bottom. You will hike 1.5 miles steeply down to the creek floor, enjoy a relatively flat loop through the ancient grove, and then return exactly the way you came.
- The Hard Return Ascent: Because you drop 800 feet into the valley first, the hardest part of the trail is at the very end. After you finish exploring the lower loop, you face a continuous, exhausting 800-foot uphill climb back to your vehicle.
- Zero Amenities: There are no restrooms or water stations at the trailhead. Bring plenty of water (especially for that final climb) and come fully prepared.
- Vehicle Restrictions: The trailhead is accessed via a slow, winding 6-mile dirt road off Bald Hills Road. The small parking lot does not accommodate RVs over 21 feet or vehicles towing trailers.
- No Pets Allowed: To protect the ecosystem, pets are not permitted on this or any other trail within the national and state park areas.
Securing your permit
Your journey begins before you even lace up your boots. You must secure a free online permit to access the grove. Park visitor centers do not issue these permits, and summer slots fill up rapidly.
After booking, you will receive a digital code to unlock the heavy steel gate on Bald Hills Road. There are two ways to secure your spot through the Redwood Parks Conservancy:
| Permit Type | Booking Window | Access Time | Gate Code Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Advance | Up to 180 days prior | All Day | Emailed 23 hours before |
| Day Before | 8 AM or 1 PM day prior | Half Day | Emailed immediately |
Plan Your Visit:
- Book Permits: Redwood Parks Conservancy
- Official Trail Alerts & FAQs: NPS Tall Trees Page