Elk Prairie Trail Loop

This 2.8-mile visitor-center loop links Cathedral Trees Trail, Elk Prairie Trail, campground paths and Revelation Trail. It moves from the prairie’s redwood edge to creek-side forest, then returns through an old-growth grove. Other park mileage lists give shorter figures for the trail or its accessible campground-to-Cathedral Trees corridor; this route includes the full visitor-center connectors.

From the visitor-center side, connectors lead to the open prairie and the trail follows its redwood edge. Cross Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, then descend toward Boyes Creek and mixed woodland before reaching a short stand of large redwoods. Much of the forest edge has smaller trees and brush, and traffic from the parkway can stay audible. The route then follows streamside vegetation by Prairie Creek; the open meadow is the best stretch to watch for Roosevelt elk.

Campground connectors lead into Revelation Trail’s level alluvial flat and back toward the visitor center. This stretch has large old-growth redwoods and lush creek-side understory, a different finish from the open prairie side. Roosevelt elk use the meadow, but sightings are never guaranteed; give any animals plenty of space.

Allow about two hours for the full loop and stops. The route is mostly gentle, but it has several connector turns around the campground and visitor center; follow the trail signs at junctions. The separately described 1.64-mile campground-to-Cathedral Trees corridor is the accessible segment, with a few short steeper grades; do not assume the full connected loop has the same accessibility rating. Cross Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway carefully, and note that armored creek crossings can carry water during rain. Pets are not allowed on park trails except service animals.