Grove of Titans

Overview

Tucked inside Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, the Grove of Titans delivers outsized wow for minimal effort. This compact loop showcases several of the world’s biggest coast redwoods by volume, made accessible by a raised boardwalk completed in 2022 to protect the fragile forest floor. Expect an intimate old‑growth scene: towering trunks, a lush understory, and the hush of nearby Mill Creek.

The Experience

Plan on roughly a 1.5–1.7‑mile loop with about 150–200 feet of total elevation change. The route mixes firm trail and about 1,500 feet of elevated metal‑mesh boardwalk. You’ll meet celebrity trees like Chesty Puller (a dramatic fused pair), Lost Monarch (a true giant and the largest single‑trunk tree here), the double‑trunk Screaming Titans, and El Viejo del Norte. It’s short, but you’ll likely linger—the scale is hard to process in a quick pass.

Logistics and Access

The trailhead sits on the east side of Howland Hill Road near Hiouchi. Parking is very limited and fills early, especially in summer; the road is narrow and closed to RVs and vehicles towing trailers. Cell service is spotty—download maps and have a check‑in plan. Most visitors spend 45–75 minutes depending on photo stops.

Best Time to Hike

Year‑round is good, but shoulder seasons shine. Spring brings trillium and rhododendron blooms under the redwoods; fall lights up with bigleaf and vine maple color. Mornings offer easier parking, softer light for photography, and thinner crowds on this very popular walk.

Accessibility and Etiquette

The boardwalk has steps and grades, so it’s not wheelchair accessible. Stay on the boardwalk and designated trail—the walkway exists to prevent further root damage and soil compaction. No pets or bikes on the trail. The metal mesh can be slick when wet; watch footing and keep a close eye on kids.

Make It a Bigger Day

If you’re not ready to leave the forest, the loop connects with the Mill Creek Trail. Continue about 2 miles to reach Stout Grove for another superb—and very different—cathedral of redwoods.