3 Incredible Drives in the Redwoods

I will never forget my first encounter with a redwood.  We got into Northern California, or redwood territory, late one night, but we couldn't wait until the next day to look at a redwood.  We drove into the almost dark Prairie Creek just in time to spot the Roosevelt Elk roaming the prairie.  We hung out too long because when we got to the forest, it was mostly dark.  My heart leaped when we drove past a tree that looked more like a giant.  Then another one and another one.  I couldn't believe how huge they were, and how they just grew and came right up to the asphalt of the road.  We drove back to camp having had just a glimpse of what we would see the next several days. A snitch one of the most majestic places I have ever laid my eyes on.

Having spent over 35 hours in the car over a 5 day period, I would say we really got our bearings for the layout of the Redwoods.  We saw some amazing stretches of road.  Here are the top 3 of all the driving we did among the Redwoods.

1. Avenue of the Giants

This scenic highway is a very well paved 2 lane road with plenty of traffic.  You'll drive through Humboldt Redwoods State Park on your way through the 31 miles through this breathtaking drive. There are plenty of pullouts for hiking and photo opportunities.  Beware that some of the trees come right up to the asphalt on the side of the road. It'll thrill you and make your heart jump as you pass them by. 

2. Howland Hill on the way to Stout Grove near Jedediah Smith State Park

This drive is more like a safari in the middle of nowhere.  You'll pass by the massive redwoods on a dirt one-way road.  There are lots of pullouts so that you can pass or allow another car to pass you by if needed.  I would definitely not recommend being in a rush through this scenic drive so you don't miss the majesty of the forest and trees.

3. Newton B. Dury Scenic Parkway in Prairie Creek State Park

This scenic parkway has open spaces, or prairies in parts and a closed forest that comes right up to the road on other parts of the drive. It could only take you 30 minutes or less to whiz by the World Heritage Site, but try to take your time enjoying the road and the scenery.  Who knows, maybe you'll run into the Roosevelt Elk that hang out near the information center and campground.