Itinerary · 2 days · California
2 Days in Redwood National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Redwood National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: May–Oct. Closest major airport: Arcata–Eureka (ACV), about 30 minutes.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Walk Lady Bird Johnson Grove. Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Explore Fern Canyon's 50-foot fern walls.
- Evening: Drive Howland Hill Road through Jedediah Smith.
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: See Roosevelt elk at Elk Prairie.
- Afternoon: Hike to the Tall Trees Grove (free permit).
Redwood is co-managed with three California state parks. Some of the best groves (Jedediah Smith, Prairie Creek) are state park land inside the boundary.
When to go
The best time to visit Redwood National Park is May–October.
Questions
How many days do you need in Redwood National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: walk lady bird johnson grove and explore fern canyon's 50-foot fern walls on day one, then see roosevelt elk at elk prairie on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Redwood itinerary?
Go in May–Oct, when the park is rated at its best. May, June and October offer the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Redwood in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss see roosevelt elk at elk prairie. Two days is the sweet spot.