Garden of Eden, Ox Trail, Felton
Garden of Eden is a calm, green pool in the river, in the middle of the redwoods at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Felton. You take the Ox Trail to get here. It leads you through the most beautiful redwood forest. You then turn right on the abandoned railroad tracks and follow them. You have views of the bubbling river far far below. Once you have walked about 17 minutes since the start of the walk, there are a bunch of signs on your left (this is the second set of such signs). At this point you walk down a steep cliff to get to the Garden of Eden pool. Bliss! There are lovely smooth white rocks to sit on. Kids love to putter around gathering sticks. The water is cold, and the air as well! Bring your bubble jacket. This spot is busy on weekends, so come on a weekday or early in the morning when you will probably only encounter one or two people. See parking details below.
We returned recently, in summer, and people were swimming- some with floats to bob around on- and it was a happy scene.
While you're near the redwoods, take a train ride through the forest at Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton- it's a dream! Or you can take a train ride with the same company directly from Roaring Camp Railroads to Santa Cruz Boardwalk! It leaves each hour (it starts again in Spring 2023).
Check out the coast near here with its beautiful cliffs. Lighthouse Field State Beach is an exciting place to visit to see the surfers and walk along the cliffs. After, walk along Santa Cruz Pier and check out the sea lions. Westside is the best place to eat in Santa Cruz.
Another spot in the redwoods is Land of Medicine Buddha Retreat Center, open to the public, where you can walk under the redwoods admiring the amazing temple, statues, and prayer wheels. Walk around University of California Santa Cruz campus, which is in a gorgeous redwood forest, with wooden boardwalks under the trees.
Magical forest and river.
The river and white rocks.
The forest.
Driving along Highway 9.
So many trees!
Looking up at the trees and sky.
Logs on the ground.
The lush forest.
The railroad tracks.
You walk beside the railroad tracks.
Looking down at the river.
A man walks along the trail.
Greenest leaves catching the light.
New life at the forest floor.
The railroad tracks and white gravel, plus lush growth.
Looking down at the river.
A family at the Garden of Eden.
Smooth white rocks.
White water flowing into the Garden of Eden pool.
Ripples on the Garden of Eden pool.
The trail and sunlight coming through the trees.
New growth.
Little plant catching the light.
The pool in summertime.
People swimming in the pool.
Beachgoers enjoying the pool in summertime.
Swimming in the pool in June.
Cooling off in the pool.
Swimmers in summer.
Highway 9!
Highway 9 is wonderful.
Redwood trees and their lush leaves.
The forest.
Parking is tricky but doable.
A fallen tree.
Greenery!
Looking up at the trees.
A nice home for an animal.
The train tracks.
Looking down from the trail at the pool.
Blue sky and bright leaves.
Swimmers walk the tracks, with their floats in hand.
Ox Trail is located at 4150 Highway 9, Felton CA. There are about 12 parking spots, so come early!
Last Updated: Sun, 27 Jul 2025 18:13:12 GMT
Text and Image copyright: © 2006-2025 LotsaFunMaps.com.
Copying prohibited. Contact the editor |
Facebook |
Pinterest |
Instagram
Blog |
The Official Mug |
Privacy Settings |
About Us
