Avenue of the Giants
About
What It Is
The Avenue of the Giants is a scenic roadway running through Humboldt Redwoods State Park in Humboldt County, Northern California [1]. It is defined by its passage beneath an almost continuous canopy of old-growth coast redwood trees, making it one of the most concentrated old-growth redwood corridors accessible by road in the region [1]. The route serves both as a public thoroughfare and as a destination in its own right for visitors seeking direct exposure to mature redwood forest [1].
Activities & Experiences
Visitors can drive or travel the avenue beneath the redwood canopy, experiencing the forest at close range [1]. The corridor also hosts organized running events, including a marathon, half marathon, and 10K race held annually in May, all run almost entirely under the tree canopy [1]. A sister marathon event takes place over the same course in October [1].
Practical Access
The avenue is located within Humboldt Redwoods State Park in Humboldt County, California [1]. The annual May marathon and concurrent races are organized by the Six Rivers Running Club; participants in those events must register separately [1]. No further details on general visitor hours, fees, parking, or accessibility are available in the sources.
Restrictions
No specific restrictions noted in the sources.
What Makes It Distinctive
The avenue is notable for running almost entirely beneath a redwood canopy, giving travelers and runners an immersive old-growth forest experience that is rare at road level [1]. The Avenue of the Giants Marathon, first held in 1972, is a Boston Marathon qualifying event, drawing competitive runners specifically for the combination of a certified course and a forested setting [1]. The October Humboldt Redwoods Marathon uses the same course, meaning the corridor hosts major organized running events across two seasons [1].
Sources
- Best months: March–May
- Typical duration: 4h
Things to do
- camping in nearby campgrounds
- cycling
- hiking
- learn about redwood ecology through interpretive exhibits
- marathon running
- photography
- picnicking
- scenic driving
- short nature trails and interpretive walks
- visit famous trees such as the immortal tree and founders grove
- walk among ancient coast redwoods
- wildlife and birdwatching
Best time to visit
- may or october
Events & seasons
- avenue of giants marathon
- humboldt redwoods marathon
Features
- old-growth redwood canopy
Good to know
- humboldt county, california
Photos
