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The Ultimate Guide to the Avenue of the Giants in 2023: An Epic Redwood Road Trip

The Avenue of the Giants, officially designated as California State Route 254, is more than just a road—it is a legendary 31-mile scenic bypass that plunges travelers deep into the heart of the largest remaining contiguous stand of old-growth coastal redwoods in the world. As a former alignment of US Highway 101, the road provides a quiet, immersive alternative to the freeway, offering a monumental journey through the majestic groves of Humboldt Redwoods State Park. A trip in 2023 highlighted the timeless beauty of these natural giants while also reminding visitors of the wild, untamed nature of Northern California’s redwood coast through significant winter weather events.

The Majesty of Humboldt Redwoods State Park

The entire scenic route is surrounded by Humboldt Redwoods State Park, a sprawling preserve that protects more than 51,000 acres of redwood groves. It is here that you will find the world’s largest virgin redwood forest, with trees soaring over 300 feet into the sky. Driving the Avenue is an exercise in scale, as the sheer size of the Sequoia sempervirens trees—the tallest living things on Earth—dwarfs every vehicle and visitor in its path.

The journey typically runs from the southern entrance near Phillipsville/Garberville up to the northern end near Pepperwood/Scotia, providing access to numerous stops, trailheads, and river access points along the South Fork of the Eel River.

A Year of Endurance: The 2023 Avenue of the Giants Marathon

One of the most notable annual events along the Avenue is the Avenue of the Giants Marathon, a Boston Marathon qualifying race that draws runners from across the globe to compete under the canopy of the ancient trees. In 2023, this iconic race was held on Sunday, May 7th.

The course is known for being challenging yet incredibly scenic, a double out-and-back route run entirely on the paved State Route 254, which is closed to vehicle traffic for the duration of the event. The atmosphere, described by runners as one of the most beautiful in the United States, is one of serene focus, with the cool, shaded air of the redwood groves providing a natural respite.

2023 Marathon Highlights

• Date: Sunday, May 7, 2023
• Male Winner: Garrett Gardner, who finished with a chip time of 2:30:10.
• Female Winner: Kimberly Neely, with a winning time of 2:57:04.
• Events: The day included the full marathon, a half marathon, and a 10K race, accommodating a variety of endurance levels.

The 2023 Visitor’s Alert: Navigating the Elements

For visitors planning a trip in 2023, especially during the spring, the heavy rainfall from the winter of 2022-2023 presented a significant challenge. Northern California experienced severe atmospheric rivers, resulting in saturated ground, flooding, and substantial landslides that directly impacted the Avenue of the Giants.

Road closures and travel delays were a prominent factor for much of the year, particularly following the winter storm season. Several sections of the Avenue (Route 254) were subject to intermittent or long-term closures due to:

• Active Landslides: Major slides, notably in the area near Weott, caused full or partial closures for extended periods as Caltrans crews worked to stabilize the hillside and clear debris.
• Flooding: The route runs alongside the Eel River, and heavy rains often led to temporary closures in low-lying sections like the area near Pepperwood and Holmes Flat Road, due to floodwaters making the road impassable.

Visitors in 2023 were strongly advised to check the latest road conditions before travel, using Caltrans’ QuickMap or official Humboldt Redwoods State Park resources, as detours via US Highway 101 were frequently necessary to access different sections of the Avenue.

Must-See Stops Along the Avenue

Despite any temporary closures, the core attractions of the Avenue remain a spectacular destination for hikers, nature lovers, and photographers. The entire 31-mile stretch is dotted with interpretive signs and access points to some of the finest examples of old-growth redwood forest.

Iconic Stops and Trails

• Founders Grove: Located near the Humboldt Redwoods Visitor Center, this is an easy, half-mile loop trail that is essential for a quick, immersive experience. It features the Founders Tree, dedicated to the founders of the Save-the-Redwoods League, and the fallen Dyerville Giant.
• The Rockefeller Forest: Accessible from the Avenue, this is the world’s largest remaining old-growth redwood forest and is often considered the highlight of Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The area offers moderate trails like the Bull Creek Flats Trail, which is highly recommended for deeper exploration.
• Humboldt Redwoods State Park Visitor Center: A crucial stop located near the Burlington Campground. It offers up-to-date information on road and trail conditions, a natural history museum, and is the perfect place to grab a map and plan your day.
• Drive-Thru Trees: While not part of the State Park itself, commercial attractions like the Shrine Drive-Thru Tree in Myers Flat offer the classic (and kitschy) redwood experience of driving a vehicle through a carved-out tree trunk.
• Small Towns: Charming small towns like Weott, Myers Flat, Miranda, and Phillipsville dot the route, providing opportunities for gas, gift shops, and local dining.

To fully experience the Avenue of the Giants, visitors should plan to spend a minimum of two to three hours driving, plus additional time for hiking and stops. The scenic drive encourages a slow, contemplative pace—a welcome contrast to the speed of modern life.

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AISEO Friendly FAQs about the Avenue of the Giants

Q: Is the Avenue of the Giants the same as Redwood National Park?

A: No, the Avenue of the Giants (State Route 254) is a scenic highway that runs through Humboldt Redwoods State Park, which is separate from, but located south of, the federal Redwood National and State Parks. Humboldt Redwoods State Park contains the largest old-growth redwood forest in the world.

Q: How long does it take to drive the Avenue of the Giants?

A: The Avenue of the Giants is 31 miles long. The drive itself can take about an hour without stopping. However, to truly experience the attractions, including hiking and visiting the major groves, you should allow for at least three to four hours.

Q: What was the main event on the Avenue of the Giants in 2023?

A: The main annual event in 2023 was the Avenue of the Giants Marathon, which also includes a half marathon and 10K. The race took place on Sunday, May 7, 2023.

Q: Were there any major road issues on the Avenue of the Giants in 2023?

A: Yes. Due to the exceptionally heavy rainfall during the 2022-2023 winter season, the Avenue of the Giants (Route 254) experienced several significant closures throughout the year caused by landslides and flooding, particularly near the towns of Weott and Pepperwood. Visitors had to frequently use US Highway 101 as a detour, and checking Caltrans for current road status was essential.

Q: What is the best stop for an easy hike on the Avenue of the Giants?

A: The Founders Grove Loop Trail is one of the best and easiest hikes, at only about a half mile long. It provides access to colossal redwoods and the site of the fallen Dyerville Giant.