Howland Hill Road

Total Miles 5
Technical Rating
1 Easy
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

Howland Hill Road is an old stagecoach road nestled in the old-growth redwoods. Few places still exist where you can drive alongside trees as tall as 300'. The main section of Howland Hill Road is narrow with a dirt/stone packed surface and it is approximately 5 miles long. Expect the surface of the road to be slick during the winter months. However, it's just the opposite during the summer months as the dirt surface of the road turns loose. Dust can be overwhelming during the summer months. Multiple modern outhouses/bathrooms are available at three different trailheads. Parking is limited. Cell phone coverage is spotty but mostly available even without a cell booster.

Photos of Howland Hill Road

Difficulty

Howland Hill Road is not suitable for trailers or motorhomes. Howland Hill Road is narrow and the surface of the road is a hard packed dirt/stone mix. The road is maintained by California State Parks. In the winter or rainy season, expect a more slick mud surface. However, in the summer or dry season, expect loose dirt with a lot of dust.

History

Howland Hill Road was once a stage coach road.

Technical Rating

1

Status Reports

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Scott Carpenter
Dec 29, 2025
Open
Mo Gonz
Dec 19, 2025
Open
Lari Racines
Nov 09, 2025
Open
David Perry
Sep 24, 2025
Open
Way crowded, bad drivers,
Chris Knowlton
May 04, 2025
Open
Aaron Steffen
Apr 24, 2025
Open
Steve m
Jun 30, 2024
Open
Minivans & passenger cars everywhere. Most treat the road like a two lane highway and assume they own the entire width because they are driving an ev car or soccer mom van. Trail heads looked like a Walmart parking lot.
Jacob Cornelius
Jun 15, 2024
Open
Lots of people on the trail, but it was well taken care of and we didn’t run into any traffic jams. A little dusty, but not too bad. Overall it was a beautiful trail and a nice ride!
Maui Kai
Mar 21, 2024
Open
Carlos B.
Apr 02, 2023
Open

Howland Hill Road Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Howland Hill Road Map

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