[This pinpointed spot is the Garden of Eden.]

Areas of the San Lorenzo River in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park get some use by nudists. Three skinnydipping areas amidst the majestic trees are located downstream (south) of the main part of the park (the entry is pinpointed), and you do not have to go through the main entrance or pay a fee to visit these spots.

The best known of the nudist hangouts is the Garden of Eden, a lovely swimming hole revered by those in the know. Ox Trail, which has its own small parking area, leads directly to this spot.

Farther downstream, and mostly quickly accessed from another parking lot at the Rincon Fire Road, are Frisbee Beach and Big Rock Hole. Big Rock Hole is a swimming spot in the river, while Frisbee Beach is a tiny ribbon of sand that is the best spot for nude sunbathing.

Nudity is not officially tolerated in the park, but word is that rangers seldom patrol this downstream area. If you do see a ranger, by all means cover up.

At all three of these spots (and areas in between), nudity should be practiced with some discretion. Plenty of textiles visit this area of the river, mainly on weekends, and it is best to put some distance between yourself and non-nudists if they are there first.

Since the river is surrounded by redwoods, the hours of direct sunlight are limited. The tall trees block the sun by 4 pm.

Park Map

VISUAL RESOURCES

GPS: 37.0235, -122.0580

city, county, state, country  Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, U.S.A.

classification  2 (traditionally nude)

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