STIFF COMPETITION

Note the steps leading to the railroad tracks behind the Cowell's Big Trees Club House - Author's Personal Collection

Milo Hopkins became proprietor of Cowell's Big Trees in 1902. He decided early on not to charge an admission fee like his neighbors, the Welch family at Big Trees Grove. 

Hopkins greatly benefited from the railroad's dislike of the Welch family. Soon after Hopkins set up his resort, the railroad moved their rail stop from the Welch property. Practically overnight Big Tree Station popped up directly behind the new Club House at Cowell's Big Trees. 

Santa Cruz Evening News, July 9, 1910

For many years Hopkins proved to be stiff competition for Big Trees Grove. Initially he made money by selling meals, postcards and redwood souvenirs to rail visitors. 

The cabins at Cowell's Big Trees - Courtesy of Ross Eric Gibson

Later Hopkins began to cater to the new automobile tourists. He constructed a group of rustic cabins which he rented for $2.50 per night or $15.00 by the week. 

Cowell's Big Trees was located along the railroad tracks near the San Lorenzo River, just beyond the midway point of today's Redwood Loop Trail. Unfortunately, no traces are left of the Club House or the cabins.