The lower reaches of redwood trees on the side of a path

Big Basin Redwoods State Park is the oldest state park in California, and one of the best places to see old growth coastal redwood trees (sequoia sempervirens) near the Bay Area.

Understand

History

As the population of the Bay Area grew in the 19th century, demand for timber led to large-scale logging of the redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. In 1902, a group of prominent citizens, led by the painter and photographer A.P. Hill, convinced the state legislature to establish a state park to preserve one of the last areas of virgin redwood forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

A devastating wildfire in 2020 burned more than 97% of the park, destroying the headquarters and all campgrounds. The fire dramatically changed the landscape of the park, but it remains home to old-growth redwoods, which have long been adapted to wildfires as part of their natural life cycle. The park has reopened for day use, but only some trails can be accessed.

Flora and fauna

The park is famous for its magnificent coastal redwoods, but it also features knobcone pines and other native species. The larger mammals in the park include mule deer, bobcats and (rare) mountain lions.

Climate

Berry Creek Falls

A large valley in the Santa Cruz mountains, the "big basin" is a watershed whose streams flow into the Pacific Ocean. The mountains trap the coastal fog and rain, providing an ideal climate for the redwoods. Though wet and chilly in the winter, the forest is warm and dry during the summer and fall months.

Get in

The park is less than an hour from San Jose and the cities on the Peninsula. Highway 236, also called Big Basin Way, runs from Highway 9 through the park, to rejoin Highway 9 about 10 miles south in the town of Boulder Creek. The north entrance to the park is about 9 miles from Highway 9, and the south entrance is about 9 miles from the town of Boulder Creek. The road is narrow and very twisty, and is crossed by bridle trails at a number of points.

Fees and permits

Reservations are recommended on the official website. Day-use fees are $2 plus $6 per vehicle with a reservation, or $10 per vehicle without a reservation.

Get around

Golden Falls

On foot

The park has trails for all types of visitors, including wheelchair-accessible paths, and short trails that have no vertical gain whatsoever. Many of the trails from the former park headquarters rise up to the ridge of the basin, and proceed down toward the ocean. These trails are good for 5–10 mi (8.0–16.1 km) hikes, with moderate uphill climbs.

The Skyline to the Sea Trail begins at Castle Rock State Park, to the east of Big Basin. The second half of the 30 mi (48 km) trail passes through Big Basin, and runs all the way down to the Pacific Ocean at Wadell Beach.

By bike

Redwoods reach to the sky

Bicycles are not allowed on the trails, but they are allowed on fire roads.

Do

Despite the park's lean budget, the rangers lead a number of activities for visitors, including educational classes for children, evening campfires, and guided hikes. Docents also lead educational hikes for visitors curious about the flora, fauna and history of the park.

Buy

• There is no gas station in the park. The closest gas station is in Boulder Creek.

Sleep

Following the wildfire that burned the vast majority of the park in 2020, all campgrounds are closed indefinitely.

Stay safe

Be aware of rattlesnakes sunning themselves on trails during the morning heat.

Go next

• Santa Cruz is the most obvious place to go next, if you didn't come from there in the first place.