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How many acres are in the park?
18,000 acres
How many miles of trails?
80+
Where can I walk my dog?
On leash, dogs are allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas and the North Escape Road.
Where can I ride my bike?
On paved and dirt roads; not on trails.
Where do I ride my horse?
On trails and some dirt roads; not on most paved roads. See a park map for details.
Can I get a Big Basin Map?
You can purchase a Big Basin Redwoods State Park at park headquarters, the Foundation Store and the Big Basin Store, or click on Foundation Store on this website. The map indicates all trails and roads.
How do I make a camping reservation?
Make your reservations for camping in all California State Parks can be made by phoning Reserve America at 1-800-444-PARK or visiting the webpage at http://www.cal-parks.ca.gov
Make your reservations for any of the eight different back country trail camps at Big Basin (on Skyline to the Sea Trail) by calling 831/338-8861.
Make your reservations for Tent Cabins can be made by phoning 1-800-874-TENT.
Make your reservations for Horse Camp at Rancho Del Oso can be made by phoning 831-425-1218.
What's special about Big Basin?
Big Basin is the oldest state park. In 2002, we will celebrate its 100 Year Anniversary!
The story begins in 1889 at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park when painter/photographer Andrew P. Hill was hired to take pictures of redwoods in Welch's Grove (now Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park). But Welch would not let him take pictures of his grove so Hill traveled to Big Basin area instead. He was so inspired by the grandeur of the redwoods, and so alarmed that all these giants were being cut down, that he vowed that the magnificent trees should be saved for generations to enjoy.
He and friends such as journalist, Josephine McCracken, attracted wealthy and influential people who Attracted wealth and influential people who formed Sempervirens Club. These visionaries raised funds and convinced legislators to purchase Big Basin, thus beginning the preservation movement and in 1902 succeeding in establishing California's oldest State Park.
Since that time, public and private partnerships have added thousands of acres to the park. Behind these efforts are the passionate stories of visionaries, visitors and workers and the history of this preservation movement.
The Early Leaders - In the early 1900's, the bold efforts of the progressives formed the Sempervirens Club, which launched a tradition of setting aside lands for the redwoods' protection and public enrichment.
Preservation - What does it mean to protect the redwoods? The meaning has changed over time as our vision expends and our knowledge increases.
Save the Trees! The magnificent redwoods themselves were the focus of early conservation efforts.
Save the Ecosystem! As our understanding of forest ecology increased, it became clear that the health of the trees depends upon the health of the forest as a whole. Save the Watershed! Today, our vision has expended to embrace significant landforms and geographical boundaries, leading to the protection of wildlife corridors and entire watersheds.
Hundreds of environmental organizations partner with State Parks to preserve trees, ecosystems and watersheds.
Creating the Institution - The birth of the California's State Park System in the 1920's formalized the public's desire to protect their natural and cultural heritage.
The Arts Inspire - The redwood forest inspires artists to create. In turn, artistic interpretations create awareness for all. The photography of Andrew P. Hill and the news articles of Josephine McCrackin created public awareness of the redwoods at the beginning of this century.
Today, more than 1.4 million people enjoy Big Basin annually. From the casual photography of the tourist to the art created by the professional, the world is a better place because these visitors took time to enjoy and share the beauty of Big Basin.
We hope you will too!
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