Big Basin Redwoods State Park
21600 Big Basin Way
Boulder Creek, CA 95006
Big Basin is located 9 miles from Boulder Creek on Hwy 236 • (831) 338-3944
Big Basin Redwoods State Park Volunteer Training begins in March!
Big Basin Redwoods State Park is gearing up for a busy season—would you like to become an important member of the volunteer team? The park is seeking volunteers who want to assist visitors and share the natural and cultural history of our parks. To join the Big Basin Redwoods docent volunteer staff, please call (831) 338-8883 or email sblake@parks.ca.gov.ALL WALKS START AT PARK HEADQUARTERS.
Redwood Loop Walk
Every Wednesday at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm
Every Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm
How do these grand redwoods grow to be so old? So tall? How are they important to humans?
Join us for this fun and informative guided half-mile stroll through a magnificent old-growth redwood forest. Meet the famous Mother Tree, the Father of the Forest and the incredible Chimney Tree on this one-hour walk. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Meet at Park Headquarters.Campfire Program
Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:00 pm
Join us in our historic campfire center for an evening of song and story. Serenade the glittering stars and learn about redwood ecology, creatures of the forest or stories of the park while relaxing in the shadows of the towering trees. Fire lighting and marshmallows (we provide the marshmallows and sticks!) at 7:00 pm; program begins at 7:30 pm. Wheelchair and stroller accessible.Twilight Hike
Every Monday at 7:30 pm
Join us for an easy, level walk for the whole family. Experience the turning of the day into night in the forest, and learn about the critters that are just becoming active as the sun goes down. This is a one-hour, half-mile walk. Meet at Park Headquarters. Wheelchair/stroller accessible. Bring a flashlight. Sorry, no dogs on the trail.Big Basin Nature Club
Every Sunday at 10:00 am
Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 4:30 pm
This fun program is designed for children ages 3-6 and their families. Pretend, play, sing and explore! This half-hour program will introduce youngsters to the wonders of the redwood forest. Meet at the Nature Lodge.Junior Rangers
Every Sunday at 11:00 am
Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 3:00 pm
Discover the fascinating secrets of the forest. Explore, practice outdoor skills and play games as you learn about plants, animals, geology, and more. This one-hour program is designed for kids ages 7-12. Sorry parents, this program is for kids only! Please register your child 15 minutes before the program begins. Meet at the Nature Lodge.
Creeping Forest Ramble
Saturday, July 17 at 12:00 noon
Explore the natural history of this less-visited trail with docent Doreen Devorah on a three-hour, 2.5-mile hike up and down the “creeping” terrain, along creeks, through fire-scarred redwoods and over log bridges. Bring water and good hiking shoes. Meet at Park Headquarters.Felling the Giants
Saturday, July 24 at 10:30 am
Logging was the major industry in the Santa Cruz Mountains for over 50 years. How did lumbermen cut down these tall, tall trees? What was life like in a logging camp? What tools did they use? Join docent Paul Fewel as he tells stories of the logging days and demonstrates how loggers were able to fell these giants—without chain saws! Meet at Park Headquarters.Big Basin “Nature Tails”
Saturday, July 24 at 4:30 pm
A world of animal songs and stories presented for children of all ages by local storytellers. Meet at the Campfire Center.Storytellers’ Showcase Campfire!
Saturday, July 24 at 7:00 pm
Sit back and experience an old-fashioned evening steeped in the oral tradition, as our guest storytellers weave their yarns in our historic amphitheater. Meet at the Campfire Center. The evening begins with fire lighting and marshmallow roasting at 7:00, and storytelling at 7:30.The Road Less Traveled
Sunday, July 25 at 10:00 am
On this dog-friendly walk, we travel on North Escape Road, a paved road closed to traffic. We tour stunning old-growth redwood groves along beautiful Opal Creek. We'll discuss redwood ecology and park history while exploring the deep shade of the redwood forest. This is a fun, easy, three-mile roundtrip walk with docent Micki Downs and her dog Spock. Bring water and meet at Park Headquarters.Boating, Dancing, Dining and More!—Big Basin in its Heyday
Sunday, July 25 at 11:30 am
Big Basin was a very popular tourist resort in the 1900s. The park had a hotel, store, post office, barbershop, dance hall, tennis courts, a lake and more! Take a fascinating tour with Dan Friend, a ranger here in the 1970s, and “see” Big Basin as it was in those vibrant early days. This is a one-mile, two-hour walk. Meet at Park Headquarters.Shadowbrook Stroll
Saturday, July 31 at 10:30 am
Take a less-traveled trail that meanders by Union Creek, over to the Sempervirens Falls and back, all through the redwoods. This is a four-mile, three-hour hike. Bring water and good hiking shoes. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Big Basin Nature Club
August 1-22:
Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 4:30 pm
Every Sunday at 10:00 am
August 23-31:
Every Friday and Saturday at 4:30 pm (no program August 28)
Every Sunday at 10:00 am
This fun program is designed for children ages 3-6 and their families. Pretend, play, sing and explore! This half-hour program will introduce youngsters to the wonders of the redwood forest. Meet at the Nature Lodge.
Junior Rangers
August 1-23:
Every Sunday at 11:00 am
Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 3:00 pm
August 24-31:
Every Friday and Saturday at 3:00 pm (no program August 28)
Every Sunday at 11:00 am
Discover the fascinating secrets of the forest. Explore, practice outdoor skills and play games as you learn about plants, animals, geology, and more. This one-hour program is designed for kids ages 7-12. Sorry parents, this program is for kids only! Please register your child 15 minutes before the program begins. Meet at the Nature Lodge.
Campfire Program
August 1-23: Every Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:00 pm
August 24-31: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:00 pm (no program August 28)
Join us in our historic campfire center for an evening of song and story. Serenade the stars and learn about redwood ecology, creatures of the forest or hear stories of the park while relaxing in the shadows of the towering trees. Fire lighting and marshmallows (we provide the marshmallows and sticks!) at 7:00 pm and program begins at 7:30 pm. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Twilight Hike
Monday, August 2 at 7:00 pm
Monday, August 9 at 7:00 pm
Monday, August 16 at 7:00 pm
Join us for an easy, level walk for the whole family. Experience the turning of the day into night in the forest, and learn about the critters that are just becoming active as the sun goes down. This is a one-hour, half-mile walk. Meet at Park Headquarters. Wheelchair/stroller accessible. Bring a flashlight. Sorry, no dogs on the trail.
The Road Less Traveled
Every Sunday at 10:00 am (except August 29)
On this dog-friendly walk, we travel on North Escape Road, a paved road closed to traffic. We tour stunning old-growth redwood groves along beautiful Opal Creek. We'll discuss redwood ecology and park history while exploring the deep shade of the redwood forest. This is a fun, easy, three-mile roundtrip walk with docent Micki Downs and her dog Spock. Bring water and meet at Headquarters.
Felling the Giants
Wednesday, August 4 at 11:30 am
Logging was the major industry in the Santa Cruz Mountains for over 50 years. How did lumbermen cut down these tall, tall trees? What was life like in a logging camp? What tools did they use? Join Dan Friend, a former Ranger at Big Basin, as he tells stories of the logging days and demonstrates how loggers were able to fell these giants—without chain saws! Meet at Park Headquarters.
Outlook from Mt. McAbee
Saturday, August 7 at 10:00 am
Join docent Philip Shear on a hike to McAbee Outlook. We'll stop at the top and enjoy the lovely ocean views, returning through a beautiful old-growth redwood forest. Difficulty level is moderate. The hike is six miles and about three and a half hours. Bring plenty of water, snacks and good hiking shoes. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Family Discovery Walk
Sunday, August 8 at 1:00 pm
Join docent Norm Beeson for a fun-filled family walk and investigate the mysteries and wonders of Big Basin’s redwood forest! We’ll discover what surprises the day offers on this easy, one-mile roundtrip walk that lasts about 1.5 hours. Bring water, a snack or lunch and an adventurous spirit! Meet at Park Headquarters.
Footsteps of the Pioneers
Wednesday, August 11 at 11:00 am
Join docent Eva Fewel on an easy three-mile, two-hour round trip to the site of the Maddock Cabin. Enjoy a beautiful walk through the redwoods and hear stories of the early settlers and their life deep in the forest. Meet at Park Headquarters and bring water.
Ocean View Summit Hike
Saturday, August 14 at 10:00 am
Join docent Doreen Devorah on one of our most diverse hikes—by mountain streams, oak woodlands, chaparral and redwoods. You’ll discuss forests, flowers and fires on a six-mile, four-hour hike. This somewhat strenuous ascent is rewarded with ocean views on a clear day. Bring water, lunch and good hiking shoes. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Berry Creek Falls Hike
Sunday, August 15 at 9:30 am
Travel deep into the heart of Big Basin as you experience a wide range of habitats on this moderate to strenuous 12-mile-loop hike. Wind through shady redwood canyons and climb dry ridges as you hike to the jewel of Big Basin—65-foot Berry Creek Falls. Bring lots of water, lunch and wear layers. Docent Bill Rhoades will be your guide on this six-hour hike. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Footsteps of the Pioneers
Friday, August 20 at 11:00 am
Join docent Doreen Devorah on an easy three-mile, two-hour round trip to the site of the Maddock Cabin. Enjoy a beautiful walk through the redwoods and hear stories of the early settlers and their life deep in the forest. Meet at Park Headquarters and bring water.
Wildflower Walk!
Saturday, August 21 at 10:00 am
Sunday, August 22 at 10:00 am
Join docent Scott Peden to learn to identify the companion plants of the redwood forest. This is a wonderful way to enjoy the Santa Cruz Mountains! Bring along a field guide if you have one. Saturday’s walk is a four-mile, four-hour walk. Sunday’s walk is a five-mile, five-hour walk. Bring water and snacks. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Creeping Forest Ramble
Sunday, August 22 at 12:00 noon
Explore the natural history of this less-visited trail with docent Doreen Devorah on a three-hour, 2.5-mile hike up and down the “creeping” terrain, along creeks, through fire-scarred redwoods and over log bridges. Bring water and good hiking shoes. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Footsteps of the Pioneers
Wednesday, August 25 at 11:00 am
Join docent Eva Fewel on an easy three-mile, two-hour round trip to the site of the Maddock Cabin. Enjoy a beautiful walk through the redwoods and hear stories of the early settlers and their life deep in the forest. Meet at Park Headquarters and bring water.
Footsteps of the Pioneers
Friday, August 27 at 11:00 am
Join docent Doreen Devorah on an easy three-mile, two-hour round trip to the site of the Maddock Cabin. Enjoy a beautiful walk through the redwoods and hear stories of the early settlers and their life deep in the forest. Meet at Park Headquarters and bring water.
Shadowbrook Stroll
Sunday, August 29 at 12:00 noon
Docent Doreen Devorah will show you a less-traveled trail that takes you by Union Creek, to the Sempervirens Falls and back through the redwoods. This is a four-mile, three-hour hike. Bring water and good hiking shoes. Meet at Park Headquarters.
RANCHO DEL OSO NATURE AND HISTORY CENTER
Located 16 miles north of Santa Cruz along Highway One, at the coastal side of Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
(831) 427-2288. www.ranchodeloso.org
Beginning Backpacking or Camping
Sunday, July 25 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Have you been promising your children or partner that you'd love to go backpacking or camping with them but you just haven't done it? Not sure where to begin? Come and find out the nitty gritty about reserving space, getting permits, packing, traveling light, setting up camp, avoiding unpleasant surprises by animals and dealing with changing weather. The presenter, Laura Shaw has backpacked all over the world, led Sierra Club trips and even stroller backpacked with her twins and toddler. Call to reserve your free space at (831) 427-2288 or email: RDOPIS@parks.ca.govGuest Presenter:
Olga de Santa Anna
Tarantulas!
Saturday, July 31 at 1:00 p.m.
Tarantulas! Tarantula and spider enthusiast, Olga de Santa Anna, will bring her 15 and 10 year old tarantulas to Rancho del Oso for an afternoon of family-friendly spider education. There will be some younger tarantulas to hold or observe and many spider activities. Call to reserve you free space at (831) 427-2288 or email: RDOPIS@parks.ca.govGrizzly Bear Festival
Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center
Saturday, August 21, from 12:00PM to 4:00 PM
Come to Rancho del Oso for a day of commemorating the once-abundant predator that roamed this "Ranch of the Bear." Discover what they ate, how they lived, and what made this area famous for its grizzly population.
12:00 Teddy Bear Picnic. Bring your favorite teddy bear or plush toy and have tea and snacks bears could find.
12:00-4:00 Art activities, and games all day.
1:00-2:00 Grizzly Bear Talk and Slide Show. Ranger Frank Balthis will help us understand bear habitats, ecotourism and environmental threats.
2:30-3:00 The Grizzly Event of 1875. Join docent Doreen Devorah as she reenacts the story of her husband William Waddell’s death by grizzly bites!
3:00 Family Hike. Learn how the bears once lived and what they ate in this neck of woods.
Please call (831) 427-2288 to reserve a space. Bring a lunch to enjoy on the deck overlooking Waddell Beach or in the sheltered garden courtyard. The park is located 16 miles north of Santa Cruz along Highway One, at Waddell Creek--just 2 miles south of Año Nuevo State Park.
Volunteers Needed!
Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center is looking for enthusiastic volunteers. As a State Park Volunteer, help by hosting the Nature and History Center on weekends, help put on special events, and more. For more information, please call (831)-427-2288.
