Plan a Day at Big Basin
Everything you need for an unforgettable visit.
Big Basin has a way of putting things in perspective. The forest has a way of slowing things down and opening things up. Visiting is one of the most powerful ways to connect with these parks and understand why they are worth protecting. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning after years away, these ancient trees have something new to offer every time. Here is a simple guide to help you make the most of your day.
Before You Go
Big Basin is currently open for limited day-use from 8 a.m. to sunset. Parking is available by reservation and spaces are limited, so plan ahead. There is no potable water available in the main park area, so bring more than you think you need. Restrooms are available near the temporary visitor information center.
MORNING — Breakfast at Brookdale Cafe
Start your day at Brookdale Cafe for breakfast. Tucked into the redwoods along Highway 9, it is a warm and welcoming spot to begin your day before heading into the park. From Brookdale, Big Basin is just a short drive up into the mountains.
MID MORNING — Arrive and Explore
Arrive early. The forest is quieter in the morning, the light filters through the canopy beautifully, and parking is easier to find. Before heading out, check in at the temporary visitor information center for the latest trail conditions and park information.
Take your time. Look up. These trees have been here for more than a thousand years and they have a lot to say if you slow down enough to listen.
If you have the energy and the time, continue onto the Dool Trail or Meteor Trail for a longer exploration of the park. These trails wind through recovering forest and open up views of a landscape actively becoming something new. The mix of charred trunks and vibrant new growth is one of the most powerful sights in the Santa Cruz Mountains right now.
MIDDAY — Lunch at Boulder Creek Pizza And Pub
Head into Boulder Creek for lunch at Boulder Creek Pizza and Pub, a casual and welcoming spot right in the heart of town. Everything is made to order, from their hand-tossed pizzas and fresh pastas to salads and appetizers, with dough and sauces made fresh daily. A perfect stop to refuel after a morning in the redwoods before heading back out for the afternoon.
A Moment For Art
In 2023, eighteen local artists were selected to participate in the Big Basin Art About project. Following an inspirational backpacking trip through Big Basin, each artist created a piece of work in their chosen medium inspired by the park's renewal after the CZU Fire. The resulting collection is a beautiful testament to what this place means to the people who love it. Some of the works will be permanently displayed in a future visitor center exhibit at the park. Keep an eye out for updates on when and where you can experience them.
EXTRA AFTERNOON ACTIVITY — Rancho del Oso and the Coast
After lunch, make your way to Rancho del Oso, the coastal unit of Big Basin located off Highway 1 near Davenport. The Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center offers a fascinating look at the natural and cultural history of this stretch of coastline and the surrounding landscape. It is a quieter, less visited corner of Big Basin and well worth the detour.
If time allows, walk down to the beach at Waddell Creek. The contrast between the redwood forest and the open Pacific is one of those only-in-California moments that is hard to forget.
EVENING — Dinner at Davenport Roadhouse
End your day at Davenport Roadhouse, a beloved coastal spot just north of Santa Cruz in the small town of Davenport. With local food, a full bar, and live music, it is the kind of place that feels like a reward after a full day in the redwoods. Perfectly located if you made the afternoon trip out to Rancho del Oso and the coast.
A Note For Families
The Meteor Trail is a wonderful choice for families with young children. Winding through recovering forest and open landscape, it offers a sense of adventure without being too demanding. Bring water, snacks, layers, and a sense of wonder. The forest has a way of capturing young imaginations in ways that last a lifetime.
A Note For First Time Visitors
You may notice that parts of the forest look different from what you have seen in photos. The CZU Fire of 2020 changed the landscape significantly, but the redwoods are resilient. What you will see is not a damaged forest. It is a forest in the middle of one of nature's most remarkable stories. We are lucky to witness it.