Our Parks
BIG BASIN REDWOODS STATE PARK
Photo by Bill Rhoades © CA State Parks
Big Basin is partially open after extensive damage sustained in the 2020 CZU Fire.
A sample of what is open now (subject to change as additional trails are opened):
Temporary visitor information center
Redwood Loop Trail
Dool Trail
Meteor Trail
Sunset Trail (from Dool Trail to Middle Ridge Road)
Gazos Creek Road (from North Escape Road to Sandy Point)
North Escape Road (from former Headquarters area to Meteor Trail)
Middle Ridge Road (from Gazos Creek Road to Johansen Road)
Johansen Road
Chalks Road
Skyline to the Sea Trail (from Gazos Creek Road to North Escape Road and Loop off Middle Ridge Fire Road)
Day-use parking by reservation
Temporary restrooms
Temporary handwashing stations
What is currently closed?
Most backcountry areas
All campgrounds (Except Rancho del Oso)
All drinking water sources (water fountains, spigots, sinks, etc.)
A Look Back at Big Basin Before the Fire …
(Most of these experiences are no longer available, but the memories are precious!)
Big Basin is an Amazing Place
Did you know Big Basin is California’s oldest state park and the birthplace of the American conservation movement? With over 18,000 acres of land and water, dynamic habitats, and a diversity of plants and wildlife, you’ll never run out of awe-inspiring destinations.
Visiting Big Basin
Big Basin is located in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, just 9 miles away from the picturesque town of Boulder Creek, CA and 35 miles away from San Jose, CA. It is well worth the drive!
Getting There by Public Transit
Santa Cruz Metro is now offering weekend service during summer months to Big Basin Redwoods State Park on Bus Route 35. No entrance fee or reservation is required for visitors who arrive by bus. Save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, take the bus!
Photo by Bill Rhoades © CA State Parks
Hiking.
All hiking trails in Big Basin were severely impacted by the CZU Fire. Get information about open trails, terrain, distances, and accessibility for available Big Basin trails here.
Photo by Bill Rhoades © CA State Parks
Camping.
Currently not available due to the CZU Fire damage to the park. Please check back on the CA State Parks’ website.
Photo by Scott Peden
Picnicking.
After the fire, there are still many beautiful places in Big Basin to picnic. Visit the map on CA State Parks’ website to plan your perfect picnic.
Photo by Danny Halvorson
Photo by Bill Rhoades © CA State Parks
Events.
Big Basin activities and events are listed on California State Parks’ website. Information is updated regularly so check back often!
A Bit of History
The Big Basin story begins in 1889 when painter/photographer Andrew P. Hill was hired to take pictures of the amazing redwoods in Welch’s Grove (now Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Felton). Welch would not let Hill take pictures of his grove so Hill traveled to the Big Basin area instead. There, Hill was so inspired by the grandeur of the redwoods, and so alarmed that these giants were being cut down, that he vowed to help save these magnificent trees for generations to enjoy.
He and friends such as journalist Josephine McCracken attracted wealthy and influential people who formed the Sempervirens Club. These visionaries raised funds and convinced legislators to purchase Big Basin. Thus began the preservation movement and, in 1902, California’s oldest State Park was established.
Since that time, public and private partnerships have added to the park and its original 3,800 acres increased over the years to more than 18,000 acres. Behind these efforts lie the passionate stories of visionaries, visitors and workers and the history of the preservation movement.
News in Big Basin
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