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Big Basin Redwoods (State Park)

21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, California

Description

Big Basin Redwoods is a State Park located in Santa Cruz County, in California. It is the largest continuous forest of coastal redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) south of San Francisco, containing 44 km2 of old-growth forest with various species of oaks, conifers and other plants. The park has several waterfalls and 130km of trail such as the Big Basin to Castle Rock State Park and the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail. The park was unfortunately heavily impacted by the fire sparked by lightning strikes in August 2020 (97% of the area burned but most growth redwood trees survived). Only part of it has been cleared and made safe for public visitors and most areas along Hwy 236 are still off-limits.

Access & Transport

The park is 40km (25 miles) northwest of Santa Cruz via Highways 9 and 236 and about 105 km (65 miles) miles south of San Francisco. All roads into Big Basin are curvy. From Hwy 9 in the town of Boulder Creek, turn north onto Hwy 236 and the Park Headquarters are 15km (9 miles) down the highway. The Rancho Del Oso coastal unit of Big Basin is accessible via Highway 1, about 30km (20 miles) north of the city of Santa Cruz.

Instructions & Recommendations

For details on progress and what areas can be accessed, visit: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=540 Advice from the park management: there is no cell phone service near park headquarters so if you have used ride sharing and car sharing apps to get to Big Basin, you may not be able to book a ride back home.

Meta review

This summary is based on online reviews written prior to the Aug'20 fire. Visitors enjoy the range of trails of various fitness levels and duration as well as the intro to the redwoods around the visitor center. They rate the area and trails as 'very scenic' and think it is a good alternative to the better known Muir Woods (just north from SF).

Environmental & Social

This is an environment friendly activity. Provides a high-quality environment to regional residents

Conclusion

The perfect place for a half or full day hike out in the woods and an excellent option on a road trip between the Bay ara and the Californian Central Coast. The trails are mostly non-technical and are suitable for novices, trail runners, etc.

Key positive

Impressive redwood specimens

Several trail options

Key negative

None (when open)

Suitability

Suitable for families and wheelchair users partly explore the park driving through (highway 236 and around the visitor center with some assistance).

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in July 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Park Day Use Hours: 08h-Sunset and Park HQ opens daily 08h-19h

av. transport time:0h 45m

est. visit time:2h 30m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

MONDAY08:00 - 19:00

TUESDAY08:00 - 19:00

WEDNESDAY08:00 - 19:00

THURSDAY08:00 - 19:00

FRIDAY08:00 - 19:00

SATURDAY08:00 - 19:00

SUNDAY08:00 - 19:00

Start of Season 2:Nov, 01

Season 2

MONDAY08:00 - 17:00

TUESDAY08:00 - 17:00

WEDNESDAY08:00 - 17:00

THURSDAY08:00 - 17:00

FRIDAY08:00 - 17:00

SATURDAY08:00 - 17:00

SUNDAY08:00 - 17:00

Pricing
Free

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