Big Basin Redwoods (State Park)
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Big Basin Redwoods - by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash




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.
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
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 45m
est. visit time:2h 30m
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
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
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