Big Basin Redwoods State Park - California

Address:600 Ocean St
Santa Cruz Mountains, California
Tel: (831) 338-8860

Established in 1902, Big Basin Redwoods is California's oldest State Park, established with the goal of preserving virgin coastal redwoods. Citizen activism and private donations helped to expand this park to its current size, which now includes massive forests of chapparals and coastal wetlands. This park is home to the largest continuous stand of ancient coast redwoods south of San Francisco, with over 18,000 acres of old growth and recovering redwood forest. Some of Big Basin's 80 miles of amazing trails will lead hikers through waterfalls, lush canyon bottoms and steep slopes. Those interested in extending their stay will enjoy one of the 146 campsites located on four campgrounds with restrooms, drinking water, and showers available - and campers can choose from either drive in or backcountry camping. The natural treasures thriving here at Big Basin are enough to make a nature-lover out of anyone.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California's oldest State Park, established in 1902. Home to the largest continuous stand of ancient coast redwoods south of San Francisco, the park consists of over 18,000 acres of old growth and recovering redwood forest, with mixed conifer, oaks, chaparral, and riparian habitats. Elevations in the park vary from sea level to over 2,000 feet. The climate ranges from foggy and damp near the ocean to sunny, warm ridge tops. The park features family and group camping, tent cabins, backpacking camps, hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails. The park is open year round and reservations are encouraged during the summer. The park has over 80 miles of trails. Be sure and pick up a map at park headquarters before your hike and take a look at the multimedia kiosk in the Sempervirens Room (next to park headquarters). There you will find great information, photos, and video of some of the most popular trails. Some trails link Big Basin to Castle Rock State Park and the eastern reaches of the Santa Cruz range. The Skyline to the Sea Trail threads its way through the park along Waddell Creek to the beach and adjacent Theodore J. Hoover Natural Preserve, a freshwater marsh. The park has a surprising number of waterfalls and a wide variety of environments from lush canyon bottoms to sparse chaparral-covered slopes. Many animals such as deer, raccoon, coyote, fox, an occasional bobcat, mountain lion, and many bird species--including California quail, egret, heron, hawk, owl, woodpecker, and the endangered marbled murrelet--call Big Basin home. And of course there are always plenty of banana slugs!