Big Basin Redwoods State Park is the oldest state park in California, and one of the best places to see old growth coastal redwood trees (sequoia sempervirens) near the Bay Area.
As the population of the Bay Area grew in the 19th century, demand for timber led to large-scale logging of the redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. In 1902, a group of prominent citizens, led by the painter and photographer A.P. Hill, convinced the state legislature to establish a state park to preserve one of the last areas of virgin redwood forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
The park is famous for its magnificent coastal redwoods, but it also features knobcone pines and other native species. The larger mammals in the park include mule deer, bobcats and (rare) mountain lions.
A large valley in the Santa Cruz mountains, the "big basin" is a watershed whose streams flow into the Pacific Ocean. The mountains trap the coastal fog and rain, providing an ideal climate for the redwoods. Though wet and chilly in the winter, the forest is warm and dry during the summer and fall months.
Day-use fees are $10 per vehicle. Pay at the Park Headquarters.
- A small park museum is directly adjacent to the park headquarters. Open from 9AM-5PM, admission is free.
- Berry Creek Falls. More than 80 feet high. It's about from the park headquarters to the falls and back.
Berry Creek Falls. More than 80 feet high. It's about from the park headquarters to the falls and back.
Despite the park's lean budget, the rangers lead a number of activities for visitors, including educational classes for children, evening campfires, and guided hikes. Docents also lead educational hikes for visitors curious about the flora, fauna and history of the park.
- There is a small grocery store near the park headquarters, which sells food, firewood, and camping supplies. The store is open from 10AM-4PM daily, and is closed during December and January.
- A small gift shop at the park headquarters sells souvenirs and books.
- There is no gas station in the park. The closest gas station is in Boulder Creek.
There is a small grocery store near the park headquarters, which sells food, firewood, and camping supplies. The store is open from 10AM-4PM daily, and is closed during December and January.
A small gift shop at the park headquarters sells souvenirs and books.
Be aware of rattlesnakes sunning themselves on trails during the morning heat.
- Santa Cruz is the most obvious place to go next, if you didn't come from there in the first place.