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Big Basin Redwoods State Park
21600 Big Basin Way
Boulder Creek, CA 95006
831-338-8860
Park Description
Big Basin 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 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 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 of these 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, a wide variety of environments (from lush canyon bottoms to sparse chaparral-covered slopes, many animals (deer, raccoons, an occasional bobcat) and lots of bird life-- including Steller’s jays, egrets, herons and California woodpeckers.

Dogs are permitted in the campsites, picnic areas, and on paved roads only. They must be on a leash and attended at all times. Dogs ARE NOT permitted on any of the trails.

Location – Directions The park is 25 miles northwest of Santa Cruz via Highways 9 and 236 and about 65 miles south of San Francisco. All roads into Big Basin are curvy. If you have an RV or trailer, take Route 1 - it"s the least curvy.

Seasons/Climate Winter: Cold, overcast and rainy. Big Basin receives the majority of its average 48 inches of rain. December through March average temperatures range from highs in the 50"s to lows in the 20"s. Spring: Cool with showers and morning and evening fog. Average daytime highs in the 60"s, lows in the 30"s to 40"s.

Summer: Warm with cool nights. Morning fog in early Summer. Average highs 75 to 95, lows 40"s to 50"s.

Fall: Warm day to cold nights. Occasional early storms with rain. Average highs 75 to 60"s, lows 50"s to 30. Maybe the best weather of the year!

Hours of Operation: Open year round

Office Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday

Fees: There are entry fees for this park
No Metro Region listed. Park Management: State

BBQ Grill   Benches   Bike Racks   Biking-Mountain   Biking-Road   Camping: Cabins   Camping: RVs   Camping: Tents   Equestrian   First Aid   Food / Restaurant   Handicap Accessible   Historical Landmark   Museum   Nature Reserve   Open Space   Parking   Picnic Tables   Pond/Stream/Lake   Ranger Station   Scenic Views   Shelter/Pavillion   Swimming-Nature   Trails, Natural Surface   Trails, Paved   Water Fountain   Wildlife Viewing