{"id":12160,"date":"2021-01-14T10:58:57","date_gmt":"2021-01-14T18:58:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sempervirens.org\/?page_id=12160"},"modified":"2026-03-18T09:05:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T16:05:18","slug":"big-basin-redwoods-state-park","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sempervirens.org\/visit\/big-basin-redwoods-state-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Big Basin Redwoods State Park"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\n\t\t\tBig Basin Redwoods State Park\t<\/h1>\n

\n\t\t\tHow to Visit Some of Santa Cruz Mountains’
Most Impressive Redwoods\t<\/h3>\n\t

You can see some of the Santa Cruz Mountains’ most impressive redwood trees along the Redwood Loop Trail in Big Basin Redwoods State Park. The trail passes remarkable old-growth redwoods, including the Mother, Father, and Santa Clara Trees that inspired the movement to protect coast redwoods. That movement led to the founding of Sempervirens Club (now Sempervirens Fund) which helped create Big Basin<\/a>, California’s oldest state park, to permanently protect these stunning giants in 1902. Since then, Sempervirens Fund has continued working with California State Parks to protect most of the park’s 18,376 acres. That includes over 15,000 more acres added since 1902, and most recently, the 153-acre NoraBella property<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In August and September 2020, the CZU Lightning Complex Fire burned more than 86,000 acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains, including Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Big Basin began a limited reopening in July 2022, and access has continued to evolve as additional roads and trails reopen following both the fire and the severe storms of 2023. Today, some portions of the park, including the Redwood Loop Trail, are open for limited day use. Visitor access remains limited and trail conditions continue to change<\/a>, so visitors should check the current park map, access information, and reservation guidance before visiting. You can read more about how we’re Reimagining Big Basin<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDonate Now\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n

\n\t\t\tFeatured Hike: Redwood Loop Trail\t<\/h1>\n

\n\t\t\tA forested loop among redwoods recovering from wildfire in California’s oldest state park\t<\/h2>\n\t

Length<\/p>\n\t

1.3 miles<\/p>\n\t

Rated<\/p>\n\t

Easy*<\/p>\n\t

Trail Type<\/p>\n\t

Loop<\/p>\n\t

Elevation Gain<\/p>\n\t

42 feet<\/p>\n\t

One of the region’s easiest trails, this loop is an ideal outing for anyone seeking a self-guided stroll among giant redwoods. Guided walks may also be available occasionally.<\/p>\n

Rated “easy” by California State Parks<\/a>, this 0.6-mile loop is flat, with compact ground in places and natural trails in others, with very slight elevation changes. Having recently experienced extreme wildfire, this is also a forest in recovery, and an opportunity to reflect on the resilience and majesty of the world’s largest trees in California’s oldest state park.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\n\t\t\tHow to Get There\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/h3>\n\t

*Trail ratings vary and in this guide you will find information to make the best choice for your health and wellness goals.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\"Trails\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

Enjoy the health benefits of time in nature on the Redwood Loop Trail at Big Basin Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\"Trx\n\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGoogle Maps\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOuterSpatial\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n

\n\t\t\tWhy is this a healthful experience?\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSee Redwood Loop Trail\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n

\n\t\t\tRedwood Loop Trail\t<\/h2>\n\t

You can marvel at these breathtaking, and breath-giving, specimens of the world’s tallest trees on this short, easy hike that is perfect for the whole family. To start your hike, visit Big Basin Redwoods State Park. The Redwood Loop Trail begins from the main parking lot in the former park headquarters area. The Mother of the Forest is Big Basin’s tallest tree, measuring 258 feet in height. The Father of the Forest and the Santa Clara Tree are the park’s two widest trees; the Santa Clara Tree measures 17 feet in diameter. Located on North Escape Road, just a short meander from the Redwood Loop Trail and across from the former park headquarters area, is another inspiring tree: the magnificent Statue of Responsibility. This 255-foot-high living “statue” serves as a reminder of the link between liberty and responsibility. It was named in 1989 as the result of a passionate campaign led by Billy Prior Bates, a Women’s Army Corps veteran of World War II and a longtime Sempervirens Fund supporter.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\"20251021\n\t<\/figure>\n

\n\t\t\tDool Trail and a Lighter Option\t<\/h2>\n\t

You can experience more of Big Basin on the Dool Trail Loop, a moderate hike that takes you beyond the Redwood Loop and into a broader sweep of the park’s recovering forest. Beginning near the main day-use area, the route follows the Skyline-to-the-Sea Connector Trail to Dool Trail, then returns by way of Gazos Creek Road and North Escape Road. As you move through the loop, you pass through recovering forest and stretches of old-growth redwoods, gaining a fuller sense of Big Basin’s changing landscape after fire and storm. At about 1.75 miles with roughly 140 feet of elevation gain, it offers an expanded view of the park while still beginning and ending near the core day-use area. For a lighter option, you can enjoy North Escape Road on its own as an out-and-back walk from near the temporary visitor center. This paved stretch leads through recovering forest near Opal Creek and offers a quieter, gentler experience among redwoods and shade.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\"Big\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

Plan Your Hike<\/h2>\n

Address:<\/strong> Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA 95006<\/p>\n

Please note:<\/strong>\u00a0Road and trail conditions may change rapidly in the forest. Visit the official Big Basin Redwoods State Park website for the most current information, including the park map and currently open trails.<\/p>\n

Hours:<\/strong>\u00a08:00 a.m. to sunset. Check current access and parking reservation requirements<\/a> before visiting.<\/p>\n

Directions:<\/strong> Click here for Google Maps directions<\/a><\/p>\n\t

Park Activities<\/h3>\n