Established in 1902, Big Basin Redwoods is California’s oldest state park. In the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, its biggest attractions—literally—are its ancient coast redwoods. Some of these giants are more than 50 feet around and as tall as the Statue of Liberty. At 1,000 to 1,800 years old, some may predate the Roman Empire. The park also offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, many babbling brooks, and a fascinating natural and cultural history.
A new chapter in Big Basin's story began on August 18, 2020, when the CZU Lightning Complex Fire swept through 97% of the park's property. The fire destroyed all historic structures and radically changed the landscape. The park now looks very different from how generations of visitors experienced it, but it is steadily recovering. Most of the old-growth redwood trees survived, new plant life is vigorously growing, and many animals have returned to the area. The Reimagining Big Basin project is managing the multi-year process of rebuilding park facilities and infrastructure.
Location: Google Maps Link
Directions:
Volunteer cars will meet on Rte. 236 (Big Basin Way) at the state parks’ “Saddle Mountain” property, which is prior to a controlled access gate for the park.
Address to use for navigation: 20161 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA 95006
Note that you will have to get to this point from the south, via Highways 9 or 17/35, since Hwy 236 (Big Basin Way) is closed where it used to enter the north end of the park.
Volunteers should try to arrive as close to 9:15 a.m. as possible, but no later than 9:30 a.m.!
This is because another volunteer group will also be meeting there earlier that morning and we don’t want to intermix with them. Likewise, because we will caravan as a group through the locked gate, anyone who hasn’t arrived by 9:30 a.m. will not be able to get to the final parking area.
The caravan will drive about 3.2 miles to Gazos Day Use area for final parking and staging. State Parks emphasizes that no one may stop to take pictures during this drive!
Project Lead: Judd Volino
Additional Information: Participants should bring your own gloves, your own mask, sunscreen, water, snacks and lunch, sturdy shoes (hiking boots recommended), precautions against poison oak exposure (long sleeved shirts and long pants). Trail Center strongly recommends that all volunteers be fully vaccinated.