Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Big Basin Redwoods State Park is a California state park in the Santa Cruz Mountains, established in 1902 and set aside to protect old-growth coast redwood forest. It is known regionally for large redwood groves and long hiking routes.

Trail networks range from short interpretive loops to long-distance routes that descend from the ridgeline toward the coast. Highlights include extensive old-growth redwood canopies and several named waterfalls and creek canyons, which are popular for day hikes.

The park was created through early conservation efforts to protect remaining redwood forest in Santa Cruz County and was among the first properties acquired by the California state park system. In recent years the park has experienced substantial disturbance from wildfire and has been the focus of restoration and recovery work.

Big Basin sits in the Santa Cruz Mountains of coastal central California, with nearby access from towns such as Boulder Creek and other communities along the mountain flanks.

• Founding: Recognised as California's oldest state park, established in 1902 to protect old-growth coast redwoods.
• Redwood trees: Contains extensive old-growth coast redwood stands, with individual trees that exceed 300 feet in height and extensive shaded canyons.

What to See #

• Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail: A long-distance route that traverses the park and descends from ridge forest to the Pacific coast; it is a primary route for multi-day hiking itineraries in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
• Berry Creek Falls and old-growth groves: A series of scenic waterfalls and redwood groves including the well-known Berry Creek Falls, reached by several trail branches within the park.