Big Basin Redwoods State ParkAbout 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.
Best Time to Visit Big Basin Redwoods State Park
California's oldest state park, home to ancient coast redwoods - best visited in spring and early summer for waterfalls and in autumn for reduced crowds.
Weather & Climate near Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Big Basin Redwoods State Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 4°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (940 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 5° - 15° | 8° | 192 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 5° - 15° | 8° | 155 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 5° - 15° | 10° | 147 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 6° - 18° | 12° | 66 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 8° - 20° | 14° | 15 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 9° - 22° | 16° | 6 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 11° - 24° | 18° | 3 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 12° - 25° | 18° | 4 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 11° - 24° | 18° | 12 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 9° - 22° | 16° | 49 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 6° - 17° | 12° | 138 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 4° - 14° | 7° | 153 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Big Basin is northwest of Santa Cruz in the Santa Cruz Mountains. From San Jose or Santa Cruz, take Highway 17 and follow local roads (e.g., Bear Creek Road, SR-236) toward Boulder Creek and park signage; drive times vary (roughly 45-75 minutes depending on origin). Public transit options are limited; driving is the usual method of access.
Tips for Visiting Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Arrive early for the Skyline-to-the-Sea and Berry Creek Falls trails; parking fills quickly on weekends.
- Beware of occasional seasonal trail closures - check the park's website for landslide and fire-related updates.
- If interested in redwoods specifically, seek the older stands in the park's back country rather than the more accessible picnic groves.