Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Overview

Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California's oldest state park (established 1902), is currently in a recovery and rebuilding phase following the devastating August 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire, which swept through 97% of the park and destroyed all historic structures and infrastructure. The park is OPEN for day-use with limited access. Most of the ancient old-growth redwood trees (1,000-1,800 years old) survived the fire and the ecosystem is actively regenerating. Currently available: limited day-use parking by reservation ($6 plus $2 reservation fee), several reopened trails and fire roads including the popular 0.6-mile Redwood Loop Trail, visitor center, and equestrian/bicycle access on fire roads. All campgrounds remain CLOSED. No oversized vehicles or trailers permitted. Santa Cruz Metro offers seasonal weekend shuttle service (Route 35). The coastal unit, Rancho del Oso, is accessible via Highway 1 and remains open. State Parks is actively managing a multi-year facilities management planning process to reimagine and rebuild the park for future generations. As an expert camper, note that backcountry camping is currently unavailable, but the park offers excellent day-hiking through recovering redwood forest with unique opportunities to observe post-fire ecological succession.