I found so many banana slugs on the Skyline to sea trail! It got warm real quick so make sure you have enough water and a hat. The volunteer working at the little store they had was so sweet and informative. He told me all about the fire that happened here several years ago! I'd come back again. Also, lots of benches to enjoy the views and good amount of parking. read more

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Came here to see the waterfalls but unfortunately with the fires in 2020 it is closed. Not sure when it will be back open for hikes. Nonetheless it was a nice hike here. It was nice to see benches made from the trees to allow for break times and snack time. Parking is $10 but it is good for the day and to other state park until sunset. read more

Big Basin Redwoods State Park - Parks Near Me - Boulder Creek, California

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Went to Big Basin, we had made parking g reservations in advance. We hiked the Redwood loop trail and one other. We talked to park Rangers who were leading tours at certain times. This park is still under alot of restoration from the 2020 fires. Some trails are still closed. We hope to come back In the future to explore those areas once its been restored and deemed safe. read more

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Just check the view. It was beautiful. Windy. It's so beautiful all along the Cabrillo HW. Gotta stop and make time to view the magnificent Pacific coast. read more

Big Basin Redwoods State Park - Parks Near Me - Boulder Creek, California

I had never been to Big Basin before the fire. My cousin was visiting from Florida. So on one of the hottest days of July 2024, we decided to drive to Big Basin. We arrived around 8:30AM on Saturday and walked around the grove. We saw stellar jays and California quail, as well as some banana slugs. We did only two easy trails and decided to have lunch around 11:30. By then the crowds had picked up. I thought they were crazy, because it was heating up. I would not recommend going out hiking here on a hot day - the lack of tree coverage at least in 2024 was not enough to keep the area cool. Or if you do, then go early and leave early. I was also surprised by the mosquitos which like to hang around the restroom area which also has a make-shift visitor kiosk and is where the park rangers started the tours. I'm not so sure, because I was trying to avoid the mosquitos and it wasn't open around 8:30AM. I would be interested in returning on a cooler day for a tour because I think they would be able to provide some interesting information. Currently the redwoods are at an interesting stage of the life cycle. In terms of driving, I would recommend the route that passes through Boulder Creek. CA 236 is the main road, but the portion that is north of the Big Basin main parking has a road that is narrow and doesn't have a lane divider. The southern portion I felt was safer and easier to drive because it had a lane divider, but I think was a longer drive if coming from the East Bay. We stopped by Los Gatos afterwards for ice cream. I highly do not recommend this idea on a Saturday. If anyone even breathes this idea on a Saturday, you must veto it. The same day there was an article by the local news of the awful traffic that plagues Los Gatos on busy summer days. read more

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The fires did a lot of damage. There was alot of opened areas from lack of trees. The overgrowth brush was very thick and it felt very claustrophobic on the trails at times. Besides the fire risk and bugs that come with, there is no chance for the red wood or any tree for that matter will take hold in these areas unless the brush and some of these dead trees are kept under control. So I came back sad after my hike considering what it was like before these fires. The road up had lot of branches left on the road and at times the road a narrow 1.5 ish lane road shared which is not pleasant when on coming traffic is speeding and creating dangerous situations. Castle rock state park right next door was in much better shape imo. read more

I love seeing redwoods. Redwood trees are among the biggest and tallest in the world. They can live for thousands of years. I usually go to Muir Woods to see them but on this San Francisco road trip I decided to visit Big Basin Redwoods State Park. There was a wildfire in 2020 so there are still signs of char and lots of new growth. There were a bunch of trails to walk and lots of redwoods to see. Love the fresh forest scent here. read more

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Much has changed at Big Basin since my last review. Due to the CZU fires of 2020 this park is now a shadow of its former self. (This shouldn't be news for Bay Area residents). It will be many years for it to recover to its former glory - I predict at least a decade until all the trails and facilities are fully open. (You heard me). And it will probably be several more decades until the signs of fire begin to fade into the background. It's terribly sad, to be sure. But I am also thankful for the times I did spend here before the conflagration. Here's a synopsis as of Fall 2023: -- Of the original 80 miles of trails, about 20 miles are open - mostly fire roads (15 miles were open one year ago). -- The gorgeous, historical visitors center "log cabin" at main HQ is toast -- There is no camping here yet - either car or backcountry. (There used to be numerous sites of each flavor) -- There have been no "skyline to the sea" backpack trips possible for three years now; most of the namesake trail is still closed -- No access to Berry Creek Falls...or any falls for that matter -- No access to the main park from the ocean side (Waddell Beach) On the positive side, Big Basin is making a steady, slow recovery. It is possible to hike here again; but only from the old, main HQ location. (I did a 14-mile loop last summer with friends). And they are gradually opening one trail section at a time. Though quite a few redwoods perished in the 2020 fires, many more are in recovery mode, sprouting new growth in odd, Dr. Suess-like patterns. Kinda cool. Unfortunately Yelp is WAAAY out-of-date on Big Basin. Of the 651 reviews for this park, only 10 have been written since the 2020 fire. That's a mere 1.5% (This review makes it 1.7%.) It might seem callous to give it three stars; I certainly don't blame the park for its fate. But facts are facts, and the Big Basin of today is just not as stunning a destination as it once was. I hope it can return to 5-star status someday; the sooner the better. Hiking Spot Checklist: -- Parking: Main entrance ($8 w/ reservation; $10 without) and at Waddell Beach (no fee) -- Bathrooms: Yes. At both main and Waddell Beach entrances -- Potable water: No -- Maps provided: Signs, at main entrance -- Highlights: Recovering forests; some old-growth redwoods (untouched in a few, small sections) My Peninsula Hike Collection is here: (https://www.yelp.com/collection/qBI6U6Lz9LJQjnGjFW6ubg/Peninsula-Hiking-Spots) read more

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Park is reopened! Map of trails 8/5/2022. There are only a couple of trails available. But, the park is doing all they can to reopen more areas. There's still a lot of burnt trees, but you can see the resilience of them all! Enjoyed finally being back in the park. Looking forward to see more areas reopen! read more

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Big Basin was a beautiful mini getaway for the day. Very easy to get to just type in Big Basin state park into maps and it takes you directly to the parking area. There is a parking fee of $10 and there's limited parking so it is recommended to reserve/pay a parking space before hand on their website to ensure you get a spot. If you go early it's not an issue but around 10ish everyone starts flowing in so keep in mind. Did the sky to seas trail which had a little bit of everything. Trees, creeks, greenery, wildlife and beautiful flowers. Due to some construction some of the trails get merged/ redirected so it's recommended to take a picture of the trail map in the parking lot ahead of time. If you're looking for a quick, leveled trail to admire the redwoods head to the redwood loop trail. It is short, a few benches along the way, and there's also an open air theatre. I went to the skyline to the sea trail. To get to it head towards dool trail. Once on that trail there will be a sign that will tell you to veer to the right for the skyline trail. Once on the skyline trail you'll it a closure on the road and it will direct you to the meteor trail. From there you want to head back down dool trail and that will take you back to the parking lot. It's a pretty simple loop with easy to moderate inclination about 4.6 miles long. There were a lot of bumble bees in the flowers which were extremely adorable and mesmerizing to watch. If you leave them alone and respect their space, they leave you alone and respect your space. Pretty simple. Overall the trail was beautiful, green, and very peaceful. I didn't start seeing people until towards the end of my trail so I had a lot of alone time to take in the scenery. Def recommend! read more

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I went here over a year a half ago as a part of my personal retreat plan that I had dedicated myself to "touching nature" at least once a month. The following pictures are a combination of both trips. Big Basin in is beautiful place to see as a couple, family or alone based on what you are trying to achieve. The most peaceful and unconvoluted time is in the middle of the week so that your drives up the coast are not traffic filled and slow with locals, international travelers, golfers and next county visitors like myself. Plan on stopping every few miles for views, pictures and unusual parking spots. As for the park it is nice to be able to get out of the car or off the moped and see a recovered park. I was impressed at the fact that the park maintenance outside of the roped off area looked natural and not allot of logs place for people walk around a trail. The vegetation in the area showed its scars from fires but reminded me how "nature prevails". Take your time and walk through the park with respect for the area. Each picture will be a good one that will look good reproduced and hung on your home's wall. read more

Beautiful park--I hope to return someday after it recovers from the desolation of wildfire. There's a 10$ entry fee, which isn't that steep compared to Yosemite's (35$, but lasts 7 days), but for those who'd want to complain, it's towards sustaining beautiful places like these for us to adventure. PROS: - very quiet, peaceful; you get the serenity of the forest - lots of shade, beautiful trees to look at - many paths to take! I'm not sure what people are talking about saying there's only one path, but there are quite a few, and mixing and matching allows you to hike what's most suitable for each person - caring staff; they place marks on your car to track how long you've been and to make sure you don't get lost! CONS: - no water up top; BE PREPARED TO BRING WATER!! It's incredibly hot even with so much shade, especially my experience with hiking the ocean summit view, so bring lots of water with you - Decimated trees; unfortunately, the forest had succumbed to wildfires several years back, but there's still beautiful, you're just not going to see as many of the beautiful Redwood Park, unless he walked further into the forest - Not many signs on the trails. However, the map is very helpful!! read more

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Everyone who worked here were so nice!!! Made me so happy talking to them about the butterflies and bugs! Most gorgeous hiking to see redwoods and explore the areas was super nice. Definitely recommend for a date day or just somewhere to hike! read more

Big Basin Redwoods State Park was the location my fiancé and I shot our engagement pictures. This was our first time at the park and it was beautiful! Sadly, we didn't get to explore much of the grounds, but there were still many redwood trees and greenery to see and explore during our short time there. Not to mention, the drive up to the park was a great adventure in itself! The fiancé and I arrived around 5pm and there was still a decent amount of guests. Many were wearing masks and practicing social distancing, which was good. Overall, I think Big Basin is a great place to hike. It seems to be a popular spot. Even though we arrived towards closing time, there were still many guests, so I assume in the morning or afternoon it gets busier. Furthermore, it is a bit of a drive from the Bay, but the trees and scenery is beautiful and worth the trip. PS: Parking is $10 and don't forget your bug spray, the fiancé and I ended up leaving with a few mosquito bites. read more

Big Basin Redwoods State Park - Lauren Weber Photography - Parks Near Me - Boulder Creek, California

Well Geezus. All I can say is that there's no such beauty as nature. You can seriously get lost in the beauty here. Like all up IN it for sure. The Redwoods, the wildlife, the hiking trails, the rampant greenery, the diverse foliage, the waterfalls, the vibrant flowers. Yep... you can get lost in it all. My friend and I hiked down to Berry Creek Falls and back along the Skyline to the Sea Trail and we enjoyed just about every moment of our mini journey. Usually I'll stop at the Visitor's Center to get some information on the trails, but since we knew what trail that we were taking, we just parked and headed down to the falls. Parking is $10 and is cash only. I would recommend that you bring the exact amount since the toll taker doesn't always have change. We arrived around 9:30 am and there was still quite a bit of parking left, but the early birds took up most of the parking spaces located closest to the trailhead. I would also advise to get here as early as you can, especially right now during the COVID era where the trails have been slammed lately. As we began our hike down to the falls, we were immediately greeted by the most gorgeous Redwood trees! No need to hike for miles and miles to reach these beauties. They basically line the trails during the entire duration of the hike. The hike down to the falls is about 4 miles one way, but the trail continues on and meanders through a few other parks. We did an 8 mile out and back hike to the falls and the hike was beautiful! The trail starts off on a gradual descent into the woods and goes over small bridge crossings and under large fallen trees. An array of vibrant plants and colorful wildflowers can be find throughout the trail. It's completely covered by the shade of the giant Redwoods, so you don't have to worry about burning up in the heat. When we finally made it up to the falls, it looked so beautiful! The falls are not a full in the summer, but still flourishing. There's a little deck with a few rest benches and a place where you can pose for pictures with the falls as your backdrop. There were a few other people on the deck when we arrived, but they were very respectful of people's time and didn't stay for too long. We took a short break and had lunch there before heading back to the parking lot. Going back is way more difficult since it's basically all up hill. Make sure you bring water because that hike back up will leave you parched. Be sure to spray yourself GENEROUSLY with lots of bug spray! The mosquitos seemed to be out for our blood that day. Even though we sprayed, we still got bitten up pretty badly. Would definitely recommend long sleeved shirts and long pants for this one. Also, watch out for ticks and poison oak. I saw lots of poison oak all over the trail. It's easy to miss sometimes since it blends in with the rest of the foliage. All in all, the hike down to Berry Creek Falls was stunning and well worth the visit. read more

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Our family went for a hike here as it was gorgeous! Lots of banana slugs and pretty mushrooms. The trail we walked is the Berry Creek Falls Trail. True to it's name there are of course waterfalls, we only saw one but there are supposed to be several. There were part of the trail that was closed off and we might have also went onto another trail. The reason why this was not a 5 star was because this trail is not interactive, you can't go off trail and explore a bit more say by a creek or beyond the trail itself. I think our family enjoy hiking but also being able to sit by a creek and explore or go off trail a bit. Anyhow, it's just beautiful and serene to see all the redwoods up close. There were huge fallen ginormous redwood logs that we crossed and the kids loved going back and forth on it. We brought lunch and had a nice lunch there. There not many people there when we went about 3 months ago during winter break. Anyways, if you do go during wet months just be prepared for closed trails, wet slippery grounds, and of course bring rain gear. Enjoy California redwoods! It's our heritage and treasure from Mother Earth. What a privilege to be able to be in the midst of all this beauty! read more

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Omg on my favorite redwoods state Park to hike at and spend the day! It's gorgeous and the hiking trails are well marked! They are shaded! The only concern is this place has a lot of mosquitoes- so if you are on of those people who get bitten by million mosquitoes (like I do!) get a bug spray- it will change your life! Highly recommend the hikes! Highly recommend the berry loop trail (the longer version, you get to hike in different landscapes, and you get to see the waterfalls! Don't forget to bring a lot of water especially if you are doing 10+ miles!! read more

Brrrrrr! It's very cold hiking here and most of the trails are shaded. Luckily we were prepared for the unexpected. Knitted type of hat advisable, gloves, and light but warm jacket. Basically dress in layers is my best advice. Parking lot was filled when we arrived and the line to get parking permit was long. So, have backup plans just in case you are not able to find parking. Make sure to bring enough food and drinks to carry with you if you're planning to do the longer hikes. There's a couple of trails you can walk with just minimal snacks. There is also a small snack store at the parking lot area but everything is expensive and not much choice of things to eat. The trails are beautiful and most trails are pretty flat or gradual incline. Some steep hills but they are nicely paved. There's a lot to see.....from banana slugs, redwoods, wild mushrooms, creeks, and Hollow trees. Hiking here doesn't feel like exercise, because you get so engage with nature that you forget why you are here. There's many photo moments you have that you have to stop. I was hoping to capture the beauty....pictures doesn't do it's justice. It is simply so much better to experience it in person. If you like to hike, you will love it here. read more

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We camp a lot and this was one of our favorites. Big spots and spacious. Best of all is the trees. Lots of trees and the smell is something I wish we could bottle up. Beautiful place all around. Nice trails to hike on. We stayed in the Upper Blooms Creek. We were actually booked here back in '20 when the fires came and we had to cancel - we were terrified that this wonderful place would burn but it's okay. My only complaint is the drive out - you can get super car sick on those roads (not the fault of the campsite of course, lol). But great place to camp for sure. The aroma of the trees alone is worth the admission. read more

A solid state park to visit for day hikes, backpacking, camping, and just enjoying nature in its redwood glory. The road to get to the park is windy and narrow at times. Make sure to be careful when driving and mindful when turning sharp corners. Bikers frequent the roads as well, so give them a respectful distance. The parking fee is still $10 as of April 2019. If the main lots are full, just keep driving towards the other lots. The park ranger at the fee station will give you a card you can fill out and stash on your car dashboard for them to refer to in case you get lost and need help (aka if your car is still there after the park closes). The hikes vary in length. There were quite a few trails that were closed during my visit, so be sure to consult the map postings or a park ranger for the latest details. I went on the trail heading towards multiple waterfalls since that sounded like the most scenic one. The path is shaded for the most part and weaves up and down the hill sides. The incline isn't too steep, but keep in mind it's mostly downhill going towards the falls. That means the trek back to the parking lot is mostly uphill. The trail to the falls was mostly cleared, but there were multiple really muddy patches that you had to struggle over in order to keep going. You know, the mush that tries to suction your shoes from your feet and claim you hostage for the rest of the day. Wear your waterproof shoes or footwear you don't mind getting really dirty. There are a few resting areas along the trail where you can sit, snack, have a meal, or just stop to catch a breath. Some have wooden benches or just logs you can sit on when you want a break. Great park overall. Gets crowded sometimes, but definitely worth visiting at least once. read more

Big Basin Redwoods State Park - Map. - Parks Near Me - Boulder Creek, California

Update from KQED August 25, 2020 https://www.kqed.org/news/11835124/some-good-news-many-of-big-basins-ancient-redwoods-appear-to-have-survived Many of Big Basin's Ancient Redwoods Appear to Have Survived from the massive CZU Lightning Complex fire in California last week. It's unclear if the oldest redwoods in Big Basin, 2,000 years old and among the tallest living things on Earth here got burned out. "But an Associated Press reporter and photographer hiked the renowned Redwood Trail at Big Basin Redwoods State Park on Monday, and said most of the ancient redwoods he observed appeared to have withstood the blaze. Among the survivors is one dubbed Mother of the Forest." Yippppeeeee Sempervirens Falls in Big Basin State Park? "The Forest is not gone!" Just "with fire scars!" The redwoods have lived here for 2000+ years. They are incredibly resilient to lightenings, thunders, earthquakes, fire due to their thick bark, high tannin level and height. The redwoods at Big Basin will thrive and survive! read more

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There is so much to behold in a place like Big Basin Redwoods. I love Redwood trees, and yesterday, my guy pitched the idea that we should go hiking here! On a hot day in the East Bay, a cool, relaxed hike in the the redwoods sounded absolutely perfect. We took the long route so we could drive by Clouds Rest. We did the Redwood Loop Trail up by the main entrance of the park ($10 entrance fee to park). It was pretty busy around 3pm on a Saturday, but most people were filtering out so we were able to get a parking space. Our next endeavor at this park would probably be the Skyline to Sea Tail (25 mile round trip) which sounds like a good challenge! There are plenty of trails for experience levels of all kinds at this park -- it's very inclusive and has natural beauty that can be appreciated at every turn. I can't wait to come back here and see what else this park has to offer. read more

Big Basin Redwoods State Park - Parks Near Me - Boulder Creek, California

We drove up from San Jose on a Saturday. There was moderate traffic and with the curvy roads all the way up to the park -- it was about a 1 hour and 20 minute drive. When you arrive to the park, you're met with a line of cars waiting to get in. The daily permit fee is $10 (cash only) and while there is plenty of parking, it can be hard to find a good spot. We parked at the back of the park about half a mile away from the park's headquarters. There are several trails you can explore -- ranging from easy to strenuous paths that will take you through breath taking views. We opted for the Sequoia Trail which was a beautiful hike walking in from the back. We looped toward the Sempervirens Falls and then back down toward the camp sites and went back all the way around. Bottom line, it was a great day spent hiking at Big Basin. We passed through so many of nature's art (fallen tree stumps that became images of its own over time, accidental shapes and ditches created to be homes for all the different animals that live throughout the park, etc.) We can't wait to return to try other trails. We'll definitely attempt to arrive earlier in order to avoid the crowds. There is a snack shop at the front near the headquarters that offers sandwich wraps, soft serve ice cream, chips, peanuts, cold drinks, etc. There is no cell reception there at all so research the trails you want to explore the night before. Make sure you have really comfortable hiking shoes, plenty of water and sunscreen. Perfect place to escape from the chaos of city life. Would highly recommend Big Bason to all my fellow yelpers looking for a wonderful dosage of nature therapy. read more

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Beautiful park, beautiful trails, and peaceful. We visited Muir Woods and Big Basin the same week (Thursday/Friday respectively, in August). Muir was overrun, crowded, and filled with visitors who don't respect the environment or the serenity of the forest. Here at Big Basin we encountered exactly the opposite. This is the redwood forest experience I was hoping to encounter. The trees are absolutely amazing, and very near the park offices there is a meadow that was an absolutely beautiful spot to catch the sun dipping below the trees in the late afternoon. A creek runs along the main trail, giving the most perfect tranquil soundscape. As for facilities, we enjoyed the big picnic tables outside the gift shop for a quick lunch, the gift shop is very nice, and if you're interested, they offer guided walks as well. Parking was not an issue. read more

Big Basin Redwoods State Park - Meadow - Parks Near Me - Boulder Creek, California

I wish I could just leave a blank, five-star Yelp review for Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Nothing I say will compare to the feeling of standing at the base of a nearly 2,000 year old Forest Giant. We came down from SF, gradually getting further away from the hustle and the highways, finding ourselves on narrow, snaking roads through the mountains. The roads led us into Big Basin which, on a Friday, had explorers and hikers but was not at all too packed. You pay your $10 and register your car to avoid a ticket, then talk routes with the helpful rangers. We set out, baby in tow, for hours and hours of serene hiking. The trees are just unlike anything else, I really mean that. I love the woods no matter what, but the trees have a way of humbling you in the way that nature likes to do. Our hike was full of piney smells, clean air, softness of the forest floor from mini-needles falling, filtered sunlight coming in, and a million photographs that don't come out as well as just soaking it all in while you're there. There are lots of places to see the Redwoods in Northern California, but this specific park will always hold a special spot and I can't wait to go back. read more

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I loved hiking at Big Basin! Brought family and friends here to do a 6 plus mile hike here but actually it ended up 8 miles for some reason on my app! The only thing I hated was getting here was the crooked roads! If you get car sick, be prepared to have a doggie bag or take Dramamine! Hahaha Entrance is $10 cash so make sure you have it as they don't accept credit cards. Ask for a map even if it was not accurate. I suggest to download the 'AllTrails' map as it's better to track where you are at then looking at the map! You will definitely still ask people for directions as the trails are not always labeled and confused us. They do have bathrooms to use at the gift shop. The staff is pretty nice. I do have to stress out that their trails are not fully labeled and will sometimes just say 'Trails' with an arrow. We took the 'Dool Trail' to 'Middle Ridge Trail' to 'Sequoia Trail'. This was a beautiful trail has streams that will lead to a moderate waterfall but be aware of the crowd wanting to take photos with family. There are lots of cut tree trunks and fallen trees to walk on but of course, be careful! Beautiful big redwoods. Well maintained trails. There is plenty of shade except for a small part of 'Middle Ridge Trail'. Wear a hat! ALSO, I suggest to not put plug in earphones while hiking this trail and listen on a boombox instead on low volume. There is lots of fallen trees around this trail and it so happened small tree branches almost fell on me!! I was hearing crackly sounds and found that branches were falling and I ran out of the way! There is camping in Big Basin, too, if your interested and hiking tours. A beautiful park. Best time to go here is early spring as it gets warm here during the summer. Wear good comfortable hiking shoes and your good to go on this long trail. [46/100] read more

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Made a spontaneous trip last Sunday, 6.7.20, to Big Basin and it did not disappoint! During a pandemic, even on a Sunday, it was quite packed! I think everyone had the same idea; great outdoors, an hour away from civilization, it won't be so bad - boy was I wrong! I should've known though, we made the trek and got there at 1pm, hardly any parking! Once we got the it was still peaceful and serene. Plenty of trails to explore, however, we only had time to walk the redwood loop trail (the easiest 30 minute walk about) but we plan to return to do more of a "hike". Tip - make sure to arrive early, please wear your mask when you are speaking to anyone that works there and ask the staff questions about the trails, they have plenty of tips to make it that much easier! Worth the windy drive up to take in what is in the bay areas backyard! read more

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I had been searching for a new place to hike for a while. And arrived here early one Saturday morning. It was about 8 am and there were several people there already. My little one and sister accompanied me to soak up the beautiful views and clean air. I really wanted to walk the Redwood Trail as I have a huge appreciation for Redwood trees. They are so majestic, peaceful, and strong. This trail did not disappoint with a huge array of Redwood trees. My little one and sister enjoyed seeing the mother and father Redwood tree. The air was crisp and clean and the trail was short and flat. We did half of another trail hoping to reach a waterfall but my little one got tired very quickly. This trail was moderate to strenuous but filled with all sorts of cool views. We saw trees that had fallen. We smelled the sap of a tree on our way up! We didn't reach the waterfall but the way up was beautiful. I do intend on going back to hike the rest of the way with my sister and soak up the air and views that I would never be able to put into words or photographs. It was a beautiful and serene experience to hike the trails at this park. The road I took was full of sharp twists and turns so I got up there a bit dizzy but I can definitely say it was worth it!! read more

Big Basin Redwoods State Park - Majestic Trees. - Parks Near Me - Boulder Creek, California

We love backpacking and we look forward to it. We began by walking on the trail and saw many sights. We walked past redwoods and farms to get to the campsite. We eventually got to the campground, set up, and started relaxing. It wasn't long until someone needed to use the restroom and it turns out that we had to walk to the next campground to get to a bathroom. We checked and it seems like the bathrooms at Twin Redwood Campground needs some maintenance so we had to go to the Alder Campground bathroom a handful of times. This is a great place to go backpacking if your fairly new to backpacking or you have younger children with you. When we stayed the night here their was a group of Boy Scouts here as well. Here no ground fires of any kind are allowed. read more

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Beautiful place to go for a hike, we arrived at about 12pm on a Monday. It costs $10 to park and it was pretty packed. We got lost a couple of times and couldn't find the trail we wanted to go on but ended up doing the sequoia trail which was nice, it had a bit of a slope at one point but totally doable! It just felt so nice to be covered in nature. I loved how this place has so much shaded area so you don't feel the sun beaming on you. read more

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My one star rating is primarily for the consideration, or lack thereof, of one of the employees of the park. It was late October 2022, and I was in the middle of a long bike ride and was riding from Boulder Creek, to Skyline, and back to Saratoga. On the ride from Boulder Creek, I sustained significant, painful injuries to both calves, and right at the entrance of Big Basin I collapsed to the ground. Both calves were visibly swollen and looked like the muscles were torn and curled up. I was barely able to stand, let alone walk. One of my colleagues walked across the road and started talking to the ranger/employee of the park to see if he could help. I felt a sense of relief that he did that! However, my friend returned and said the ranger would not be able to drive me towards Skyline. I was in so much pain, I asked my friend to ask him to come across the road so that I could ask (ie. beg!). He was a very young ranger, with an Australian or New Zealand accent. He said that he was not allowed to take anyone in his truck, unless they were really injured. I said "I AM INJURED AND IN A LOT OF PAIN!". He said that a medic would need to verify that...I said where do we find a medic...and he said we would need to call an ambulance! I asked if he could please check with his supervisor for and exception, and rather than ask, he said 'I know what his answer will be". So I gave up...it was 2:30 pm and most the my cycling group left to get back to the car in Saratoga. I had to wait 3 hours to get picked up...unable to walk, in significant pain, and got very cold as the redwoods block the sun. And you know what? We saw the ranger get in the park truck less than an hour after talking to me, and made a left turn towards Skyline! Really? What a sinking feeling. He was probably going home. I realize good people are hard to come by, but as least hire people with sound judgment and empathy for others... PS: I had a flat tire years ago and the Pulgas Water Temple, and the worker there had no issues throwing my bike in the back of the truck and giving me a ride for a few miles. read more

There is nothing more glorious than the special swath of land which is home to the California Redwood. There are many hikes of various skill and exertion. Beware that easier trails can get crowded and might be loud. If you're looking to get out and be removed from society you may not find your bliss. For the most part fellow trail walkers are generally respectful of space and noise, but there are some you may find who just feel like sharing their music with the surroundings by blaring on a phone/small speaker as they walk. Still others like to share loud conversations. Yet some fellow travelers are quiet and seeking refuge from the day to day just like you. The trails are well-maintained but you may not find a bathroom open though there are are a few along the trail through the campground to Berry Creek Falls. If you're patient and keep a weather eye out you may be lucky enough to spot the local chartreuse Banana Slug. Big Basin has a great nature center, gift shop, and snack resupply. You'll find plenty of great local eateries in Felton and other small towns along the way to & from Big Basin. read more

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This review is based on a weekend camping trip with some hiking involved. It was totally mixed. The Setting (5*), the hiking (4*), the camping during weekend time (0*). I think you can see where this is going. Deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Heavily wooded with an actual good presence of redwoods and sequoias. It is so wooded that it is very shady, which is always my preference for hiking/camping spots. I hate exposed camping like beach and/or lake sides. Even though it is only an hour out of the South Bay, it is not a quick and easy road to get in and out of. Very windy and slow driving. But even this does not scare the masses from coming out here, as I just recently found out. I'll start with the bad. Weekend camping is some of the worst I've ever experienced. The sites are so damn close together (we stayed in the Lower Bloom sites) and it is totally occupied on weekends that it just sucks the peacefulness out of a "getaway". And we had the experience on being next to some college-aged groups, that used this beautiful backdrop as a loud and obnoxious party ground. Lots of day drinking led to annoying noise at night, even way past the designated 10pm posted "quiet time". They kept it up til past 2 am which if anybody is familiar with camping etiquette, is way beyond the norm. I mean we're not early sleepers also, as we like to chill by a campfire. But we lower our voices/music as to not disturb campsite neighbors, it's friggin' camping 101. AND no rangers/park employees enforced their own rules, so it is tolerated here. Which I will no longer be a witness to. Now I'm sure those incidences will lower on the weekdays as there are simply less people that can make it out, but I still don't really want to find out. But I will say that their bathrooms were maintained nicely and they've got the most advanced dish washing areas I've seen for a campgrounds. Which I'm sure is to prevent/control non-experienced campers from messing nature up with their city habits. But the hiking here is great. It is heavily trafficked as a lot of day users come here as well. There are a few super popular trails, but if you venture slightly beyond that, you can achieve peace and solitude. We did a 4 mile up and back to one of the peaks and we only ran into 5 people, on a SATURDAY. We were able to tackle 3 smaller hikes in one day versus one big one (Berry Creek Falls Loop), that everybody else is on. An intended move on our part. read more

First timer to Big Basin. Some thoughts: Travel: I live in the East Bay and it took about 40 to 50 minutes to get here without traffic. Keep in mind there are a lot of twists and turns coming here so if you have motion sickness, please take a motion sickness pill. Parking: $10 for the full-day of parking What to Bring: 1.) Backpack 2.) Snacks 3.) At least 2L of water for the trail I will describe below 4.) Jacket (It get's cold inside the forest) **I also brought sun-tan lotion, a hat, and bug-spray but didn't need any of these. Most of the trail is inside the forest so it's very shaded and didn't see much bugs. I did hike towards the winter time so maybe that's why? Trail Hiked: Berry Creek Falls Trail (9.5 miles according to All-Trails) I wore my Fitbit Ionic and it logged in 12.2 miles when I was done with ~28,000 steps. I would consider myself the average office worker. I walk between 8000-10,000 steps daily and eat relatively healthy. As such, I thought that this hike would be long but not very hard. Boy was I wrong.... This trail was STRENUOUS (the sign says this multiple times haha) and long. I read some reviews and they say it can be completed around 3 - 4 hours. They must be really fit in my opinion. We started around 10:30am and finished at exactly 4pm. This included multiple breaks as well as lunch at the largest/3rd waterfall. There were 3 waterfalls that I counted from this hike. Each of them are a bit different and beautiful to see. That is why we chose to walk this trail in the first place. The trail itself is quite beautiful and the trail very easy to follow/read. The trails we took were Skyline to the Sea and Sunset trail. They had multiple detours due to the large storm we had last year so bear that in mind. I over-packed water and I think in general all you need is 2L. There is also no bathrooms along the trail so you have to go behind trees/bushes. Something to keep in mind. Overall I think I had a lot of fun but I was pretty sore after I finished. I couldn't wait to go home and shower and get some long over-due rest. The waterfalls are beautiful but I don't know if its worth the pain! Good luck fellow hikers. read more

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Absolutely beautiful state park. Plenty of trails to choose from all with unique sights to see. Since it was 102 degrees by the time we arrived we chose to do a short trail. We chose the Redwood Trail which was about a 1/2 mile hike. The mother and father of the forest are along this trail. Had it been cooler we would have done one of the trails with waterfalls. Parking is $10 cash. Make sure you fill out the card they give you and leave it on your dashboard (so rangers can find you in case of an accident). The roads in are narrow, winding mountain roads. At some points the roads were only single lanes and there are no barriers along the sides. The roads in are definitely not for the faint of heart. read more

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Big Basin is another great hiking location. It costs a little more than other hiking locations like Mt Diablo, etc, but still only $10. Come early to get a good parking space, many families and groups come for a day hike or even come to camp out for a few days. Difficulty level: I believe the hike is considered strenuous even though I didn't feel that it was that difficult. Being semi physically fit and moderately motivated should get anyone from any age group through. Scenery: The huge Redwoods. The waterfalls! A nice variety of scenery all make for good opportunities for photos and just to enjoy nature. Fortunately, I do believe Big Basin wasn't harmed by the Santa Cruz Fire that recently happened. Its a beautiful place worth checking out. read more

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We had a fun Sunday afternoon going to the visitor center and then walking the Redwood Nature Trail. At the visitor center, we found the fireplace welcoming. The smells were so good too. The exhibits were interesting to see. Big Basin Redwood State Park is a good place to take photos of the amazing redwoods. We had a good time. We used our annual state park pass. There are numerous other trails. There are also picnic areas and a good camping area. read more

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The waterfalls were well worth the hike! Never underestimate the amount of water you'll need to bring on a hike like this- even if there is a ton of shade you'll be sure to run out if you pack too lightly! Great place to bring a packed lunch for a picnic next to the waterfall! Try to go in a group of less than 5 people- any more than that and you're likely to have one straggler and/or one roadrunner. Try to see if everyone in your group is in the same activity level so no one feels stressed trying to keep up or slow down. The best time of year to go is in the late spring / early summer, when it's not quite hot but still warm enough to wear light clothing. read more

Big Basin Redwoods State Park - Parks Near Me - Boulder Creek, California

Went on a one day camping with my wife and friend family. They always go camping here on 4th of July week. I love the nature here. The hike I went on was pretty interesting with a lot of threes, plants, and dirt. The one thing I hate is the bugs trying to bit us. The restroom is filled of bugs flying around at night and that makes me feel gross out. read more

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Parking It costs $10 to park here. If you don't arrive early, you'll end up driving pretty far away to park. We came at eleven in the morning and had to park quite a distance. I would suggest you park in the fifteen minute parking area and buy your ticket before you park your car. That way, you don't have to walk your receipt all the way to the car. Hiking The Berry Creek Falls trail, which is a very popular trail here, was closed due to storm damage, but we were able to take an alternative route to the waterfall. There are signs along the path pointing to Berry Creek Falls. The destination is definitely worth the hike. It took us a total of six hours round trip. As you hike, you'll see giant redwood trees that shade most of the trail path. The most difficult part of the hike is when you turn back around to leave Berry Creek Falls. It is a steep hike back up the mountain. read more

Big Basin Redwoods State Park - Parks Near Me - Boulder Creek, California

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