Big Basin Redwoods State Park —
Your Complete Guide
California's oldest state park: ancient redwoods above Boulder Creek, more than 20 miles of reopened trails, a waterfall back on the map, and a wild stretch of coast at Rancho del Oso.
What is Big Basin Redwoods State Park?
Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California's oldest state park, established in 1902 in the Santa Cruz Mountains above Boulder Creek to protect ancient coast redwoods, some 1,000 to 1,800 years old. The CZU Lightning Complex Fire burned 97% of it in 2020, but most old-growth redwoods survived, and the park is open again for day use from 8 a.m. to sunset. Parking costs $8 with a reservation or $10 drive-up.
The park covers more than 18,000 acres from ridge tops over 2,000 feet high down to the Pacific at Waddell Beach, and it still holds the largest continuous stand of ancient coast redwoods south of San Francisco. More than 20 miles of trails have been restored, including the flat Redwood Loop and, since May 2026, the Sequoia Trail to Sempervirens Falls (history).
Know before you go: the park has no drinking water, no cell service and no electricity, so bring water and download your map. The redwood campgrounds and the trails to Berry Creek Falls are still closed after the fire, and dogs are allowed only on paved areas.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park at a Glance
What to Do at Big Basin Redwoods State Park
California State Parks lists hiking, biking and horseback riding on fire roads, guided walks, exhibits, wildlife viewing and, on the coast, swimming, windsurfing and surfing.
Redwood Loop Trail
A flat 0.6-mile loop from the parking lot past the Mother and Father of the Forest.
The Old-Growth Walk →
Sempervirens Falls
A 20-foot waterfall on the Sequoia Trail, a 4.3-mile loop from the day-use area.
Reopened in 2026 →
Berry Creek Falls
All trails to the falls are still closed after the 2020 fire. What to hike instead.
Trail Status →
Rancho del Oso
Free day use on Highway 1, two weekend visitor centers, marsh trails and the park's only campground.
The Coastal Unit →
Waddell Beach
Known worldwide for windsurfing and kiteboarding, at the mouth of Waddell Creek. No dogs.
Wind & Surf →
Fire & Recovery
The 2020 CZU fire burned 97% of the park. How the redwoods survived and what has reopened.
What's Open Now →Open Trails at Big Basin
More than 20 miles restored since the fire, nearly all starting at the main parking lot. All trails close at sunset.
The tallest trees in the park, including the Mother and Father of the Forest.
Old-growth trees and recovering forest on a short loop from the lot.
Reopened May 22, 2026, past 20-foot Sempervirens Falls.
Ridge-top hiking up Middle Ridge Road to an ocean view.
The all-day fire-road loop, open to hikers, bikes and horses.
How to Get to Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Drive with a reservation, ride the summer shuttle, or take the bus for free entry.
By Car
21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA 95006, 9 miles up Highway 236 from Highway 9. Reserve for $8. Parking guide.
Shuttle & Bus
Free summer weekend shuttle from Saddle Mountain; Santa Cruz METRO Route 35 on weekends and holidays. Shuttle details.
Rancho del Oso
Coastal unit on Highway 1, about 17 miles north of Santa Cruz. Free day use. Coast guide.
Two Parts, Two Trips
Big Basin has two separate areas. The main day-use area in the redwoods is reached by Highway 236 from Boulder Creek (directions). Rancho del Oso, the coastal unit, is on Highway 1 about 17 miles north of Santa Cruz, across from Waddell Beach. No open road or trail links the two, so plan them as separate visits (plan your visit).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Big Basin Redwoods State Park open?
Yes, partly. The main day-use area has been open since July 22, 2022, from 8 a.m. to sunset, with more than 20 miles of trails restored. Campgrounds in the redwoods and the Berry Creek Falls trails remain closed after the 2020 fire.
Do you need a reservation for Big Basin?
Only a parking reservation guarantees a space: $8 ($6 entrance plus $2 reservation fee). Drive-up parking is $10 while spaces last. Visitors on foot, by bike or on the bus need no reservation and pay nothing.
Are dogs allowed at Big Basin?
Only in paved areas, such as the parking lot and the paved North Escape Road, on a 6-foot leash. Dogs are not allowed on trails, unpaved roads, at Rancho del Oso or on Waddell Beach.
Is Berry Creek Falls open?
No. All trails to Berry Creek Falls are closed in 2026. The open waterfall hike is the 4.3-mile Sequoia Trail loop to Sempervirens Falls.
Can you camp at Big Basin?
Only at Rancho del Oso on the coast, which has 5 reservable walk-in sites and one shared bike-in site. All campgrounds in the redwoods are closed.
Where is Big Basin Redwoods State Park?
In the Santa Cruz Mountains, about 25 miles northwest of Santa Cruz and 65 miles south of San Francisco. From Highway 9 in Boulder Creek, take Highway 236 north 9 miles to the entrance kiosk.
Is there water and cell service at Big Basin?
No. The park has no drinking water, no cell service near the entrance and no electricity, with limited Wi-Fi. Bring water and download maps before you go.