Big Basin Redwoods State Park California

Big Basin Redwoods State Park Overview

Big Basin Redwoods State Park (California’s oldest) includes more than 18,000 acres from the ocean to an elevation of 2,000 feet. The biggest attraction is a rare stand of ancient coastal redwood trees that are among the tallest and oldest tress on Earth.

Unfortunately the CZU Lightning Complex wildfires burned through most of the park in August of 2020 and destroyed the campgrounds and most buildings. Although many trees were also burned, most of the old-growth redwood trees survived.  New plant life is also vigorously growing, and many animals have returned to the area. The Reimagining Big Basin project is managing the multi-year process of rebuilding park facilities and infrastructure.

The park is currently open for limited day-use access and camping only at Rancho Del Oso (near Waddell Beach) in the coastal portion of the park. This campground has 1 hike/bike campsite and 5 tent only campsites.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park – Currently Open Roads and Trails:

• Redwood Loop Trail
• Dool Trail
• Meteor Trail
• Sunset Trail (from Dool Trail to Middle Ridge Road)
• Gazos Creek Road (from North Escape Road to Sandy Point)
• North Escape Road (from former Headquarters Area to Meteor Trail)
• Middle Ridge Road (from Gazos Creek Road to Johansen Road)
• Johansen Road
• Chalks Road
• Skyline to the Sea Trail (from Gazos Creek Road to North Escape Road)
• Creeping Forest Trail (from Skyline to the Sea Trail to Gazos Creek Road)

Visitors will also enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, lush waterfalls, more than 80 miles of roads and trails, and a fascinating natural and cultural history. Activities at the park include hiking, biking, horseback riding, beach combing, surf fishing, swimming, picnicking and wildlife viewing. Dogs are not allowed except in the former HQ parking lot and the first mile of North Escape Road.

Amenities

• Amphitheater
• BBQ Grills
• Cell Service Fair
• Cell Service Poor
• Drinking Water
• Equestrian trail
• Gift Shop
• Grills
• Hike/Bike Campsites
• Nature Center
• Picnic Tables
• Ranger Station
• Recycling Center
• Restrooms (Flush Toilets, Vault Toilets)
• Trash Collection
• Visitor Center

Activities

• Beach
• Beach Access
• Beach Combing
• Biking
• Bird Watching
• Creek
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Historic Sites
• Horseback riding
• Mountain Biking
• Museum
• Nature Programs
• Nature Trails
• Ocean
• Photography
• Picnicking
• Stargazing
• Surf Fish
• Surfing
• Swim Beach
• Swimming
• Visitor Center
• Walking Trails
• Wildlife Viewing