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Big Basin is California's oldest State Park, established
in 1902. Home to the largest continuous stand of Ancient Coast Redwoods south of
San Francisco, the park consists of Old Growth and recovering Redwood Forest,
with mixed conifer, oaks, chaparral, and riparian habitats. Elevations in the
park vary from sea level to over 2,000 feet. The climate ranges from foggy and
damp near the ocean to sunny, warm ridge tops.
The park has over 80 miles of trails. Be sure and pick up a map at park
headquarters before your hike and take a look at the multimedia kiosk in the
Sempervirens Room (next to park headquarters). There you will find great
information, photos, and video of some of the most popular trails.
Some of these trails link Big Basin to Castle Rock State Park and the eastern
reaches of the Santa Cruz range. The Skyline to the Sea Trail threads its way
through the park along Waddell Creek to the beach and adjacent Theodore J.
Hoover Natural Preserve, a freshwater marsh.
The park has a surprising number of waterfalls, a wide variety of
environments (from lush canyon bottoms to sparse chaparral-covered slopes, many
animals (deer, raccoons, an occasional bobcat) and lots of bird life-- including
Steller’s jays, egrets, herons and California woodpeckers.
Dogs are permitted in the campsites, picnic areas, and on paved roads only.
They must be on a leash and attended at all times. Dogs ARE NOT permitted on any
of the trails.
Location – Directions
The park is 25 miles northwest of Santa Cruz via Highways
9 and 236 and about 65 miles south of San Francisco. All roads into Big Basin
are curvy. If you have an RV or trailer, take Route 1 - it's the least curvy.
Seasons/Climate
Winter: Cold, overcast and rainy. Big Basin
receives the majority of its average 48 inches of rain. December through March
average temperatures range from highs in the 50's to lows in the 20's.
Spring: Cool with showers and morning and evening fog. Average daytime
highs in the 60's, lows in the 30's to 40's.
Summer: Warm with cool nights. Morning fog in early Summer. Average
highs 75 to 95, lows 40's to 50's.
Fall: Warm day to cold nights. Occasional early storms with rain.
Average highs 75 to 60's, lows 50's to 30. Maybe the best weather of the year!
Telephone:
831-338-8860
Operating Hours:
Open year round
Office Hours:
9:00am to 5:00pm
Monday through Friday
Address:
21600 Big Basin Way
Boulder Creek, CA 95006-9064 |
