Featured Hike: Redwood Loop Trail
A forested loop among redwoods recovering from wildfire in California's oldest state park
Length
Rated
Easy*
Trail Type
Loop
Elevation Gain
42 feet
One of the region’s easiest trails, this loop is the ideal outing for anyone seeking a self-guided or docent-led stroll among giant redwoods.
Rated “easy” by California State Parks, this 0.7-mile loop is flat, with compact ground in places and natural trails in others, with very slight elevation changes. Having recently experienced extreme wildfire, this is also a forest in recovery, and an opportunity to reflect on the resilience and majesty of the world’s largest trees in California’s oldest state park.
*Trail ratings vary and in this guide you will find information to make the best choice for your health and wellness goals.
Enjoy the health benefits of time in nature on the Redwood Loop Trail at Big Basin Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz mountains.
Why is this a healthful experience?
Redwood Loop Trail
You can marvel at these breathtaking (and breath-giving) specimens of the world’s tallest trees this short easy hike that is perfect for the whole family. To start your hike, visit Big Basin Redwoods State Park. The Redwood Loop Trail begins from the main parking lot near Park Headquarters. The Mother of the Forest is Big Basin’s tallest tree measuring 329 feet in height. The Father of the Forest and the Santa Clara Tree are the park’s two widest trees—the Santa Clara Tree measures 17 feet in diameter! Located on North Escape Road just a short meander from the Redwood Loop Trail and across from park headquarters is another inspiring tree—the magnificent Statue of Responsibility. This tree is a 255-foot high living “statue” that serves to remind visitors of the link between liberty and responsibility. It was named in 1989 as a result of a passionate campaign led by Billy Prior Bates, a Women’s Army Corps veteran of World War II and long-time Sempervirens Fund supporter.
Sempervirens Falls
Getting to Sempervirens Falls is just a short 1.7 mile hike on the Sequoia Trail where you can enjoy many large coast redwoods towering above. Cross over Sky Meadow Road and walk about 30 steps down to the viewing platform. Or you can get to the falls by biking or driving on Sky Meadow Road, parking in the spot just before the falls.
Plan Your Hike
Address: Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA 95006
PLEASE NOTE: Road and trail conditions may change rapidly in the forest, please visit the Big Basin Redwoods State Park website for more information
Hours: Portions of Big Basin are open for day use from 8:30 am to sunset with reservations
Directions: click here for Google maps directions
Park Activities
- Bike Trails
- Hiking Trails
- Horseback Riding
- Camping
- Swimming
- Nature & Wildlife Viewing
- Windsurfing/Surfing
- Geocaching
Park Amenities
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water Available
- Picnic Areas
- Food Service
- Camp Store
Volunteer
Throughout the year, Sempervirens Fund holds a variety of volunteer events, including invasive species removal, trail clean ups, and more! Check out our Volunteer Page for more information.
More to Explore
- Read more about Big Basin State Park
- Visit the official Big Basin State Park page
- Find more redwood activities
- Find Volunteer opportunities at the park
