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Big Basin Redwoods State Park

See Some of the Santa Cruz Mountains’
Most Impressive Redwoods

You can see some of the Santa Cruz mountains’ most impressive redwood trees along the Redwood Loop Trail in Big Basin Redwoods State Park. The trail showcases the Mother, Father, and Santa Clara Trees that inspired the movement to protect coast redwoods by forming Sempervirens Club (now Sempervirens Fund) which helped create Big Basin, California’s first state park, to permanently protect these stunning giants in 1902. Since then, Sempervirens Fund expanded Big Basin State Park by protecting an additional 15,000 acres.

In August and September 2020, the CZU Lightening Fire Complex burned more than 86,000 acres in the Santa Cruz mountains. This is one of the many parks that has been affected. In July of 2022, Big Basin Redwoods State Park reopened to the public. Although the majority of Big Basin Redwoods State Park is currently closed due to damage caused by the CZU Lightning Complex Fires until further notice, a portion of the Rancho del Oso area is open and portions of Big Basin, including the Redwood Loop Trail, are now open for reservations to visit. You can read more about how we're Reimagining Big Basin here.

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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.

Big Basin Redwood Loop Trail Mother
Big Basin Redwood

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: There is a temporary detour to Big Basin Redwoods State Park due to a road closure on lower Highway 236 from May to June 2023. Please see the map and detour information below.

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 DETOUR: From Boulder Creek, head north on Highway 9 for 7.8 miles, then turn left onto upper Highway 236 for an 8-mile descent into the heart of Big Basin.

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.

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SPRING MATCHING GIFT CHALLENGE

Your gift by June 30 will be matched up to $150,000 to help ensure wild, thriving redwood forests can flourish again.

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