Current Status
A Trail in Recovery
The 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire and the severe winter storms that followed caused extensive damage across Big Basin Redwoods State Park and the broader Skyline-to-the-Sea trail corridor. Recovery is ongoing, and State Parks is reopening trails and facilities in phases as areas are repaired and made safe.
As the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail recovers, it continues to tell a larger story of how redwoods endure over time. Open sections of the trail still pass through the landscapes that define the Santa Cruz Mountains, including old-growth redwoods, creeks, and chaparral-covered slopes. Today, the forest is more open in places, with new green growth returning to the understory beneath blackened trunks.
Before You Plan - Things To Know
Featured Hikes
Opal Creek Loop
For a gentler way to experience Big Basin beyond the Redwood Loop, explore the Opal Creek Loop and North Escape Road area. This route follows the Skyline-to-the-Sea Connector Trail toward Gazos Creek Road, crosses the bridge to North Escape Road, and returns toward the main parking area. Along the way, visitors can experience old-growth redwoods, Opal Creek, and a recovering forest landscape close to the park’s core day-use area.
North Escape Road is paved and closed to cars, making it one of the easier ways to move through this part of Big Basin. For visitors interested in the Skyline-to-the-Sea story, this area also offers a meaningful connection to the route without requiring a long or strenuous hike.
Best for: A shorter visit, views, creek-side redwoods; visible recovery
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Castle Rock Falls
For a shorter outing near the historic beginning of the Skyline-to-the-Sea route, Castle Rock Falls offers an introduction to Castle State Rock Park. The trail leads through the forest, follows and crosses a stream, to views of the 75-foot Castle Rock Falls and the park’s signature sandstone formations.
Although rated “easy” by California State Parks, the route can feel rugged in places, with switchbacks, narrow paths, rocks, roots, and occasional washouts. The reward is a viewing deck overlooking a 75-foot waterfall and expansive mountain valley views to the west.
Best for: A shorter visit, views, sandstone, and seasonal waterfall scenery
Length: 1.3 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 320 feet
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Ocean View Summit Loop
For visitors ready for a longer hike, the Ocean View Summit Loop offers a broader view of Big Basin’s recovering landscape. The route follows the Skyline-to-the-Sea Connector Trail to Dool Trail, continues to Middle Ridge Road and Ocean View overlook, then returns by Middle Ridge Road, Gazos Creek Road, and North Escape Road.
This hike passes old-growth trees, recovering forest, and ridgetop terrain, with an ocean view that recalls the larger promise of Skyline-to-the-Sea: a route shaped by the meeting of mountains, redwoods, and the Pacific.
Best for: Moderate hikers, recovery landscapes; ridge hiking; ocean views
Length: 4.15 miles
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Gazos Creek
For a more strenuous day, experienced visitors can explore the Gazos Creek Road Loop, which connects Gazos Creek Road, Johansen Road, Middle Ridge Road, Dool Trail, and the Skyline-to-the-Sea Connector Trail. This route reaches deeper into Big Basin’s recovering landscape and includes old-growth trees, recovering forest, and expansive views.
Because this route is much longer and uses roads and trails shared by hikers, bikes, and horses, visitors should confirm current conditions before attempting it.
Best for: Experienced hikers; cyclists; equestrians; longer recovery-route exploration
Length: 12.25 miles
Elevation Gain: 700 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Plan Your Hike
The Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail crosses multiple park areas, and current access varies by segment. The full through-hike to Waddell Beach is not currently available, but some sections have reopened. Before visiting, check California State Parks for current trail conditions, parking, camping availability, and closures.
Primary access points:
Castle Rock State Park, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, and Rancho del Oso / Waddell Beach
Hours:
Vary by access point. Big Basin is open from 8:00 a.m. to sunset.
Check current access and parking reservation requirements before visiting.
Parking and reservations:
Parking and access requirements vary by park and may change. Big Basin has limited day-use access, and parking reservations may be required or strongly recommended. Castle Rock and Rancho del Oso have separate parking and access information.
Before You Go
Volunteer
Throughout the year, Sempervirens Fund holds a variety of volunteer events, including invasive species removal, trail cleanups, and more. Check out our Volunteer Page for more information.
More to Explore
- Experience the sounds of the Santa Cruz Mountains’ redwood forests wherever you are
- Hear Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson discuss how we can still get it right for people and the planet.
- See how stewardship helps redwoods recover
- Learn how advocacy helps protect connected landscapes across the Santa Cruz Mountains