Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Use the park page to learn about local hiking, nature, trailheads, trail and route maps, and groups that meet here. If you know something about this area. Please feel welcome to write about it here.
General Information
Big Basin Redwoods State Park spans 18,000 acres and is the oldest California State Park - established in 1902. The park is also famous for having the largest forest of ancient old growth coast redwoods south of San Francisco. The park is very close to the Pacific Ocean and unlike Muir Woods, also offers incredible views of the Pacific Ocean.
Trailheads
Trailhead Name: Skyline to the Sea Trail, Waddell Beach
Trailhead Description: Parking right on Hwy 1 at Waddell Beach trailhead for the Skyline to the Sea trail.
Parking is available at this trailhead
Parking spots: 10
Parking is free at this trailhead
Wheelchair accessibility is unknown
Restrooms available: YES
Trailhead Name: Skyline to the Sea Trail, China Grade Rd
Trailhead Description: The Skyline to the Sea trail crosses China Grade Rd here. There is room from one car right at the trailhead, and more space a bit further down the road.
Parking is available at this trailhead
Parking spots: 5
Parking is free at this trailhead
Access to trail is NOT wheelchair accessible
Restrooms available: NO
Trailhead Name: East Ridge Trail, Hwy 236
Trailhead Description: Northern end of the East Ridge Trail. Also the Skyline to the Sea Trail crosses Hwy 236 here.
Parking is available at this trailhead
Parking spots: 5
Parking is free at this trailhead
Wheelchair accessibility is unknown
Restrooms available: NO
Trailhead Name: East Ridge Trail, China Grade
Trailhead Description: The East Ridge Trail crosses China Grade Road at this spot. Parking nearby up the road.
Parking is available at this trailhead
Parking spots: 5
Parking is free at this trailhead
Wheelchair accessibility is unknown
Restrooms available: NO
Trailhead Name: Johansen Road Trail, China Grade
Trailhead Description: Start of the Johansen Road Trail from China Grade Road. Follow the signs the the boyscout Camp Cutter but keep an eye out to the left. The gate is about 50 yards from the road and not visible until you are directly up from it. There is also an old "Johansen" road sign but it's easy to miss.
Parking is available at this trailhead
Parking spots: 5
Parking is free at this trailhead
Wheelchair accessibility is unknown
Restrooms available: NO
Trailhead Name: Skyline to the Sea Trail, Headquarters
Trailhead Description: The Skyline to the Sea and several other trails begin at the Big Basin Redwoods SP headquarters.
Parking is available at this trailhead
Parking spots: 100
Parking is NOT free at this trailhead
Access to trail is wheelchair accessible
Restrooms available: YES
Trailhead Name: Dool Trail
Trailhead Description: Another trailhead in Big Basin Redwoods SP at headquarters. This one is marked for the Dool trail, but can also be used for the Skyline to the Sea and other trails.
Parking is available at this trailhead
Parking spots: 100
Parking is NOT free at this trailhead
Access to trail is NOT wheelchair accessible
Restrooms available: YES
Trailhead Name: Gazos Creek Road Trail, Headquarters
Trailhead Description: Trailhead for Gazos Creek Road Trail. A good starting point for bikers. There is a picnic area here but it's okay to park for hikes too. The Skyline to the Sea trail also passes through this area. If you are headed North on the SttS trail this is a good place to start.
Parking is available at this trailhead
Parking spots: 100
Parking is NOT free at this trailhead
Wheelchair accessibility is unknown
Restrooms available: YES
Trailhead Name: Sequoia Trail, Headquarters
Trailhead Description: Trailhead for the Sequoia Trail from the Big Basin Redwoods SP headquarters.
Parking is available at this trailhead
Parking spots: 100
Parking is NOT free at this trailhead
Wheelchair accessibility is unknown
Restrooms available: YES
Trailhead Name: East Ridge Trail
Trailhead Description: East Ridge Trail road at Hwy 236, just past the park entrance.
Parking availability at this trailhead is unknown
Parking spots: 100
Parking cost at the trailhead is unknown
Wheelchair accessibility is unknown
Restroom availability is unknown
Routes and Trails You Can Travel
We currently do not have any record of good routes in this park.
Hiking
There are many different trails at Big Basin State Park, offering something for everyone. Since elevations in the park range from sea level to 2,000 feet, there are hikes for people who want to take it easy, and real mountain warriors who want to climb steel slopes as well. Big Basin has over 80 miles of trails. Many of the trails are shared with bikers and equestrians, but there are plenty of hiker-only trails, especially as you get away from the visitor areas and the parking lots.
Since the park is so large, it is as good idea to pick up a map at the park headquarters. In smaller parks, maps may not be too necessary, but Big Basin Redwoods State Park is quite large and having a map is very important. You can map out connecting trails within the park, or even into the adjacent Castle Rock State Park.
The trails feature many waterfalls, redwood forests, and views in a number of directions, depending on where you are in the park. When looking up at the park marvels, be careful to pay attention to what is under your feet. Banana slugs are known to cross the trails, so try not to step on them.
Popular hiking trails that are considered to be pretty easy are the Redwood Loop Trail and the Maddock Cabin Site. The Sequoia trail is moderately difficult and the Berry Creek Falls trail is considered to be one of the toughest hiking trails at Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
Trails
Climate and Weather
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Since the park is so close to the Pacific Ocean, the weather can change quickly. It usually ranges from foggy to very sunny. As with just about anywhere in the Bay Area, the weather can change quickly so be prepared by bringing extra layers of clothing and sun protection at the same time.
History
Big Basin was established as a California State Park in 1902, but the areas history goes back much further. The area was originally populated by the Ohlone Native Indian Tribes. The Portolla expedition "discovered" the area in 1769. Throughout the ensuing century, different people like missionaries and early settlers came and went. By late 19th and beginning of the 20th century, redwood forests were being heavily cut down and used as wood to build homes. Early conservationists like Andrew P. Hill, John J. Montgomery, Father Robert Kenna, Carrie Stevens Walter and Josephine Clifford McCracken worked to save the forests and in 1902, the California Redwood Park was created in Big Basin on 3800 acres of old growth forest. In the following decades, the area was grown and developed. Tourists and travelers could now visit the park and stay in a local Inn or cabins.
Wildlife
While the park is home to large redwood forests, it is also home to some great wildlife and different types of vegetation. In addition to the redwoods, Big Basin is home to mixed general chaparral biome terrain like conifer, oaks, and riparian habitats. There are a wide variety of animals in the park. Some of the bigger animals are coyotes, foxes, deer, raccoons, bobcats, mountain lions, many squirrels and rodent-like animals.
Birds
Some of the birds in the park are the California Quail, Egret, Woodpecker, Heron, Red Tail Hawk, Owls, and the endangered Marbled Murrelet.
Trees
Flowers
Other Plants
Camping Possibilities
Other Information
The park is very big and offers many different outdoor and recreational activities. In addition to hiking, it is popular for its camping areas. Different types of camping are possible at Big Basin. People can camp in tents, and cabins are available for people looking to do some not-too-rough camping. The park also has many trails for mountain biking. People who like horses have access to many equestrian trails.
Parking
Driving Directions
Park Map
Photos From This Park
So far there are no photos which have been uploaded from this park. You can be the first!
Hiking or Walking Groups Nearby
Group Name: test
Group Description: test
Group Name: Jill and Sula's Hiking Group
Group Description: Fun, social, urban hikes that end in a pub.
Group Name: GRN Hike
Group Description: Hiking!
Group Name: Sacramento Backpacking
Group Description: Sacramento-area based group with a preference for multiple-day excursions into the backcountry.
Group Name: Hiking Pacifica Coast
Group Description: Hiking in Pacifica. Splendid views on a sunny day. Hikes range 4 to 7 miles - some elevation (up to 625). Eat/drink at local places.
Group Name: Milpitas Social Group
Group Description: This group is for all ages!! We do things from San Francisco to Santa Barbara and occasionally all the way to Los Angeles. Dinners, pot lucks, hikes, walks, bikes, camping, happy hours, treat yourself to a massage/spa treatment. Run into old friend! Everybody has to eat and exercise sometime – might as well do it in good company of others. As we see it, one of the reasons to create this group is for singles of all ages to get together and have fun. Struggling with Divorce? Meet other persons who are either anticipating or are in the midst of divorce, custody, or support-related issues and need some direction. Just broke up with a boyfriend/girlfriend. Well join the group! …or just killing times until Mr/Ms. "RIGHT" comes along! To those newly singled and are yet unsure what they want to do with their lives. We suggest a period of experimental single of growth where you can try a variety of new things, new friends, new attitudes etc... You just need to find what ....
Group Name: Muir Woods and Marin Hiking
Group Description: hiking in Muir Woods and other nearby areas. There is even a trail with a small bar at the end of it - join us!
Group Name: Before Work Hiking
Group Description: This is a group for short morning hikes
Group Name: Roam the Woods: Women Specific Backpacking
Group Description: Get Trail Smart! Roam offers one and two week backpacking learning vacations for women. We utilize National Parks and Wilderness areas across the U.S. as our "classroom". Have you ever wanted to see glacier fed lakes, long distance trails, dormant volcanoes, waterfalls, lush meadows, mountain streams, awe inspiring peaks…and have the confidence to accept every lesson Mother Nature provides? Roam will show you the way! Visit: www.roamthewoods.com for more information
Group Name: North Bay Hikes
Group Description: We are Santa Rosa-based, most outings are in Sonoma, Marin, and Napa counties. Mostly hiking, some paddling, camping, biking etc. See pictures and a list of past outings on our website. Click "Join NorthBayHikes.com" to sign up for email invitations to our outings.
Group Name: Amazon HIking and Adventure Group
Group Description: Fairfield, CA based Women's Hiking & Outdoor Adventure Group! The Amazon Group is a group for meeting other Women in their 20's and 30's who enjoy hiking, outdoors, and fitness. This group is for healthy/fit women who love to be outdoors and enjoy activities like: Hiking, backpacking, river-rafting, kayaking, and camping! Whether you are an experienced hiker or have never hiked before, join us! Other events include girl's night outs, hanging out, and day trips to fun new places. We also often stop at nearby places for good brews, food and conversation after hikes. Have fun while getting fit! Make new friends! Take time out of your busy life and get outside, and meet new people.
Group Name: San Francisco Hiking Group
Group Description: Scenic hikes and challenging rock climbing along the Bay with views of the Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate Bridge, Presidio, and Sausalito. Good way to make friends with San Francisco locals and enjoy some good hiking!
Group Name: Snowdogs
Group Description: Hiking, Running, Skiing/Snowboarding and other outdoor activities
Group Name: test group
Group Description: Group for testing
Group Name: Bay Area Birders
Group Description: This group is for birding people in the San Francisco Bay area. I figure we can open it to everyone. I will not be the "leader", but I hope that each of you will step forward now and then to lead some kind of outing. Roy
Group Name: Weekday hiking on the San Francisco peninsula
Group Description: This is for our private group
Group Name: Experiment Hiking Group's Page
Group Description: Creating an experimental hiking group. This group's hikes are tough :)
Group Name: Very challenging hike group
Group Description: Experienced hiker group who look for difficult, long and challenging hikes to get really great exercise, get in great shape and have a great workout!
Group Name: Downtown Embarcadero Exercise Group
Group Description: Group of professionals who can walk along the scenic Embarcadero from Market along the bay to Fishermans Wharf. We can start at 6pm at the Ferry Building which is at the end of Market street crossing Embarcadero. Address: 1 Ferry Building # 35 San Francisco, CA 94111-4230
Group Name: Bank Holiday Land's End Hiking
Group Description: This group is for hikers who get Holidays off from work, such as Veterans Day, Columbus Day, Labor Day, etc. and want to spend the morning on a stroll in scenic Land's End! We meet on Bank Holidays at 10:15 on the North West Corner of 27th Avenue and California. Reminders will be posted on the hiking event calendar.
Group Name: Bay Area Outdoor Volunteering
Group Description: This group is for people who want to be active and participate in helping to build trails, sustainable farming projects, planting trees, and working with other outdoor organizations and parks.
Group Name: Winter Snowshoe Hikes/Campouts
Group Description: If you own snowshoes and/or enjoy backcountry nordic skiing, this group might be for you. I'd like to plan Truckee/Tahoe snowshoe hikes (maybe also up north towards Lassen) this season 2010-2011. Members are not expected to be triathletes, but should be sufficiently fit to handle cold weather challenges. As excursions may include overnighters, I'd like to invite those who are conservation-minded and wouldn't think twice about picking up garbage they might see on the trail. Weekday trips are also in the works.
Upcoming Hikes
There are no upcoming hikes. Be the first to start one!
Past Hikes
Ultra Long Hike Which Requires Training | 45.9 km away
Date: Sunday, 3-7-2010
Description: I want to train with some people to do a really long and strenuous hike - maybe around 30+ miles. Maybe find some record to break :) Any ideas?
Castle Rock waterfall hike | 5.8 km away
Date: Tuesday, 1-4-2011
Description: Meet: 10am at Edgewood Rd. & I280 Park & Ride or 10:15am in Cupertino in the Homestead Square shopping center near the Homestead Square sign on Homestead Rd. or 10:45am at the main entrance 2.5 miles south of the junction of Hwy 35 and 9 ($8 to park in the lot, or you can park along the road outside at no cost)
Rancho San Antonio Tuesday hike | 12.1 km away
Date: Tuesday, 1-18-2011
Description: This hike near Cupertino, in one of the most popular parks on the peninsula/south bay, offers great views of the bay area. Bring plenty of your favorite beverage, sun protection, and lunch or a snack. We'll hike to the bench at the top of the PG&E trail. Directions: From 280 just north of 85, take Foothill Blvd. toward the hills, right at the first light onto Cristo Rey Dr., then around and out the far side of the traffic circle. Turn left when you see the sign for Rancho San Antonio County Park. Follow the entrance road to the right past several parking areas, then left down the hill to a bigger parking area. If that's full, park in one of the lots back up the hill.
Shipwreck Hunt During Low Tide | 46.2 km away
Date: Saturday, 1-29-2011
Description: The original shipwreck hunt was a very popular event, so we are scheduling another event to see the two ships that can be spotted in the ocean during low tide! We will meet at: 870 El Camino Del Mar, San Francisco, California That is the trailhead. The hike is 2 miles each way. The terrain is pretty easy, but in the middle there are few mid-sized hills. Here is a page describing Lands End: http://www.hikingsanfrancisco.com/san_francisco_hikes/lands_end_national_park.php
Tuesday hike | 34.4 km away
Date: Tuesday, 2-1-2011
Description: Henry Coe is the second-largest state park in California. Thanks to Ann for suggesting this park east of Morgan Hill for a change. This will be a 9-miler with about 1500' of elevation gain. We'll explore several of the trails in the western section. Bring a pole for creek crossing, lunch, plenty of water or other suitable hiking beverage, shoes with good traction, and a jacket or suitable clothing in case it's cold and/or windy. Meeting locations: 10am Edgewood P&R 10:30 Homestead Square in Cupertino
Alviso Slough loop | 20.8 km away
Date: Sunday, 2-6-2011
Description: Meeting point Alviso Marino park - there must be parking there.It is easy hike 9-10 miles along Alviso slough. It is 100% flat. Hope it will be good bird watching opportunities. You can bring small lunch with you or we may decide to try Alviso town restaraunt
Tuesday hike | 13.2 km away
Date: Tuesday, 2-8-2011
Description: Meet 10am Edgewood P&R near, 10am Homestead Square shopping center Cupertino, 10:15 Page Mill P&R, or 10:30 at Orchard Glen picnic area in the park.
Water and restrooms at the start.
park map: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=8505
back to Page Mill & I280 by 3:30.
Shipwreck Hunt Hike | 46.2 km away
Date: Sunday, 2-13-2011
Description: Since this was such a popular event last time, we will be doing this hike again. The hike is scheduled specifically during a time of low tide when tops of two drowned ships can be seen. One ship is during the middle of the hike and the other ship is at the end of the hike. The event is free, but donations on the site or at the event are appreciated since it takes a lot of time and effort to organize the event. Here is a link to Lands End to see what you can expect: http://www.hikingsanfrancisco.com/san_francisco_hikes/lands_end_national_park.php Children are welcome on this hike, but must be closely supervised by their parents.
Pulgas Ridge/Edgewood Tuesday hike | 21.8 km away
Date: Tuesday, 2-15-2011
Description: Here's my tried and true hike for threatening weather. Showers or rain are expected Tuesday, so I've picked this two-parter in case it becomes more than showers. Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve and Edgewood County Park hike Tue February 15 10:30am-3pm 4 or 8 miles, 800 or 1600 feet elevation gain Meet 10am at Homestead Square shopping center in Cupertino. Meet next to Homestead Rd. near the Homestead Square sign. or meet 10:30am at the Pulgas Ridge parking lot (directions below) Edgewood County Park info http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/smc/department/home/0,,5556687_12305995_12328420,00.html Pulgas Ridge info http://openspace.org/preserves/pr_pulgas_ridge.asp Here's a great combination hike, with gentler trails than I typically lead. We'll start at Pulgas Ridge, where we'll hike up, down and around through this Open Space preserve. Then we'll head across Edgewood Rd. to Edgewood Park, where we'll have lunch near the restrooms. After lunch, we'll hike up around the rid ....
Cannons, Ecology and Palace of Fine Arts Hike at the Presidio | 45.6 km away
Date: Sunday, 2-20-2011
Description: This will be a really beautiful and historic hike through the Presidio. We will meet at the Arguello Gate, walk along the Ecology Trail, then through the army base to see the old Officers Homes and a display of historic cannons used by the army. We will then go to the Palace of Fine Arts for a break and a little snack (10-20 minutes), and then we will head back. Here is some information about the Presidio: http://www.hikingsanfrancisco.com/san_francisco_hikes/the_presidio.php
Shipwreck Hunt Hike | 46.2 km away
Date: Sunday, 2-27-2011
Description: Since this was such a popular event last time, we will be doing this hike again. The hike is scheduled specifically during a time of low tide when tops of two drowned ships can be seen. One ship is during the middle of the hike and the other ship is at the end of the hike. The event is free, but donations on the site or at the event are appreciated since it takes a lot of time and effort to organize the event. Here is a link to Lands End to see what you can expect: http://www.hikingsanfrancisco.com/san_francisco_hikes/lands_end_national_park.php Children are welcome on this hike, but must be closely supervised by their parents.
Presidio Ridge Trail To Golden Gate Bridge | 45.6 km away
Date: Sunday, 3-13-2011
Description: This will be mid-difficulty hike. We will meet at the Arguello gate and hike along the (relatively newly built) Ridge Trail which is very scenic. The hike goes to the bottom of Golden Gate Bridge.
Once we get to the bridge, we will go back along the same path to where we started.
Arrowhead Marsh Bird Walk | 40.3 km away
Date: Sunday, 3-20-2011
Description: This walk is by Arrowhead Marsh near the Oakland Airport. The area is popular with birders because of winter waterfowl population, and frequent sighting of California Clapper Rails. We meet at 1:00 pm in the main parking lot. From 880, head toward the Oakland Airport. Turn right at Pardee Drive, then left on Swan Way, and right to enter the park. Ignore the first 2 parking areas, and continue to the end of the road by the observation tower. Approach the water. I will be sitting on the fishing dock, wearing a dorky white hat with a cape. High tide is at 1:42 pm, offering a good change of seeing a clapper rail or two. If that fails, we can try again in the late afternoon. Meanwhile, we can wander about various pond and shoreline areas to observe a variety of waterfowl. Here is a link to park information and a park map. http://www.ebparks.org/parks/mlk All walking is level and paved. Bicycles are allowed. Distance depends on what we care to do. The loop around the New Marsh and seasonal p ....
Lost in the Presidio Hike Adventure | 45.6 km away
Date: Sunday, 3-27-2011
Description: This will be an experimental hike where we take trails we don't really know and see if we get lost, and can find our way back. Do not worry! The Presidio is not very big and I know it pretty well. So really, we won't be very lost. But it will be fun to orient ourselves and see if we can figure out different trails in a somewhat unusual and experimental situation where everyone can contribute. We will meet at the Arguello gate. There is plenty of parking on the streets there.
Musical Chairs Presidio Hike | 45.6 km away
Date: Saturday, 4-2-2011
Description: To make the hike more fun and social, we will do some experiments with playing musical chairs with whom you hike next to, and who leads the hike. The focus will be on making it fun, healthy, social, and creative. Game suggestions are welcome The hike will be through many different Presidio trails. There is plenty of parking on the streets.