| 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 over 18,000 acres 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 are have an RV or trailer, take Route 1 - its
the least curvy.
Address
21600 Big Basin Way
Boulder Creek, CA 95006-9064
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!
Information
and Images Courtesy California
State Parks |
