SANTA CRUZ, Calif.—California State Parks, Save the Redwoods League, and Waddell Creek Association today announced the opening of the new Rancho del Oso Welcome Center, a gateway to the western coastal side of Big Basin Redwoods State Park. The new welcome center facility and adjacent public campground will greet visitors to California’s oldest state park and largest expanse of old-growth coast redwoods south of San Francisco. The park has had limited access since the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fires. 

BOULDER CREEK, Calif.,— Big Basin Redwoods State Park (SP) marks its one-year anniversary since welcoming visitors back into the majestic coastal redwoods on July 22, 2022, following the closure from the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire that devastated the park. This past year, despite being hit hard by winter storms, over 28,000 people visited the park through a limited-access day-use reservation system. Additionally, a temporary visitor center is now open, and miles of trails and fire road are accessible. Camping returned to the park through an interim walk-in campground at Rancho Del Oso, the coastal side of Big Basin Redwoods SP.

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — California State Parks and Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO) today announced a convenient and sustainable transportation option to access Big Basin Redwoods State Park. On weekends this summer through September 10, the public can take METRO’s Route 35 to explore California’s oldest state park.  

California State Parks today announced Big Basin Redwoods State Park will reopen an additional four miles of roads and trails effective this Friday, December 23.

California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks today announced Big Basin Redwoods State Park will partially reopen July 22 for limited day-use access through a reservation system. Reservations will be available starting July 1.

Vision for the Reimagined Park to be discussed at a community event on June 3

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California State Parks today announced the release of the Reimagining Big Basin Vision Summary, a collaborative vision created through months of public input to guide the reestablishment of Big Basin Redwoods State Park after the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire.

BOULDER CREEK, Calif. -- California State Parks is urging the public to get involved and to learn more about the “Reimagining Big Basin” project, a project that will memorialize the broad vision for reestablishing California’s oldest State Park. With the loss of all park infrastructure in the 2020 CZU Fire, the park has been closed while recovery work has been underway. During this time, State Parks has kicked off this planning project to initiate the public process of planning the park’s visitor serving facilities needed to provide the visitor experiences at the park.

Backcountry and rest of Big Basin Redwoods State Park Remains Closed

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks is updating the public on the status of the structures destroyed at Big Basin Redwoods State Park (SP) from the CZU Lightning Complex Fire that continues to burn in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties. However, due to extensive damage and hazardous conditions, State Parks has not fully assessed the damage to all the structures, including historic ones built in the 1930s, and the treasured old-growth redwood trees inside California’s oldest state park. The department advises the public not to enter the park as it remains closed.

Looking to burn off some holiday calories and start the new year on the right foot? California State Parks invites the public to absorb the wonders of nature with a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day. Dedicated docents, volunteers and staff will be providing about 50 hikes at state parks throughout California.