Activities and Programs

These activities begin at Big Basin Redwoods State Park main entrance located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236 (831) 338-8883.  For activities at the Rancho del Oso location located off Highway 1, click here.

DECEMBER ACTIVITIES IN BIG BASIN REDWOODS STATE PARK

Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236 (831) 338-8883

Redwood Loop Walk
Every Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 pm (except at 2:00 pm December 15)
AND Tuesday, December 31 AND
Wednesday, January 1 at 1:00 pm “First-Day” Hike!
How do these grand redwoods grow to be so old? So tall? How are they important to humans? Join us for this fun and informative guided half-mile stroll through a magnificent old-growth redwood forest. Meet the famous Mother Tree, the Father of the Forest and the incredible Chimney Tree on this 90-minute walk. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Meet at Park Headquarters.

Volunteer with the Trail Crew!
Saturday, December 14 at 9:00 am (must be 18 years of age or older)
Since 1969 the Big Basin Volunteer Trail Crew has helped make it possible for others to safely enjoy the beauty of our park. The Trail Crew meets the second Saturday of each month, rain or shine. A typical workday lasts until mid-afternoon. Please bring your own work gloves, lunch and water. Join us for a unique perspective of Big Basin, a lively and productive experience with others who share a love of these redwood forests, and the satisfaction of participating in a vital part of the park's ability to educate and inspire the public! Meet at Park Headquarters.

Berry Creek Falls Hike
Sunday, December 15 at 9:30 am
Travel deep into the heart of Big Basin as you experience a wide range of habitats on this moderate to strenuous 11-mile-loop hike. Wind through shady redwood canyons and climb dry ridges as you hike to the jewel of Big Basin—65-foot Berry Creek Falls. Bring lots of water, lunch and wear layers. Docent Bill Rhoades will guide you on this seven-hour hike. Meet at Park Headquarters.

Discover Big Basin!
Sunday, December 15 at 12:00 noon
AND Sunday, December 29 at 12:00 noon
On this 4-hour, 4-mile leisurely hike with docent Barry Grimm we’ll traverse old-growth redwood and Douglas-fir forest in some of the park’s most scenic backcountry. We’ll look at the forest in new ways and share our findings. Compact digital cameras are encouraged to help us share what we see. This hike is suitable for adults and young adults who are diligent hikers. Dress in layers for changeable weather and temperatures. Bring sturdy walking shoes, water and trail snacks. Meet at Park Headquarters. Heavy rain cancels.

Wildflower Walk!
Saturday, December 21at 10:00 am
Sunday, December 22 at 10:00 am
Join docent Scott Peden and learn to identify many of Big Basin’s flowering plants. You’ll also visit several historical spots within the park. Saturday’s walk is a leisurely four-mile, four-hour walk that includes two chimney trees and a waterfall. Sunday’s walk is a relaxed five-mile, five-hour walk that includes a chimney tree. Bring water and lunch. Meet at Park Headquarters.

Horse Tails
Saturday, December 21 at 11:30 am
Come meet Bellarose the horse and learn about the important role horses played in early Big Basin history. Join docent Peggy O’Shea as she shares stories of how horses were used by the Spanish explorers, early settlers and the lumber and tanning industries.  Meet at Park Headquarters.

Holiday Redwood Loop Walk: The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 21 at 1:00 pm
Enjoy a festive walk in the famous old-growth redwoods at Big Basin with docent Karen DeMello. We'll listen to The Nutcracker Suite and imagine the forest performing the ballet along the easy, level, half-mile Redwood Loop. Dress warmly. 1-1/2 hours. If it's raining, we'll listen inside our warm Sempervirens Room. Meet at Park Headquarters.

Coffee Talk and Crafts
Saturday, December 21 from 9:00-12:00
Wednesday, January 1 from 9:00-12:00  “First-Day” Hike!
Come to the Sempervirens Room next to Park Headquarters for free coffee or hot chocolate! This is a great way to start your day (and year!) in Big Basin. Docent Norm Beeson will be happy to answer your questions about the park and help get you going on the right trail. And bring the kids for a fun craft activity!

Events made possible by California State Park Docents, California State Parks and Mountain Parks Foundation

Annual Events for 2013

Mother's Day Walk -  Sunday, May 12, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.
Celebrate the women of Big Basin and Mother's Day by honoring the spirited women who lived, worked and fought for Big Basin.  Stroller and wheelchair accessible.

Father's Day Walk -  Sunday, June 16, 2013 at 1:00p.m. 
Celebrate Father's Day by honoring some of the remarkable men who lived, work and fought for Big Basin.  Stroller and wheelchair accessible.

July 26-27, 2013, Various times and locations throughout the weekend.
Storytelling weekend presented in collaboration with South Bay Storytellers.  Storyteller's showcase on Saturday night at the campfire center. 

Big Basin Founders’ Day and Redwood Jubilee
Saturday, September 28, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Celebrate anniversary of California's oldest state park. Enjoy historical hikes, a special program for children and an evening melodrama at the campfire center.

The Missing Arm of William Waddell - Saturday, October 26, 2013
Bring a flashlight for this slightly-spooky, somewhat-silly trailside tale.  Sign ups begin at 6:30p.m. for walks that leave every 10-minutes beginning at 7:00p.m.

Events made possible by California State Park Docents, California State Parks and Mountain Parks Foundation

• Mountain Biking
  • Fire Roads are open to Mountain Biking
  • No Mountain Bikes allowed on Single Track Trails
  • North Escape Road (Picnic Area Road) is level and paved and makes a good easy route.
    • It is closed to private autos passed the locked gate

• Fire Roads in Park
  • Gazos Creek Road
    • 16 miles. Goes to Highway #1 North of Swanton.
  • Middle Ridge Fire Road
  • Hihn Hammond Road
  • Johansen Road
  • Chalks Road

• Trail Camps
  • Please click on the Backcountry Trail Camps Information Tab for complete information, rules and frequently asked questions.  Trail Camps open May 1 through Oct. 31 annually. Closed Nov. 1- April 30.
  • Advance reservations are required.
  • Reservations via Big Basin Headquarters, Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm, (831)335-8861, up to 56 days in advance.

• Group Camps
  • Sequoia Group Camp (2 Group Camps) Open All Year
    • Fifty people per site
    • 18 Vehicles
  • Sky Meadow Group Camp (2 Group Camps) May 26-Oct 28
    • Forty people per site
    • 15 Vehicles
    • Reservations through Reserve America 1-800-444-7275
       
• Equestrian Trails
  • Horses are allowed on Equestrian Trails and all double track trails in the Park.
    
    
• Horse Camps
  • Six sites.
  • Six people per site.
  • Minimum of one horse per site.
  • One tow vehicle and one horse trailer per site
  • Reserve via Rancho Del Oso.