Activities and Programs
MONTHLY INTERPRETIVE ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE
January Activities at Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236 (831) 338-8883
Coffee Talk and Crafts
Saturday, January 10 from 9-12
AND Saturday, January 17 from 9-12
AND Saturday, January 24 from 9:30-12:30
Shadowbrook Stroll
Saturday, January 10 at 12 pm
Join Docent Hal Anjo as he guides you on a less-traveled trail that takes you by Union Creek, to the Sempervirens Falls and back through the redwoods. This is a four-mile, 3.5-hour hike. Bring water and good hiking shoes. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Redwood Loop Walk
Sunday, January 11 at 12 and 2 pm
Saturday, January 17 at 1 pm
Sunday, January 18 at 1 pm
Saturday, January 24 at 1 pm
Sunday, January 25 at 12 and 2 pm
Saturday, January 31 at 12 and 2 pm
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 Headquarters.
Discover Big Basin Hike!
Sunday, January 18 at 12 pm
AND Saturday, January 24 at 12 pm
Explore some of the park’s less travelled backcountry with docent naturalist Barry Grimm. This hike will be individually tailored to your group–so distance can vary from 2 to 8 miles, depending on your needs. The pace is always moderate–with occasional short stops to discover the park’s unique animals, plants and other natural features. Based on group size, experience level and weather conditions, we will choose from the many trails that explore the park’s most scenic areas. Dress in layers for changeable weather and temperatures. Bring sturdy walking shoes, water and trail snacks. Heavy rain cancels. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Volunteer with the Trail Crew
Saturday, January 10 at 9 am
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, January 11 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 guides you on this seven-hour hike. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Winter Wildflower Walk!
Saturday, January 17 at 10 am
AND Sunday, January 18 at 10 am
Flowers in the winter? Fall rains bring a whole new blooming season upon us—many plants survived through the long, hot, dry summer just waiting for the cooler, wetter months to return and refresh them. Lichens, mosses and many chaparral plants just begin blooming this time of year! 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 amble that includes two chimney trees and a waterfall. Sunday’s walk is a relaxed five-mile, five-hour amble that includes a chimney tree. Bring water and lunch. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Hike to Buzzard’s Roost
Saturday, January 24 at 10 am
Develop your hiking muscles with this challenging 5-mile, 4-hour round trip to Buzzard’s Roost. Join docent Steve Stolper for a hike to a dramatic rock formation with a commanding view of the park. We gain 1,200 feet in elevation on the way up. After a relaxed lunch on the rocks, we return to headquarters. Bring at least one liter of water, lunch, snacks, and appropriate clothing. Rain cancels. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Meteor Trail Hike
Sunday, January 25 at 11 am
Join docent Hal Anjo on one of our most diverse hikes—by mountain streams, oak woodlands, chaparral and redwoods. You’ll discuss forests, flowers and fires on a six-mile, 3.5-hour hike. This somewhat strenuous ascent is rewarded with ocean views on a clear day. Bring water, lunch and good hiking shoes. Meet at Park Headquarters.
The Road Less Traveled—A Dog-Friendly Walk
Saturday, January 31 at 10 am
Sunday, February 1 at 11:30 am
On this dog-friendly walk, we travel on North Escape Road, a paved road closed to traffic. We tour stunning old-growth redwood groves along beautiful Opal Creek. We'll discuss redwood ecology and park history while exploring the deep shade of the redwood forest. This is a fun, easy, three-mile, two-hour roundtrip walk. Dogs not required, but welcome! Bring water and meet at Park Headquarters.
Please click here for a monthly downloadable list of area park activities.
Annual Events for 2015
Below are 2015 Annual Special Events at Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Additional daily activities including guided walks, campfires and Junior Ranger programs, can be viewed on the parks main calendar.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Romance in the Redwoods
Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 1 pm
On this easy, 2-hour walk you'll learn about the courtship behaviors of some of the park's most fascinating plants and animals. Join us and discover how banana slugs, redwood trees and more celebrate love in the wild! Meet at Park Headquarters. Big Basin Redwoods State Park is located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236 at 21600 Big Basin Way. Day-use parking fee is $10. More information is available at (831) 338--8883.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Mother’s Day Walk: Women of Big Basin
Sunday, May 10, 2015 at 1 pm
Celebrate Mother’s Day in the park by honoring the spirited women who lived in, worked in and fought for the Basin throughout its history. Living history reenactments bring you back in time where you will meet pioneer homemaker Alice Maddock; Josephine McCrackin, the “Savior of the Redwoods” and Harriet “Petey” Weaver, the first female Ranger. Stroll through the magnificent redwoods on this half-mile, one-hour guided walk. Meet at Park Headquarters. This walk is wheelchair and stroller accessible. The park is located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236 at 21600 Big Basin Way. Day-use parking fee is $10. More information is available at (831) 338-8883.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
The Men of Big Basin—A Father’s Day Special Event
Sunday, June 21 2015, at 1 pm
Celebrate Father’s Day by honoring some of the remarkable men who lived in, worked in and fought for Big Basin. Living history re-enactments bring you back in time where you’ll meet pioneer settlers, Big Basin founders and early park rangers. Stroll through the magnificent redwoods on this half-mile, 1.5-hour guided walk. Wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet at Park Headquarters. Big Basin Redwoods State Park is located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236 at 21600 Big Basin Way. Day-use parking fee is $10. More information is available at (831) 338-8883.
Big Basin’s Fourth of July Weekend Celebration and Talent Show!
Saturday, July 4, 2015 at 6:30 pm
Come and celebrate Independence Day with a campfire, sing-a-long and talent show! If you have a skit, poem, song or a talent you’d like to share, sign up at headquarters in advance. All presentations should be appropriate for all ages. Acts should be only 3-5 minutes in length. Participants need to arrive promptly at 6:30 p.m. Fire lighting and marshmallows (we provide the sticks and marshmallows!) at 6:30 pm; program begins at 7 pm.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Tales of the Basin—A Storytelling Weekend Event
July 24-25, 2015, Various times and locations throughout the weekend.
The oral storytelling tradition comes to life with the ancient redwood forest as a backdrop. Events throughout the weekend include Big Basin Nature Tails for children of all ages, guided walks that spin a yarn along the trail and a Storyteller Showcase in the historic Campfire Center. Presented in collaboration with South Bay Storytellers and Listeners. Big Basin Redwoods State Park is located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236 at 21600 Big Basin Way. Day-use parking fee is $10. More information is available at (831) 338-8883.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Big Basin Founders’ Day and Redwood Jubilee
Saturday, September 26, 2015, from 9 am to 8 pm
Celebrate our wild heritage with a melodrama, historic hikes and games for kids as we honor the Visionaries, Valued Workers and Visitors that have shaped the character of Big Basin over the past 100+ years. Revel in the beauty of the majestic old growth redwoods that inspired the movement to Save the Trees! Big Basin Redwoods State Park is located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236 at 21600 Big Basin Way. Day-use parking fee is $10. More information is available at (831) 338-8883.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
The Missing Arm of William Waddell
Saturday, October 24, 2015, registration begins at 6:30 p.m.
History takes a tall tale twist as the saga of this early pioneer unfolds. The silly, slightly haunting tours around the redwood loop trail begin at 7:00 p.m. Enjoy the redwoods on a fall night with music, storytelling and “Ranger Apples” around the campfire. All participants must register at Park Headquarters (registration opens at 6:30 p.m.). Big Basin Redwoods State Park is located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236 at 21600 Big Basin Way. Day-use parking fee is $10. More information is available at (831) 338-8883.
Redwood Loop Walks
Every Saturday and Sunday at 11 am and 2 pm (reduced winter schedule, call park for details)
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. Self-guided trail brochures also available.
Events made possible by California State Park Docents, California State Parks and Mountain Parks Foundation