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.

BIG BASIN REDWOODS STATE PARK

March Activities
Located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236 (831) 338-8883

Big Basin Needs You! Become a Volunteer!
Big Basin Redwoods State Park is looking for curious, caring individuals to become docent volunteers. You can be part of a team dedicated to helping the environment through education. Learn about the magnificent old-growth redwoods and Big Basin’s wonderful cultural history, then share your knowledge with the public. Training begins in March. Please contact the park at (831) 338-8883 for information and applications.
-become part of a team dedicated to helping the environment through education
-learn to lead guided walks for school groups and the general public
-gain natural history knowledge of the coast redwoods and their ecosystem
-share a part of yourself with the community
-support California State Parks

Redwood Loop Walk
Every Saturday and Sunday at 11 am 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 Park Headquarters.

Volunteer with the Trail Crew!
Saturday, March 8 at 9 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.

Hike to Ocean View Summit
Saturday, March 8 at 10 am
Escape the crowds on this 6-mile loop through shaded forest to a hilltop view of the coast. We climb the Meteor Trail through the trees, gaining 600 feet before emerging at Ocean View Summit. After a relaxed lunch we descend back into the forest and return to headquarters. Bring *at least* one liter of water, lunch, snacks, and appropriate clothing. This hike lead by docent Steve Stolper runs rain or shine. Meet at Park Headquarters.

Berry Creek Falls Hike
Sunday, March 9 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.

Winter Wildflower Walk!
Saturday, March 15 at 10 am
Sunday, March 16 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.

Discover Big Basin!
Sunday, March 16 at 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.

Coffee Talk and Crafts
Saturday, March 22 from 9 am to noon
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!

A Walk in the Past
Sunday, March 23 at 10 am
No Safeway? No Home Depot? No Pharmacy? How did the Ohlone Indians survive? Take a walk with Docent Diane Shaw and learn about some of the plants the Ohlones used for food, tools and medicine. This is a 4-mile, 3.5-hour walk. Meet at Park Headquarters.

Coffee Talk and Crafts
Saturday, March 29 from 9 am to noon
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 Kathy Willott 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!

What's that Bird?
Saturday, March 29 at 10 am
This easy, one-mile stroll with docent Karen DeMello will introduce you to the birds of the redwood forest. Beginner birders are welcomed! Bring binoculars if you have them–but they’re not required. Meet at Park Headquarters.

The Road Less Traveled—A Dog-Friendly Walk
Saturday, March 29 at 1:30 pm
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 with docent Elise Scripps and her dogs Brie and Peanut. Dogs are not required, but they’re welcome! Bring water and meet at Park Headquarters.

Discover Big Basin!
Sunday, March 30 at 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.

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

Annual Events for 2014

Romance in the Redwoods Walk - Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 1:00 p.m.
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!

Mother's Day Walk -  Sunday, May 11, 2014 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 15, 2014 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 25-27, 2014, 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 27, 2014, 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 25, 2014
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.