Park Events
Events & Activities at Big Basin
All events and activities are free. Day-use vehicle fee is $10.
Events made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation, Waddell Creek Association, and California State Parks.
FREE AUGUST ACTIVITIES
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18
3 pm
Junior Rangers
Discover the fascinating secrets of the forest! Explore and play games as you learn about plants, animals, geology, and more. This one-hour program is for kids ages 7-12. Sorry parents, this program is for kids only! Please register your child at the Campfire Center 15 minutes before the program begins. Please be sure your child is dressed for active play in the outdoors.
4:30 pm
Big Basin Nature Club
This fun program is for children ages 3-6 and their families. Pretend, play, sing and explore! This half-hour program will introduce youngsters to the wonders of the redwood forest. Meet at the Campfire Center.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23
11 am
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
2 pm
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
10:30 am
Meteor Trail Hike
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.
11 am
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
12 pm
Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike!
Explore the park’s less travelled backcountry with Docent Barry Grimm. This moderately paced hike will be tailored to the group’s interests. Based on group size, experience level and weather conditions, we’ll choose from the many trails that explore the park’s most scenic areas. Meet at Park Headquarters.
2 pm
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25
9:30 am
The Road Less Traveled—A Dog-Friendly Walk
On this dog-friendly walk, we travel 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, 3-mile, 2-hour walk with Docent Diane Shaw. Dogs not required, but welcome! Bring water and meet at Park Headquarters.
11 am
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
2 pm
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30
11 am
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
2 pm
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 31
10-3
Hike to Ocean View Summit
Escape the crowds on this 6-mile loop through shaded forest to a hilltop view of the coast. Join Docent Steve Stolper as 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 runs rain or shine. Meet at Park Headquarters.
10:30 am
Outlook from Mt. McAbee Hike
Join Docent Hal Anjo on a hike to McAbee Outlook. We'll stop at the top and enjoy the lovely ocean views, returning through a beautiful old-growth redwood forest. Learn about the different habitats as you watch the environment change as we climb and enjoy the view. Difficulty level is moderate. The hike is six miles and about three and a half hours. Bring plenty of water, snacks and good hiking shoes. Meet at Park Headquarters.
11 am
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
12-3 pm
Snakes Alive!
Why are snakes important to us? How do they see, smell, taste, hear? What and how do they eat? What does a snake feel like? Come to the Sempervirens Room at Park Headquarters and meet Docent Diane Shaw and learn about the fascinating world of snakes. Stop by anytime to meet the snake and talk to Diane.
12 pm
Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike!
Explore the park’s less travelled backcountry with Docent Barry Grimm. This moderately paced hike will be tailored to the group’s interests. Based on group size, experience level and weather conditions, we’ll choose from the many trails that explore the park’s most scenic areas. Meet at Park Headquarters.
1 pm
"Forest Friends Forever!"
This fun 30-minute interactive story reading is best suited for 3-6 year olds and their families. In this story, four forest creatures come together and help each other when most needed. Despite their differences, they become forest friends forever!
2 pm
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
2:30 pm
Junior Rangers
Discover the fascinating secrets of the forest! Explore and play games as you learn about plants, animals, geology, and more. This one-hour program is for kids ages 7-12. Sorry parents, this program is for kids only! Please register your child at the Campfire Center 15 minutes before the program begins. Please be sure your child is dressed for active play in the outdoors.
7 pm
Sssnakes Campfire! Marshmallows!
Meet a snake! Learn how they hunt, how they move, and why they’re so important. Join us in our historic campfire center for an evening of song and story. Serenade the glittering stars and learn about redwood ecology, creatures of the forest or stories of the park while relaxing in the shadows of the towering trees. Fire lighting and marshmallows (we provide the sticks and marshmallows!) at 7 pm; program begins at 7:30 pm. Wheelchair, stroller accessible. Good dogs welcome!
FREE SEPTEMBER ACTIVITIES
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
9:30 am
The Road Less Traveled—A Dog-Friendly Walk
On this dog-friendly walk, we travel 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, 3-mile, 2-hour walk with Docent Diane Shaw. Dogs not required, but welcome! Bring water and meet at Park Headquarters.
11 am
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
1 pm
Big Basin Nature Club
This fun program is for children ages 3-6 and their families. Pretend, play, sing and explore! This half-hour program will introduce youngsters to the wonders of the redwood forest. Meet at the Campfire Center.
2 pm
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
2:30 pm
Junior Rangers
Discover the fascinating secrets of the forest! Explore and play games as you learn about plants, animals, geology, and more. This one-hour program is for kids ages 7-12. Sorry parents, this program is for kids only! Please register your child at the Campfire Center 15 minutes before the program begins. Please be sure your child is dressed for active play in the outdoors.
7 pm
Slimy Slugs Campfire Meet a slimy slug and learn why these little slimy creatures are so important to the redwoods (and why they’re slimy!) Join us in our historic campfire center for an evening of song and story. Fire lighting and marshmallows (we provide the sticks and marshmallows!) at 7 pm; program begins at 7:30 pm. Wheelchair, stroller accessible. Good dogs welcome!
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
11 am
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
12 pm
Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike!
Explore the park’s less travelled backcountry with Docent Barry Grimm. This moderately paced hike will be tailored to the group’s interests. Based on group size, experience level and weather conditions, we’ll choose from the many trails that explore the park’s most scenic areas. Meet at Park Headquarters.
2 pm
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
9:30 am
Exploring Big Basin Hike
Learn about redwoods, forest plants, fires, history and more on these fun, varied hikes with Docent Diane Shaw. Hikes are 5-8 miles and last up to 5 hours. We go rain or shine, but strong winds may cancel. Meet at Park Headquarters.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
10 am
Meteor Trail Hike
Join a Docent 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.
11 am
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
2 pm
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
10:30-1:30
Ohlone Plant Use
No Safeway? No Home Depot? No Pharmacy? How did Ohlone Indians survive? Docent Eva Fewel will have plant samples and tools that local Native Californians used. Learn how they collected, processed and used local plants. Stop by our Visitor Center anytime from 10:30-1:30.
10:30 am
Sempervirens Falls Hike
This beautiful hike takes you by Sempervirens Falls, old-growth redwoods, Ohlone grinding rocks, the birthplace of Big Basin and more! Join Docent Hal Anjo on this 4-mile, 3-hour hike. Bring water and snacks. Meet at Park Headquarters.
11 am
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
11:30 am
Felling the Giants
How did lumbermen cut down these tall, tall trees? What was life like in a logging camp? What tools did they use? Join Docent Paul Fewel as he tells stories of the logging days and demonstrates how loggers were able to fell these giants—without chainsaws! You get to use some tools too! Rain cancels. Meet at Park Headquarters.
12 pm
Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike!
Explore the park’s less travelled backcountry with Docent Barry Grimm. This moderately paced hike will be tailored to the group’s interests. Based on group size, experience level and weather conditions, we’ll choose from the many trails that explore the park’s most scenic areas. Meet at Park Headquarters.
2 pm
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
9:30-12:30
Coffee Talk and Crafts
Come to the Sempervirens Room next to Headquarters for free coffee or hot chocolate! This is a great way to start your day in Big Basin. A Docent 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!
9:30 am
The Road Less Traveled—A Dog-Friendly Walk
On this dog-friendly walk, we travel 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, 3-mile, 2-hour walk with Docent Diane Shaw. Dogs not required, but welcome! Bring water and meet at Park Headquarters.
11 am
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
2 pm
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
9:30 am
Exploring Big Basin Hike
Learn about redwoods, forest plants, fires, history and more on these fun, varied hikes with Docent Diane Shaw. Hikes are 5-8 miles and last up to 5 hours. We go rain or shine, but strong winds may cancel. Meet at Park Headquarters.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
11 am
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
2 pm
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
9:30-12:30
Coffee Talk and Crafts
Come to the Sempervirens Room next to Headquarters for free coffee or hot chocolate! This is a great way to start your day in Big Basin. A Docent 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!
10:30 am
Outlook from Mt. McAbee Hike
Join Docent Hal Anjo on a hike to McAbee Outlook. We'll stop at the top and enjoy the lovely ocean views, returning through a beautiful old-growth redwood forest. Learn about the different habitats as you watch the environment change as we climb and enjoy the view. Difficulty level is moderate. The hike is six miles and about three and a half hours. Bring plenty of water, snacks and good hiking shoes. Meet at Park Headquarters.
11 am
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
12 pm
Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike!
Explore the park’s less travelled backcountry with Docent Barry Grimm. This moderately paced hike will be tailored to the group’s interests. Based on group size, experience level and weather conditions, we’ll choose from the many trails that explore the park’s most scenic areas. Meet at Park Headquarters.
2 pm
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
9:30 am
The Road Less Traveled—A Dog-Friendly Walk
On this dog-friendly walk, we travel 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, 3-mile, 2-hour walk with Docent Diane Shaw. Dogs not required, but welcome! Bring water and meet at Park Headquarters.
9:30 am
Berry Creek Falls Hike
Travel deep into the heart of Big Basin as you experience a wide range of habitats on this moderate to strenuous 12-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 7-hour hike. Meet at Park HQ.
10-3
Hike to Buzzard's Roost
Develop your hiking muscles with this challenging 5-mile 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 Headquarter
11 am
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
2 pm
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
9:30 am
Exploring Big Basin Hike
Learn about redwoods, forest plants, fires, history and more on these fun, varied hikes with Docent Diane Shaw. Hikes are 5-8 miles and last up to 5 hours. We go rain or shine, but strong winds may cancel. Meet at Park Headquarters.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
11 am
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
2 pm
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
10 am
Hidden Gems: Flowers of Big Basin!
There are many less-famous, yet still beautiful, plants in the redwood forest. Join Docents Kathy Willott and Glenn Joy on thisfour-mile, three-hour walk and meet some of the hidden gems of Big Basin! Bring water and lunch. Meet at Park Headquarters.
10:30 am
Meteor Trail Hike
Join a Docent 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.
11 am
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
12-3 pm
Snakes Alive!
Why are snakes important to us? How do they see, smell, taste, hear? What and how do they eat? What does a snake feel like? Come to the Sempervirens Room at Park Headquarters and meet Docent Diane Shaw and learn about the fascinating world of snakes. Stop by anytime to meet the snake and talk to Diane.
12 pm
Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike!
Explore the park’s less travelled backcountry with Docent Barry Grimm. This moderately paced hike will be tailored to the group’s interests. Based on group size, experience level and weather conditions, we’ll choose from the many trails that explore the park’s most scenic areas. Meet at Park Headquarters.
2 pm
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER22
9:30 am
The Road Less Traveled—A Dog-Friendly Walk
On this dog-friendly walk, we travel 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, 3-mile, 2-hour walk with Docent Diane Shaw. Dogs not required, but welcome! Bring water and meet at Park Headquarters.
11 am
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
2 pm
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
9:30 am
Exploring Big Basin Hike
Learn about redwoods, forest plants, fires, history and more on these fun, varied hikes with Docent Diane Shaw. Hikes are 5-8 miles and last up to 5 hours. We go rain or shine, but strong winds may cancel. Meet at Park Headquarters.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
11 am
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
2 pm
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Honor the Visionaries, Valued Workers and Visitors that shaped the character of Big Basin over the past 117 years. Revel in the beauty of the majestic old growth redwoods that inspired the movement to Save the Trees! Celebrate our wild heritage with a melodrama, redwood tours and a timeline tree.
Timeline Tree: Changing Times among the Ageless Giants
9 am-5 pm (all day, walk by anytime)
Come walk along a downed 100-foot redwood tree and read about the stories of change in the forest where time appears to stop. The timeline describes events in words and pictures of Big Basin over the last century…and more. Some were grand occasions, others mundane details…together, the stops along this path tell a fascinating story of the oldest state park in California. The timeline is along the Redwood Loop Trail, across from Park Headquarters.
10:30 am
Sempervirens Falls Hike
This beautiful hike takes you by Sempervirens Falls, old-growth redwoods, Ohlone grinding rocks, the birthplace of Big Basin and more! Join Docent Hal Anjo on this 4-mile, 3-hour hike. Bring water and snacks. Meet at Park Headquarters.
11 am
Redwood Loop Walk
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.
12 pm
Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike!
Explore the park’s less travelled backcountry with Docent Barry Grimm. This moderately paced hike will be tailored to the group’s interests. Based on group size, experience level and weather conditions, we’ll choose from the many trails that explore the park’s most scenic areas. Meet at Park Headquarters.
1 pm
Big Basin Melodrama!
Celebrate Big Basin's history! Watch a strolling play into the past on this easy, family friendly redwood loop trail and meet colorful characters from Big Basin's past. Listen to the stories of a pioneering homesteader, an early conservationist, the first female ranger at Big Basin and more! This walk is a half-mile, 1.5-hour and is wheelchair and stroller friendly. Meet at Park Headquarters.
2 pm
Redwood Loop Walk
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.
3 pm
Historic Big Basin Walk
Get in a time machine with Docent Diane Shaw as she leads a history walk around Headquarters. Big Basin was a world-famous resort, with a swimming pool, dance hall, cabins, dining hall, and more! See where these sites were, and how they used to look.
This is a one-mile, 90-minute walk. Meet at Park Headquarters
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER29
9:30 am
The Road Less Traveled—A Dog-Friendly Walk
On this dog-friendly walk, we travel 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, 3-mile, 2-hour walk with Docent Diane Shaw. Dogs not required, but welcome! Bring water and meet at Park Headquarters.
11 am
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
2 pm
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
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.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1
9:30 am
Exploring Big Basin Hike
Learn about redwoods, forest plants, fires, history and more on these fun, varied hikes with Docent Diane Shaw. Hikes are 5-8 miles and last up to 5 hours. We go rain or shine, but strong winds may cancel. Meet at Park Headquarters.