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.
AUGUST FREE ACTIVITIES
Redwood Grove Loop Walk
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11 and 2
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.
Evening Campfire Programs
EVERY Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 7 pm (No campfires August 25, 27-30)
Marshmallows: 7-7:30, Campfire: 7:30-8:30
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!
SPECIAL EVENT CAMPFIRES
Nature’s Supermarket
Thursday, August 23 at 7 pm
How would you make dinner if you lived in Big Basin 500 years ago? No supermarkets, no stoves, not even pots and pans…. Join Ranger Alex Tabone to find out how to cook a hot meal in a basket as we take a look at Nature’s Supermarket and make dinner the way it was done by the native Ohlone people 500 years ago! You even get to taste our creation!
Ssssssnakes Campfire!
Thursday, August 16 at 7 pm
Meet a snake up close and learn more about these misunderstood animals.
POP-UP CAMPFIRE!
Every Friday at 7 pm
AT CAMPSITE 73 IN HUCKLEBERRY CAMPGROUND
Bring your camp chair—we’ll bring the marshmallows, songs and stories! Sit around the campfire, roast marshmallows, sing some songs and hear stories about Big Basin. If possible, please walk to the campfire, as parking is limited to disabled parking.
Apple Roasting! Snake! Crafts! Games! Skulls and Pelts!
Every Wednesday from 3:30-5 pm (No program August 29)
Drop by anytime between 3:30-5 pm at our historic campfire and enjoy roasting ranger apples and marshmallows, playing games, listening to tunes and making some fun crafts! Touch and learn about the skulls and pelts of Big Basin animals, and meet a snake.
Twilight Adaptation Adventure Walk
Every Sunday at 7:30 pm
Twilight marks the end of day and the beginning of night. Animals who come out at night have special adaptations to survive. Come test your nocturnal abilities on this fun, 1-hour, half-mile walk. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Junior Rangers
Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 3 pm (No programs August 25, 28, 29)
Explore, hike and play games as you learn about plants, animals, and more. This 1-hour program is designed for kids ages 7-12 only. Please register your child at the Nature Museum 15 minutes before the program begins. Please be sure your child is dressed for active play.
Special Two-Hour Junior Rangers
EVERY Wednesday at 10 am (No program August 29)
This special 2-hour Junior Rangers is for kids ages 7-12 only. We’ll be taking a hike, so make sure your Junior Ranger dresses appropriately, with closed-toe shoes. Please register your child 15 minutes before the program at the Nature Museum.
Big Basin Nature Club
Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 4:30 pm (No programs August 25, 28)
AND Wednesdays at 1:30 pm (No program Wednesday, August 29)
This fun program is designed 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 Nature Museum.
ASK US!
Visitor Center Staffed
Saturdays and Sundays 11-1
Do you have questions about Big Basin? Want trail information? Information about the plants and animals you see? Come to the Visitor Center, next to Park Headquarters, to get answers!
Exploring Big Basin Hike
EVERY Tuesday at 9 am
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. Meet at Park Headquarters.
What's that Bird? Walk
Every Monday at 9:30 am
This easy, 1-mile stroll introduces 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 Headquarters.
Seek and Find: Smartphone Quest
Every Monday at 11:30 am
Bring your smartphone and kids ages 5 and up for a 1-hour adventure walk. We’ll use a free app called Seek to identify plants and animals here, and you can continue the adventure at home! Meet at Park Headquarters.
Coffee Talk and Crafts
Sunday, August 20 from 9:30 am-12:30 pm
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!
Meteor Trail Hike
Saturday, August 18 at 10:30 am
Friday, August 24 at 10:30 am
Join a Big Basin 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.
Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike!
Sunday, August 20 at noon
Saturday, August 25 at noon
Sunday, August 26 at noon
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.
Family Discovery Walk
Saturday, August 18 at 1 pm
Join Docent Norm Beeson for a fun-filled family walk and investigate the mysteries and wonders of Big Basin’s redwood forest! We’ll discover what surprises the day offers on this easy, one-mile roundtrip walk that lasts about 1.5 hours. Bring water, a snack and an adventurous spirit! Rain cancels. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Snakes Alive!
Saturday, August 25 from 12-3 pm
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.
Special Needs Walk
Sunday, August 26 at 1 pm
On this wheelchair and special needs accessible hike, Docent Nan Singh-Bowman will cover a wide range of subjects including plants, animals and the history of Big Basin. The hike will be paced for non-traditional kids, but everyone is welcome! Please wear comfortable shoes/clothing and bring water, snacks, hat and sunscreen. Be prepared for very warm weather but bring a light jacket or sweater as well. Meet at Park Headquarters.
FREE SEPTEMBER ACTIVITIES
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
9-12
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!
10-12
Ohlone Plant Use
No Safeway? No Home Depot? No Pharmacy? How did the Ohlone Indians survive? Docent Eva Fewel will have plant samples and tools that the local Native Californians used. Learn how they collected and processed the local plants. Stop by our Campfire Center anytime between 10-12.
11 am AND 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.
11:30 am
Felling the Giants (Logging Demonstration!)
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.
1-1:30 pm
Story Time Walk
Bring the whole family and join us for a walking story time! Starting at Park Headquarters, we’ll walk through ancient redwoods while reading a story about an animal, forest, bird, insect–who knows? We’ll stop and read one page, walk a bit then read the next page until we finish the story. We’ll end up at the historic campfire circle and gather for Nature’s Reading Room, where you can choose from a wide variety of books about trees, animals, birds, bugs and more for the whole family to read together. Meet at Park Headquarters.
1:30-3 pm (Drop In Anytime)
Nature’s Reading Room
Come sit in our beautiful campfire center, under ancient redwoods—nature’s reading room—and choose a book or two to read with your family. Drop by anytime between 1:30-3:00 and Docent Norm Beeson will help you find the perfect book for your family to enjoy. Nature’s Reading Room is at our campfire center, across from Park Headquarters.
3 pm
Junior Rangers
Discover the fascinating secrets of the forest! Explore, practice outdoor skills and play games as you learn about plants, animals, geology, and more. This one-hour program is designed for kids ages 7-12. Sorry parents, this program is for kids only! Please register your child at the Nature Lodge Museum 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 designed 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 Nature Lodge.
7 pm
Campfire!
Marshmallows: 7-7:30, Campfire: 7:30-8:30
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!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
9:30 am
The Road Less Traveled—A Dog-Friendly Walk
On this dog-, stroller- and wheelchair-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.
10-12:30
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!
11 am AND 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.
1 pm
Family Discovery Walk
Join Docent Norm Beeson for a fun-filled family walk and investigate the mysteries and wonders of Big Basin’s redwood forest! We’ll discover what surprises the day offers on this easy, one-mile roundtrip walk that lasts about 1.5 hours. Bring water, a snack and an adventurous spirit! Rain cancels. Meet at Park Headquarters.
3 pm
Junior Rangers
Discover the fascinating secrets of the forest! Explore, practice outdoor skills and play games as you learn about plants, animals, geology, and more. This one-hour program is designed for kids ages 7-12. Sorry parents, this program is for kids only! Please register your child at the Nature Lodge Museum 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 designed 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 Nature Lodge.
7 pm
Campfire!
Marshmallows: 7-7:30, Campfire: 7:30-8:30
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!
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 LABOR DAY
9:30 am
What's that Bird? Walk
This easy, 1-mile stroll introduces 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.
10 am
Big Basin Nature Club
This fun program is designed 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 Nature Lodge.
11 am
Junior Rangers
Discover the fascinating secrets of the forest! Explore, practice outdoor skills and play games as you learn about plants, animals, geology, and more. This one-hour program is designed for kids ages 7-12. Sorry parents, this program is for kids only! Please register your child at the Nature Lodge Museum 15 minutes before the program begins. Please be sure your child is dressed for active play in the outdoors.
11 am AND 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.
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.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
9 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.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
9 am
Volunteer with the Trail Crew
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.
10-3
Can You Survive? (psychology, risk assessment, priorities, equipment, and shelter)
Join Certified California Naturalist Steven Stolper for a hands-on, five-hour workshop to learn modern wilderness survival techniques. If you hike, bike, camp or ride horses, then you should have a working knowledge of modern wilderness survival. Steve will teach the skills needed to survive a 1-3 day survival situation. In this session we cover risk assessment, the “Rule of 3”, equipment, shelter, and survival psychology. Please dress as you would for a day-hike. Everyone is welcome in this workshop, no matter their ability. Wear clothes that can get dirty, and bring at least one liter of water, lunch, and snacks.
11 am AND 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.
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.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
9:30 am
The Road Less Traveled—A Dog-Friendly Walk
On this dog-, stroller- and wheelchair-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 will guide you on this seven-hour hike. Meet at Park Headquarters.
11 am and 2 pm
Grandparents Day Redwood Loop Walks
Take a leisurely walk to Big Basin’s Grandparent Tree as we celebrate all our Grandparents on this special day. Join Docent Norm Beeson on a walk through ancient redwoods and marvel at their beauty and timelessness. Grandparents, parents and children are all welcome! 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.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
9 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.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
9:30 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.
10–3
Can You Survive? (fire, signaling, and water purification)
Join Certified California Naturalist Steven Stolper for a hands-on, five-hour workshop to learn modern wilderness survival techniques. If you hike, bike, camp or ride horses, then you should have a working knowledge of modern wilderness survival. Steve will teach the skills needed to survive a 1-3 day survival situation. In this session we cover fire, signaling, and water purification. Please dress as you would for a day-hike. Everyone is welcome in this workshop, no matter their ability. Wear clothes that can get dirty, and bring at least one liter of water, lunch, and snacks.
11 am AND 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.
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
Family Discovery Walk
Join Docent Norm Beeson for a fun-filled family walk and investigate the mysteries and wonders of Big Basin’s redwood forest! We’ll discover what surprises the day offers on this easy, one-mile roundtrip walk that lasts about 1.5 hours. Bring water, a snack and an adventurous spirit! Rain cancels. Meet at Park Headquarters.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
9:30 am
The Road Less Traveled—A Dog-Friendly Walk
On this dog-, stroller- and wheelchair-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.
9:30-12:30
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!
11 am AND 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.
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.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
9 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.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
11 am AND 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.
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.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
9:30 am
The Road Less Traveled—A Dog-Friendly Walk
On this dog-, stroller- and wheelchair-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 AND 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 25
9 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.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
FOUNDERS’ DAY SPECIAL EVENT
Honor the Visionaries, Valued Workers and Visitors that shaped the character of Big Basin over the past 116 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.
9 am-5 pm (all day, walk by anytime)
Timeline Tree: Changing Times among the Ageless Giants
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.
11 am and 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.
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.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
9:30 am
The Road Less Traveled—A Dog-Friendly Walk
On this dog-, stroller- and wheelchair-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.
9:30-12:30
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!
11 am AND 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.
Annual Events
Romance in the Redwoods
Saturday February 10, 2018 at 11:30am
On this easy 2 hour walk you will 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.
Rancho del Oso - Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Salamander Saturday
Saturday March 3, 2018 from Noon to 4pm
Join us as the “Ranch of the Bear” becomes “Ranch of the Newt,” celebrating our amphibian friends that make their way from beneath rocks and under logs to the creeks, wetlands and puddles of the park. Participate in our annual celebration honoring the often overlooked, but heroically well adapted amphibian. Live amphibians will be available for viewing. Ranger led salamander hike will start at 3pm on the mile long Marsh Trail. This free event is appropriate for all ages. Rancho del Oso is the coastal portion of Big Basin, located off Highway 1 in Davenport. For more information, please call (831) 427-2288, or email parksRDOPIS@parks.ca.gov.
Rancho del Oso - Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Wildflower Weekend
Saturday May 5, 2018 from 10am to 4 pm
Sunday May 6, 2018 from 10am to 4 pm
Guided hikes at 10am and 1pm on both Saturday and Sunday
Rancho del Oso’s annual Wildflower Weekend event displays over 80 plants in bloom including species found in the Waddell Valley, the coastal portion of Big Basin Redwoods State Park. The 10am hike is a moderately paced 4.5-mile hike along the Marsh Trail to the Skyline to the Sea Bypass Trail. The 1pm hike is a 1-mile wildflower excursion through multiple habitats along the Hoover Nature Trail. Rancho del Oso is the coastal portion of Big Basin, located off Highway 1 in Davenport. For more information, please call (831) 427-2288, or email parksRDOPIS@parks.ca.gov.
Mother’s Day Walk: Women of Big Basin
Sunday May 13, 2018 at 1pm
Celebrate Mother’s Day in the park by honoring the spirited women who lived in, worked in and fought for Big 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 0.5 mile, 1 hour guided walk. Meet at Park Headquarters. This walk is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
The Men of Big Basin—A Father’s Day Special Event
Sunday June 17, 2018 at 1pm
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 will 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.
Fourth of July Weekend Celebration and Talent Show!
Saturday July 7, 2018 at 7pm
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 would like to share, sign up at headquarters in advance. All 3-5 minute presentations should be appropriate for all ages. Fire lighting and marshmallows (we provide the sticks and marshmallows!) at 7 pm; program begins at 7:30 pm.
Tales of the Basin—A Storytelling Weekend Event
Saturday July 28, 2018 - Various times and locations.
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 Founders’ Day and Redwood Jubilee
Saturday September 29, 2018 from 9am to 8pm
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!
The Missing Arm
Saturday October 20, 2018; Registration begins at 6:30pm
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 pm. 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 pm).