For Immediate Release: 6/28/2023

California State Parks and Santa Cruz METRO Offer an Eco-Friendly Way to Visit Big Basin Redwoods State Park this Summer

Contact:
Danielle Glagola, Marketing, Communications & Customer Service Director
dglagola@scmtd.com
(831) 420-2550

California State Parks
newsroom@parks.ca.gov

 

Route 35 bus access to the park will operate on weekends until September 10 

Santa Cruz METRO Offer an Eco-Friendly Way to Visit Big Basin Redwoods State Park

 

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — California State Parks and Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO) today announced a convenient and sustainable transportation option to access Big Basin Redwoods State Park. On weekends this summer through September 10, the public can take METRO’s Route 35 to explore California’s oldest state park.  

This summer service to Big Basin gives everyone in the community the opportunity to visit the park car-free. To further encourage visitation, day-use parking at the Scotts Valley Transit Center is free. Additionally, those who ride METRO to the park do not need to pay a parking or entrance fee. Otherwise, visitors are encouraged to make a day-use parking reservation online in advance to guarantee a spot.

“Thank you to Santa Cruz METRO for this unique partnership to further increase outdoor access for all and protect the environment,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “METRO's bus service offers a hassle-free, eco-friendly, and low-cost way to explore the breathtaking beauty of Big Basin Redwoods State Park.”

Below is information on how Route 35 will be supporting transportation to Big Basin Redwoods State Park:

  • Weekend service available through September 10.
  • Day-use parking at the Scotts Valley Transit Center is free.
  • Weekend departures from the Scotts Valley Transit Center include 7:55 a.m., 9:55 a.m., 12:10 p.m., 2:10 p.m. and 4:10 p.m.
  • Return departures from Big Basin are scheduled at 8:45 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. 
  • Riders from Santa Cruz and Watsonville can catch the Route 35 regular service bus at the Metro Center on Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz and transfer to the Big Basin Route 35 Bus at the Scotts Valley Transit Center. 
  • Fares for adults are $2 each way, or a bus day pass is $6. Youth ride free.
  • METRO riders do not need to pay a parking or park entrance fee.

For those visiting Big Basin for cycling opportunities on the park’s fire roads, buses are equipped with bike racks, eliminating the need for bikers to commute in their own vehicle.

Riders can purchase fares in advance using the Splash Pass app. For more information on Santa Cruz METRO's Route 35 bus service, please visit scmetro.org. See a full map of Route 35 online.

“This route offers a remarkable opportunity to explore the wonders of Big Basin Redwoods State Park,” said METRO CEO/General Manager Michael Tree. “Riders are not only choosing a hassle-free way to visit the park but are also opting for an environmentally friendly commute to the park by reducing emissions from personal vehicle use.”

The public is advised to “Know Before You Go”, as park access is limited due to extensive damage sustained by the CZU Fire. Currently there are four miles of hiking trails and 18 miles of fire roads available for hiking and biking. Visitors are encouraged to bring plenty of water, as there is no potable water available in the park, and wear sunscreen. For more safety tips, please visit parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.

Please visit ReimaginingBigBasin.org for more information about future park plans and efforts to reestablish the park, and please see a short video about bus service on the Santa Cruz District State Parks YouTube channel.

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About California State Parks

The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.

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About Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO)

Established in 1968, METRO’S mission is to provide environmentally sustainable transportation to Santa Cruz County. METRO directly operates county-wide, fixed-route and Highway 17 commuter service, with connections to Santa Clara County and Monterey Salinas Transit at our Watsonville Transit Center. The agency also operates ParaCruz paratransit service. Today METRO operates a fleet of 94 buses on at least 24 fixed routes and 32 paratransit vehicles.

Every ride on a METRO bus takes cars off the road, significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and supports economic opportunity and quality of life in our community. Moving into the future, METRO strives to meet the following goals:

  • Increase transit ridership to 7 million trips annually within the next five years
  • Transition to a zero-emissions fleet with a mix of hydrogen and battery electric buses
  • Develop 175 affordable housing units at METRO-owned transit centers over the next decade

For more information, visit scmtd.com Follow METRO on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.



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California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.