Big Basin Redwoods State Park: California's Redwood Sanctuary

Big Basin Redwoods State Park, established in 1902, holds the distinction of being California's first state park, marking the beginning of the state's preservation and conservation movement. Located in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the park spans over 22,500 acres of diverse terrain, from high chaparral slopes to lush canyons and marshes. Its main attraction is, without a doubt, the ancient coast redwoods, some of which are estimated to be between 1,000 and 1,800 years old—predating the Roman Empire. These giants can reach over 50 feet in circumference and soar to heights comparable to the Statue of Liberty.For millennia, the area was home to the Cotoni and Quiroste tribes, part of the Ohlone culture. These tribes utilized fire and land management practices to promote forest health and cultivate useful vegetation. In 2020, the CZU Lightning Complex Fire swept through 97% of the park, causing extensive damage to the landscape and destroying many historic structures. Despite the devastation, the majority of old-growth redwood trees survived, and new plant life is vigorously growing, demonstrating the resilience of the redwood forest ecosystem.Today, Big Basin is partially open for limited day-use access, allowing visitors to witness the park's recovery firsthand. Several trails and fire roads have been reopened, offering opportunities to explore the fire-impacted old-growth and second-growth redwood forests, as well as mixed conifer, oak, chaparral, and riparian habitats. Visitors can explore the Redwood Loop Trail, Dool Trail, and portions of the Skyline to the Sea Trail.