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Butano State Park: Coastal Redwood Haven

Escape to Butano State Park: Discover towering redwoods, diverse trails, and serene landscapes in this hidden gem of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

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Butano State Park, established in 1957, is a serene escape into a redwood-filled canyon. Explore diverse landscapes, from towering redwoods and oak woodlands to chaparral, with 40 miles of trails. Spot wildlife, camp under the stars, and immerse yourself in nature's tranquility.

A brief summary to Butano State Park

Local tips

  • Bring your own drinking water, as water faucets may be closed.
  • Dogs are permitted in the campground and paved areas only, not on trails.
  • Reservations are required for Butano Trail Camp.
  • Check the park's website for trail closures due to forest health projects.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Butano State Park is located off Highway 1. Exit Highway 1 at Pescadero Road, proceed 3 miles, then turn right onto Cloverdale Road and continue for 5 miles to the park entrance. Alternatively, from Highway 1, exit at Gazos Creek Road, proceed 2.2 miles, then turn left onto Cloverdale Road and continue 2.4 miles to the park entrance. Parking is available inside the park for a fee. As of 2019, the fee was $10. The entrance booth may not be staffed, so be prepared to self-pay with exact change. Parking is limited, especially on popular days, so arrive early. Visitors may also park in Pescadero and bike to the park, adding 8 miles of road riding. Parking along Cloverdale Road is not recommended.

Unlock the Best of Butano State Park

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Discover more about Butano State Park

Butano State Park, nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, offers a tranquil retreat into nature's embrace. Established in 1957 to protect California's coast redwoods from logging, the park features a quiet canyon filled with towering second- and third-growth redwood trees and meandering creeks. The park spans over 4,000 acres and boasts 40 miles of hiking trails that weave through varied landscapes, including oak woodlands, riparian zones, and sun-drenched chaparral. Observant hikers might catch glimpses of woodpeckers, newts, and the seasonal bloom of calypso orchids. The park's diverse ecosystem supports a rich array of wildlife. Butano's history is intertwined with the Quiroste tribe, who managed the land for thousands of years before Spanish explorers arrived in 1769. Later, in the 1860s, settlers logged the area until the mid-1950s when California State Parks acquired the land. Visitors can explore the park's natural and cultural history at the Visitor Center near the entrance. Popular activities include hiking, camping, and picnicking. The park offers a variety of trails, from easy strolls along Little Butano Creek to more challenging loops like the Año Nuevo Trail. While the park provides restrooms with running water and drinking water facilities, it maintains a rustic charm by forgoing shower amenities, inviting guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural world.

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