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Butano State Park: A Redwood Retreat

Discover redwood forests, diverse trails, and serene camping in Butano State Park, a peaceful escape in the Santa Cruz Mountains near Pescadero.

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Escape to Butano State Park, a serene redwood forest nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains near Pescadero. Discover towering trees, diverse wildlife, and miles of hiking trails in this peaceful natural haven, once home to the Quiroste tribe and later a site of logging in the 19th and 20th centuries.

A brief summary to Butano State Park

Local tips

  • Bring layers, as the weather in the redwood forest can be cool and damp, even on warm days.
  • Check the California State Parks website for trail closures and current conditions before your visit.
  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trails can be muddy and slippery, especially during the rainy season.
  • Pick up a map at the entrance kiosk to navigate the park's extensive trail system.
  • Be aware that dogs are only allowed in the campground and paved areas, not on the trails.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Highway 1, turn onto Pescadero Creek Road. After passing through the town of Pescadero, turn right onto Cloverdale Road. Continue for approximately 5 miles to reach the park entrance on the left. The vehicle day use fee is $10. Note that parking is limited, especially near the kiosk.

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transportation to Butano State Park, you can take SamTrans Route 17 to Pescadero. From there, it is approximately a 5-mile drive or taxi ride along Cloverdale Road to the park entrance. Taxi/ride-share estimate from Pescadero to Butano State Park is $20-$30.

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Discover more about Butano State Park

Butano State Park, a hidden gem in the Santa Cruz Mountains, offers a tranquil escape into nature. Established in 1957 to safeguard California's coast redwoods, the park spans over 4,000 acres of canyons and uplands. Visitors can explore a quiet canyon filled with second- and third-growth redwood trees, with the soothing sounds of babbling creeks accompanying them. The park's history is rich and varied. Before European contact, the Quiroste tribe, who inhabited the area for thousands of years, managed the land with controlled burns to promote the growth of plants that sustained local wildlife. In the late 1860s, settlers like the Jacksons, Taylors, and Mullens transformed the landscape through logging. Today, remnants of this era can be seen in the stumps and non-native vegetation scattered throughout the park. Butano State Park boasts 40 miles of hiking trails that wind through diverse ecosystems, including oak woodlands, wet riparian areas, and sunny chaparral. Hikers may encounter woodpeckers, newts, and, in springtime, the delicate flowering calypso orchids. Popular trails include the Año Nuevo Trail, known for its steep ascent, and the Six Bridges Trail, which meanders through lush woods, crossing Little Butano Creek several times. For a longer trek, the Jackson Flats Loop offers a 6.4-mile journey with scenic views. The park also offers camping facilities, including drive-in, walk-in, and backcountry campsites. Although the main campground is currently closed due to damage from the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire, several trails remain open for exploration.

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