Butano State Park: A Redwood Retreat

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.