Big Basin Redwoods State Park FAQs

Big Basin is open for limited day-use access from 8:30 a.m. to sunset. Reservations are encouraged and guarantee access. Check availability.

The implementation of a reservation system allows the public to return to Big Basin for the first time since the CZU Lightning Complex Fire engulfed the park in flames in August 2020. Reservations are necessary to: 

1. Ensure visitor safety in the limited areas where public access is available.  

2. Protect the fire-damaged forest as it slowly recovers from the devastating fire.  

3. Provide a safe, high-quality visitor experience in which overcrowding of parking lots and trails will not deter visitors from having the ability to seek out recreational experiences that allow for a connection to the natural environment. 

Reservations have been available to park a vehicle at Big Basin since the park reopened on July 22, 2022. 

Make a reservation online. Reservations are also available by phone. Leave a message at (831) 338-8867. 

Any park visitor who wants to park inside Big Basin Redwoods State Park is encouraged to secure a day-use reservation to guarantee parking. (A limited number of first-come, first-serve parking spots are available daily.) Visitors arriving by bicycle do not require a reservation.

Reservations need to be made by 6 a.m. on the day of the visit and can be made up to 60 days in advance. A limited number of spots will also be made available to reserve 3 days in advance. 

Reservations are encouraged to guarantee parking. A limited number of first-come, first-serve parking spots are available. Make a reservation online or by phone. Leave a message at (831) 338-8867. 

Please call 831-338-8867 or email reservebigbasin@thatsmypark.org to cancel your reservation. To receive a refund for parking fees, you must contact us at least four days before your arrival date. The $2.00 per vehicle reservation fee is non-refundable. 

The park may be closed due to a weather event, emergency, disaster or other operational necessity as determined by State Parks. If your reservation has to be canceled due to a closure, we will make every effort to notify you and issue a full refund as soon as possible. 

Reservations are non-transferrable.

Yes, if you make a reservation, the day-use fee is $8 (a $6 day-use parking fee with a $2 reservation fee) and limited first-come, first-serve parking is possibly available for $10. All fees stay local to support the park. 

Yes, and reservations are required. The day-use fee for parking a small bus (10-24 passengers) is $50, including a $40 parking fee and a $10 reservation fee. The day-use fee for parking a large bus (25+ passengers) is $100, including an $80 parking fee and a $20 reservation fee. Make a reservation online. Reservations also are available by phone. Leave a message at (831) 338-8867. 

Parks passes will be honored at the park, but the reservation fee of $2.00 will be charged.

If you indicate that you have a valid California State Park Pass for a vehicle when registering online, the parking fee will be waived. Passholders must still pay a non-refundable $2 reservation fee for each parking space reserved. You must show the pass to the staff person at check-in, or your reservation will not be honored, and you will be turned away.  

Any of the following passes are accepted: Golden Poppy, California Explorer, Golden Bear | CALWORKS, an in-season Limited Use Golden Bear, Distinguished Veteran, Adventure Pass for 4^th Graders, Santa Cruz District Volunteer, or a Library Park Pass. Holders of a California State Park Disabled Discount Pass receive a 50% discount on parking fees. 

The parking fee is discounted by 50% if you present a valid California State Park Disabled Discount pass for a vehicle at check-in. The reservation fee of $2.00 will be charged. 

As part of the Outdoor Access for All Initiative CALWORKS families may receive a free annual, vehicle day-use pass, which will be honored at the park. Pass holders must still pay a non-refundable $2.00 reservation fee for each parking space reserved. Get more information about the pass and sign up. 

Horse trailers are allowed to make a reservation to use the bus parking spaces when available. Reservations are required; parking for oversized vehicles is limited. 

Motorcycle parking is allowed through the reserved day-use parking system.

Credentialed media should contact Ann at Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks by email to arrange a media pass.

The day-use reservation will allow a vehicle to enter Big Basin Redwoods State Park via Highway 236 for day-use access. Miles of trails and fire roads near the former site of Park Headquarters are open for hiking and biking. 

The 2020 CZU Lighting Complex Fires damaged 175 miles of trails and roads in Big Basin, Butano, Henry Cowell – Fall Creek Unit and Ano Nuevo state parks. The fire burned over 97% of Big Basin, destroying bridges, steps, retainer walls, observation platforms, safety railings, plastic culverts and trail signage. Along with damaged structures, there’s an immense amount of hazard trees along these recreational routes as well as burned-out rootballs and root systems have undermined trails and roadways. Dead standing trees are beginning to fall in the forest creating additional hazards and workload to open these routes. 

State Parks, Conservation Corps and volunteer groups are actively working to clear burned vegetation, mitigate hazard trees and repair structures. The intent is to repair segments of trail that create recreational loop opportunities, then branch out further into the backcountry. These crews are camping in the park to increase work production and efficiency. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to open more of the park. 

An interim Visitor Center is open. Park visitors should check the interim Visitor Center for the availability of guided walks. 

Amenities are extremely limited at Big Basin Redwoods State Park. There are chemical toilets and handwash stations. However, there is no cell phone service, no WiFi, no concessions and no electricity. There is no potable water in the park, but there are pre-filled, reusable aluminum water bottles available to purchase at the entrance kiosk for $3 each (no cash). 

Currently, field trips are not being offered at this park. Please visit the Field Trip page to learn about other exciting opportunities for school groups to visit local state parks and beaches.

Miles of fire roads near the former site of Park Headquarters are open for public access, including hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Horses are permitted on the fire road. Two horse-trailer parking spots are available. 

Dogs are not permitted on any trails or fire roads in the park. Dogs on leash are allowed in paved areas only including the former Headquarters parking lot and the first mile of North Escape Road.

Reestablishing full access to the reimagined park is expected to take years. The majority of Big Basin remains unsafe for the public to return to at this time. Burned areas remain closed for public safety and to allow fire recovery work to occur. As work continues to make areas safe, access will increase to the trails and parks that people love in the Santa Cruz District, and the forest is showing signs of recovery throughout the park system. To find out more about future plans for the park go to the Reimagining Big Basin Vision website.