When is Big Basin Redwoods State Park open?
Big Basin is open for limited day-use access from 8:30 a.m. to sunset. Reservations are encouraged and guarantee access. Check availability.
Why are reservations offered and encouraged at Big Basin Redwoods State Park?
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.
When are reservations offered?
Reservations have been available to park a vehicle at Big Basin since the park reopened on July 22, 2022.
How do I make a day-use reservation for Big Basin Redwoods State Park?
Make a reservation online. Reservations also are available by phone. Leave a message at (831) 338-8867.
Who needs to obtain a reservation?
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.
How far in advance can I make 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.
Can people show up and make a reservation in person?
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.
When does the shuttle run and what is its route?
The free shuttle will operate on a loop from Saddle Mountain’s new 25-space parking lot at the intersection of Highway 236 and Little Basin Road to the day-use area (former headquarters) on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, from Saturday, May 25 (Memorial Day weekend) through Monday, Sept. 2 (Labor Day).
How do I ride the shuttle?
Parking reservations for the Saddle Mountain parking lot will be available once the day use area parking reservations are full. Visitors make an online reservation for parking through the Friends site, which entitles visitors to ride the shuttle. Reserved parking costs $8, including the reservation fee. All current discounts and reservation fees will apply. A limited number of first-come, first-serve parking spots are available for $10.
Is the shuttle accessible?
The free shuttle is a 14 person, ADA-accessible van. It is also equipped with a bike rack to transport two bicycles.
Can I change/cancel my reservation?
Please call 831-338-8867 or email reservebigbasin@nullthatsmypark.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.
What happens if State Parks needs to cancel my reservation?
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.
Can I transfer my reservation?
Reservations are non-transferrable.
Is there a day-use fee for Big Basin Redwoods State Park?
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.
Is bus parking available at Big Basin Redwoods State 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.
Can visitors use their Parks Pass at this park?
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 4th 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.
Is there a discount for a Disabled Discount Pass?
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.
Will there be a discounted day-use fee for CalWORKs families?
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.
Are trailers and RVs permitted?
Horse trailers are allowed in the day-use parking area. Reservations are encouraged; parking for oversized vehicles is limited.
Is there motorcycle parking?
Motorcycle parking is allowed through the reserved day-use parking system.
How can media access the park?
Credentialed media should contact Ann at Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks by email to arrange a media pass.
Where does the day-use reservation allow a visitor to go?
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.
When will more trails be open?
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.
What else can I do in the park?
An interim Visitor Center is open. Park visitors should check the interim Visitor Center for the availability of guided walks.
What services are available at Big Basin Redwoods State Park?
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).
Are field trips available at Big Basin Redwoods State Park?
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.
Is horseback riding or mountain biking allowed at the park?
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.
Can people bring their dogs to the park?
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.
What is the timeline to reopen the full park?
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.