Frequently Asked Questions
Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California's oldest state park, is partly open in 2026 after the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire: the main day-use area in Boulder Creek is open from 8 a.m. to sunset, parking is $8 reserved or $10 drive-up, and more than 20 miles of trails are restored. Below are short, sourced answers to the questions visitors ask most, with links to the full guide pages.
Opening and Access
See fire and recovery, hours and fees and parking and reservations for the details behind these answers.
Trails and Waterfalls
See hiking, Sempervirens Falls, Berry Creek Falls and the Skyline to the Sea Trail.
Camping, Dogs and the Coast
See camping, dogs, Rancho del Oso and Waddell Beach.
Big Basin Questions and Answers
Is Big Basin Redwoods State Park open?
Yes, partly. The main day-use area has been open since July 22, 2022, from 8 a.m. to sunset, with more than 20 miles of trails restored. Campgrounds in the redwoods and the trails to Berry Creek Falls are still closed after the 2020 fire.
Do you need a reservation to visit Big Basin?
Not to enter, but only a parking reservation guarantees a space. Reserved parking is $8; drive-up is $10 if spaces remain. Visitors on foot, by bike or by bus need no reservation.
How much does it cost to visit Big Basin?
$8 per car with a reservation ($6 entrance plus $2 reservation fee) or $10 drive-up. Entry on foot, bike or bus is free, and so is day use at Rancho del Oso.
What are Big Basin's hours?
8 a.m. to sunset. All trails close at sunset.
Is there a shuttle to Big Basin?
On summer weekends and holidays, Memorial Day through Labor Day, a free shuttle runs 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. from the Saddle Mountain overflow lot ($10 parking) at Highway 236 and Little Basin Road.
Can you take the bus to Big Basin?
Yes. Santa Cruz METRO Route 35 serves the park on weekends and holidays, and bus riders enter free.
Is Berry Creek Falls open?
No. All trails to Berry Creek Falls and in the West Waddell Creek Wilderness are closed in 2026.
Is there a waterfall I can hike to at Big Basin?
Yes. The Sequoia Trail to 20-foot Sempervirens Falls reopened May 22, 2026, as part of a 4.3-mile loop from the main day-use area.
What is the easiest hike at Big Basin?
The Redwood Loop Trail: 0.6 mile, level, past the Mother and Father of the Forest, starting at the parking lot.
Is the Skyline to the Sea Trail open?
Only from Castle Rock State Park to the Big Basin day-use area. The section to the coast and all Big Basin trail camps are closed.
Can you camp at Big Basin?
Only at the coastal Rancho del Oso walk-in campground: five reservable walk-in sites and one shared bike-in site. All redwood campgrounds are closed.
Are dogs allowed at Big Basin?
Only on paved areas, like the parking lot and paved North Escape Road, on a 6-foot leash. No dogs on trails, unpaved roads, at Rancho del Oso or on Waddell Beach.
Is there drinking water at Big Basin?
No. California State Parks says there is no drinking water in the park, so bring your own.
Is there cell service at Big Basin?
No. There is no cell service near the entrance kiosk and no electricity in the park, with only limited Wi-Fi.
Can you fly a drone at Big Basin?
No. Drones, model aircraft and gliders are banned throughout the park.
Can you bike at Big Basin?
On fire roads only, never on trails. Gazos Creek Road and Chalks Road are the agency's suggestions, and North Escape Road is paved.
Why is Big Basin famous?
It is California's oldest state park, founded in 1902, and protects the largest continuous stand of ancient coast redwoods south of San Francisco. Some trees are 1,000 to 1,800 years old.
Did the redwoods survive the Big Basin fire?
Most old-growth redwoods did, thanks to thick, tannin-rich bark and their ability to resprout. About 97% of the park burned in August 2020.
How far is Big Basin from San Francisco?
About 65 miles south of San Francisco, and about 25 miles northwest of Santa Cruz via Highways 9 and 236.
Is Rancho del Oso part of Big Basin?
Yes, it is the park's coastal unit on Highway 1, but it is a separate trip: no road or trail links it to the main day-use area.