Reimagining

Big Basin

Storm Recovery

The Central Coast, including Big Basin Redwoods State Park, has experienced several severe storms since the New Year, which have caused flooding, landslides, downed trees, and closures. Our staff has been working to assess the damage and make repairs as quickly and safely as possible. The park is open by reservation with currently only the Redwood Loop trail available for use, but we expect to announce more trails and fire roads reopening in the near future.

Please click the link above to plan your visit, make a reservation, and find the most updated interim access map with temporary closures outlined.

Many interim-access trails remain closed due to storms, but the Redwood Loop and Former Headquarters area are open for day-use by reservation.

Statewide and District Crews are working to repair bridges, clear trees, and reopen trails. Stay tuned as more routes reopen.

California Conservation Corp crews carry lumber to rebuild bridges burned in the 2020 CZU fire. These crews have battled the elements living in the Park through the recent storm cycles.

INTERIM CONSTRUCTION

While State Parks goes through the planning process to construct permanent facilities to allow full access back to Big Basin, interim access will continue to expand with installation of temporary facilities at the park. This includes construction of interim maintenance facilities at Saddle Mountain, which will continue into the summer.

This construction will also include a small seasonal overflow public parking area that will be serviced by a pilot shuttle program and open on future weekends and holidays during the peak season to supplement existing interim day-use parking in the Headquarters area. Reservations for future pilot shuttle parking will be through the existing reservation system.

The start date for future pilot shuttle parking is not determined but we anticipate it to be later this year.

James, California Conservation Crew lead pictured above supervising construction of ramps to a bridge that will connect Redwood Loop to a segment of Skyline to the Sea.

ART ABOUT

California State Parks invites you to join us for a unique camping trip in Big Basin Redwoods State Park. This will be the first camping trip in Big Basin since the CZU Lightning Complex Fire in 2020, and we're excited to have artists join us in this special moment of renewal and restoration.

As a part of our efforts to reimagine visitor experiences in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, we are inviting 10 artists of different mediums to join California State Parks staff members on a 2-day, one-night camping experience in Big Basin Redwoods State Park on June 3rd-4th, 2023. Participants who are chosen for this experience will receive a stipend of $2,500. Click below to learn more.

Apply Here

Facilities Planning

While the storms have been a reminder of the vulnerability of our natural resources, they have also highlighted the resilience of Big Basin's ecosystems and the importance of adapting our management practices to a changing climate. Whether faced with the devastating fires of 2020 or the recent storm events, Big Basin will be reestablished with resiliency and adaptability as the greatest priority.

The next phase in planning a renewed Big Basin Redwoods State Park will be to complete a Facilities Management Plan, which will be kicking off in the coming months. This process will plan the layout and general design of future permanent recreational facilities in the core areas of the park. We will be working with a team of consultants, stakeholders, partners and experts to plan a renewed park that aligns with our reimagining vision and the park’s General Plan to support the long-term sustainability of the park.

There will be opportunities for the public and local community to be informed and to contribute to the planning process over the next two to three years. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to rebuild and restore Big Basin State Park. We know that this is a beloved destination for many, and we are committed to making sure that it remains a beautiful and welcoming place for generations to come.

Please visit the reimagining website linked below to learn more throughout the project and stay tuned for updates with opportunities to participate and stay informed.

303 Big Trees Park Road
Felton
CA
95018
United States of America

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