Established in 1902, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, is California’s oldest state park. It is home to ancient Coastal Redwood trees that dominate its landscape. Some are over 2,000 years old and tower more than 300 feet high, creating a canopy that defines the park’s landscape. The park offers a range of recreational activities including hiking, camping, picnicking, and bird watching.
The park offers a diverse range of ecosystems from lush redwood forests to chaparral-covered ridges. The habitats within the park support a diverse array of flora and fauna for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers. A standout hike is the Berry Creek Falls Loop. At approximately 10 miles round-trip it guides hikers through dense forests, past four stunning waterfalls.
Big Basin is also home to the Banana Slug, a bright yellow mollusk that can often be spotted moving slowly across the forest floor. These slugs decompost plant material and recycle nutrients back into the soil. Their vivid color makes them a playful addition to the natural environment.
Wildlife enthusiasts will find Big Basin filled with a variety of species, from the Acorn woodpeckers and Steller’s jays to the deer and raccoons that can be seen foraging on the forest floor. Big Basin provides a deeply enriching tranquil retreat for those looking to appreciate the serenity of an ancient redwood forests.
