Big Basin
Big Basin is one of the oldest California state park. The biggest attraction is the ancient Redwood’s trees. Some of these giants are more than 50 feet around and as tall as the Statue of Liberty. At 1,000 to 2,500 years old, some may predate the Roman Empire. It can easily visit for a day or a weekend from Bay Area. It is great place for hiking and camping.
The park has more than 80 miles of trails. The park has a surprising number of waterfalls, a wide variety of environments (from lush canyon bottoms to sparse chaparral-covered slopes), many animals (deer, raccoons, bobcats) and lots of bird life—including Steller’s jays, egrets, herons and California woodpeckers.
The park is about 65 miles south of San Francisco. From Santa Cruz, travel approx 25 miles northwest via Highways 9 and 236 to reach Park Headquarters. Park Headquarters is 9 miles north of the town of Boulder Creek on State Hwy 236. All roads into Big Basin are curvy.