The Rancho Del Oso entrance to the park is located about midway between Santa Cruz (20 miles
north) and Half Moon Bay (25 miles south). The coastal drive along
Hwy. 1 is absolutely spectacular with sweeping ocean views, rugged
coastline, and beautiful beaches.
Once
you get to Big Basin, there are two parking areas -- one that is
situated along side the highway (free) and the other is in the
designated parking area of Big Basin State Beach (around $6).
Since we are frugal, we
generally take advantage of the
parking area along side the highway. (FYI, there is also bus
service from Santa Cruz.)
Before hiking in the park, study the park maps and
talk with the Park Rangers to learn more about the trails. The park has over 80 miles of
trails and they vary greatly in difficulty and length. Also, be
sure to dress appropriately for the current weather conditions and
take plenty of water and food with you.
Since our idea of extreme
sports is to take a leisurely stroll along West Cliff Drive in Santa
Cruz to watch the sunset, I will only focus on one of our favorite
More Background About The Park
Established in 1902, Big Basin is California's
oldest State Park. Home to the largest continuous stand of Ancient
Coast Redwoods south of San Francisco, the park consists of Old Growth
and recovering Redwood Forest, with mixed conifer, oaks, chaparral,
and riparian habitats. Elevations in the park vary from sea level to
over 2,000 feet. The climate ranges from foggy and damp near the ocean
to sunny, warm ridge tops.
As mentioned above, the park has over 80 miles of trails. Some of
these trails link Big Basin to Castle Rock State Park and the eastern
reaches of the Santa Cruz range. Be sure and pick up a map at
park headquarters before your hike and take a look at the multimedia
kiosk in the Sempervirens Room (next to park headquarters). There you
will find great information, photos, and video of some of the most
popular 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, an occasional
bobcat) and lots of bird life -- including Steller’s jays, egrets,
herons and California woodpeckers.
Dogs are permitted in the campsites, picnic areas,
and on paved roads only. They must be on a leash and attended at all
times. Dogs ARE NOT permitted on any of the trails.
Location – Directions
You can access the park from two primary
entrances. The main entrance - where the Park's Headquarters is
located - is in the Santa Cruz Mountains about 9 miles north of the
town of Boulder Creek on State Hwy 236. Please note that all
roads into Big Basin are curvy. This entrance 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.
The second entrance is Rancho Del Oso -- the
coastal unit of Big Basin. It is accessible on State Route 1,
about 20 miles north of the city of Santa Cruz or 25 miles south of
Half Moon Bay.
Seasons/Climate
Winter: Cold, overcast and rainy. Big Basin
receives the majority of its average 48 inches of rain. December
through March average temperatures range from highs in the 50's to
lows in the 20's.
Spring: Cool with showers and morning and evening
fog. Average daytime highs in the 60's, lows in the 30's to 40's.
Summer: Warm with cool nights. Morning fog in
early Summer. Average highs 75 to 95, lows 40's to 50's.
Fall: Warm day to cold nights. Occasional early
storms with rain. Average highs 75 to 60's, lows 50's to 30. Maybe the
best weather of the year!
Please note that the
beach/ocean side of the park is windy most of the time so be prepared.
For more information on Big
Basin State Park and Beach, please visit the State's official web site
at
http://www.parks.ca.gov
