Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California's oldest state park, burned 97% in the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire, KQED reported last week. But many of its biggest, oldest redwoods survived, and the park has been partly open since 2022. Here's what a visit looks like now.

What's changed

KQED says the park's campgrounds remain closed, its buildings and water systems were mostly demolished, and only a few trails are open. The famed Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail is still mostly inaccessible. The forest is airier and more exposed than before, with surviving redwoods sprouting new growth next to burned Douglas firs.

There's progress coming. KQED reports that the Timms Creek Loop, a 7-mile portion of the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail, is set to open next year in time for the park's 125th anniversary, after 22 burned bridges were rebuilt in fire-safe fiberglass.

Hikes you can do now

State Parks lists these routes, all starting from the parking lot:

  • Redwood Loop Trail: 0.6 mile, level, 45 minutes to an hour. It passes some of the park's tallest trees, including the Mother and Father of the Forest.
  • Opal Creek Loop: About half a mile, level, past old-growth redwoods.
  • Dool Trail Loop: 1.75 miles, about 1.5 hours, roughly 140 feet of gain through old growth and recovering forest.
  • Ocean View Summit Loop: 4.15 miles, 3 to 4 hours, about 500 feet of gain, with an ocean view at the top.
  • Gazos Creek Road Loop: 12.25 miles, 6 to 8 hours, the strenuous option.

Mountain bikes and horses are allowed only on fire and service roads. State Parks suggests Gazos Creek Road and Chalks Road for riders.

Parking and hours

The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset, and all trails close at sunset. State Parks highly recommends a parking reservation because spaces are limited: $6 plus a $2 reservation fee, or $10 per vehicle without one. Oversized vehicles and trailers can't be accommodated for day use. There's no fee or reservation needed at the Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center on the coast.

Before you go

  • Expect downed trees. State Parks says you may have to climb over, around or under them, and to turn back if you can't get past safely.
  • Check with staff at the entrance kiosk that your route is open. Free maps are available there.
  • Carry water and a map, plus warm clothes and a flashlight in case you're out late.
  • Dogs are only allowed, on leash, in the parking lot area and the first mile of North Escape Road.