Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California
BigBasin.org - the only site for complete, current park information
Activities and Programs
If you love birds and butterflies CLICK HERE for information
Weddings and other special events
Teachers
and others interested in Redwood Forest ecology will want to check out these links
Volunteer
Interested in joining the docent team at Big Basin? Click here for information
Big Basin has a full schedule of activities during the summer and on weekends during the fall, winter, and spring as staff allows. See park activities flyers posted at park headquarters and around the park or call +1 (831) 338-8883 for additional information. Program times subject to change.
Year Round Activities
Be sure to visit our Nature Museum, located across the street from Headquarters (follow the crosswalk from Headquarters). It’s open year-round, from 8-5. Discover Big Basin’s amazing natural resources!
On this easy, level, half-mile walk you will learn astonishing facts about the ancient redwood environment and see the tallest, most rare and most fascinating trees in Big Basin. Park docent-interpretive naturalists engage young and old alike with colorful park history, redwood reproduction and animal stories as you explore the mysteries of the forest. Meet the Mother of the Forest, the Father of the Forest, the Santa Clara, Animal and Chimney Trees, and more. Don't miss this informative walk on this historic trail! One hour. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. FREE
Docent Training
Join a knowledgeable and enthusiastic team of volunteer naturalists and park staff dedicated to helping the environment through education at
Big Basin Docents will be trained in redwood ecology, local history, and the art of public speaking. Docents lead guided walks, host the museum, and share their own interests and skills with the park and its visitors.
Docent training will be held at
Minimum requirements: Must be at least 16 years of age and be able to volunteer a minimum of six hours per month. A curious spirit and open mind are plusses!
Please call Susan Blake for information and applications at (831) 338-8883.
Click here for more information about becoming a docent at Big Basin.
RANCHO DEL OSO NATURE AND HISTORY CENTER
Located 16 miles north of Santa Cruz along Highway One, at the coastal side of Big Basin Redwoods State Park. (831) 427-2288
Little Basin Program Descriptions, August 2012
Little Basin offers free campfire programs on Fridays and Saturdays (and Thursdays through August 16) as well as guided hikes and kid’s programs; check out our calendar to see when each program is offered this month. We also offer customized fee-based programs and multi-day programs throughout the month. Ask us about our naturalist-led hikes or group programs that we can provide for your family or group. Some programs require registration, so check the description below, and contact us at the WOLF School Office at (831) 338-8018, via Facebook or by emailing program@wolfschool.org. All programs are provided by WOLF School, WOLFSchool.org. Programs are free unless otherwise noted.
All programs meet at the picnic tables in front of the office, except for the campfire, which is held at the campfire ring behind the office.
Junior Rangers—Fridays, Saturdays and Thursdays (until August 16) 4-5 pm,
Sundays and Mondays (until August 13) 10-11 am
Discover the fascinating secrets of the forest. Explore nature, practice outdoor skills, and play games as you learn about plants, animals, geology, and more. This one-hour program is for kids ages 7-12 only. Sorry parents, this program is just for the kids! Please register your child 15 minutes before the program begins, and be sure your child is dressed for active play in the outdoors.
Little Basin Nature Club—Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (until August 16) from 5-5:30 pm,
Sundays and Mondays (until August 13) from 11-11:30 am
This fun program is for children ages 3-6 and their families. Read, sing, pretend, play, and explore! This half-hour program introduces youngsters to the wonders of the redwood forest.
Campfires at Little Basin—Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (until August 16) from 7-8:30 pm
Come learn about Little Basin’s unique history, natural environment, and culture. Be ready to learn some fun songs and hear some interesting facts about Little Basin.
Night Hikes—Monday, August 6, Friday, August 10 and Saturday, August 18 from 9-10:30 pm
Explore the other half of the 24-hour cycle of life on a hike around Little Basin at night. Use your senses to discover owls, coyotes, frogs and other nocturnal creatures that call Little Basin home.
Astronomy Nights—August 11, 12, 17, and 31 from 9-10:30 pm
Bring the family out at night to see the breathtaking view of the stars from Little Basin. We’ll bring the telescope out and talk about the planets and seasonal constellations that we can see. This month we have special Full Moon Astronomy Nights and the Perseids Meteor Shower! Weather permitting.
Early Bird Bird Watching—Monday, August 5 and Saturday, August 11 from 8-10 am
Check out the birds of Little Basin on a beautiful early morning nature hike. California quail and juncos abound all around Little Basin. Some binoculars provided; if you have your own please bring them.
Redwood Loop Walks—Saturday, August 11 from 11 am-12 pm, and Saturday, August 18 from 4-5 pm
Walk the campground loop at Little Basin in the deep redwoods and learn about the flora and fauna of the Redwood Forest. This is an easy hike (1 mile) and you should bring water to drink.
Tanbark Loop Interpretive Hikes—Friday, August 10 and Friday, August 24 from 2-5 pm
Hike a beautiful trail around the basin and learn about the wide variety of flora and fauna here in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This is a moderate hike (1.5 miles) and you should bring water to drink.
Eagle Rock Interpretive Hike—Saturday, August 18 from 1-5pm
Hike the trail to Eagle Rock and get a spectacular view over the Santa Cruz Mountains! Check out the changes in flora and fauna as you hike up to the highest point in Big Basin Redwoods State Park at 2,500 ft elevation. This is a moderately difficult hike (3 miles) and you should bring water to drink and a snack.
Eagle Rock Geology Hike—Saturday, August 11 from 1-5 pm
Hike the trail to Eagle Rock at 2,500 ft elevation. The focus of this hike will be on the interesting and unique geology of the Santa Cruz Mountains, plus geological influences on living things. This is a moderately difficult hike (3 miles) and you should bring water to drink and a snack.
Tracking—Thursday, August 16 from 1-3 pm
PSST: Pattern, Shape, Size and Toes, these are the things that the tracker knows. On this hike around camp we’ll keep keen eyes on the ground for tracks. We’ll also take along plaster to make casts of the best ones we find. This is a fee program. $15 for campers/$25 non-campers. To pre-register call 831-338-8018.
Owl Pellet Dissection—Sunday, August 12 and Friday, August 17 from 1-3 pm
Owl pellets are the discarded remains of the small animals that an owl has eaten. We’ll carefully dissect these pellets and examine the bones to learn what species of animals the owls ate. This activity takes patience. Come see for yourself and learn about owls. For ages 6-adult (limit 20 people). This is a fee program. $15 for campers/$25 non-campers. Pre-register call at 831-338-8018.
Crafts and Games—Friday, August 10 from 1-3 pm
Come play native Ohlone games with us and get a chance to learn a new skill in craft-making. This is a fee program. $15 for campers/$25 non-campers. To pre-register call 831-338-8018.
MAY ACTIVITIES
Redwood Loop Walk
Every Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 and 2:00
except for Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12 at 11:00 only
AND Memorial Day, Monday, May 27 at 11:00 and 2:00
How do these grand redwoods grow to be so old? So tall? How are they important to humans? Join us for this fun and informative guided half-mile stroll through a magnificent old-growth redwood forest. Meet the famous Mother Tree, the Father of the Forest and the incredible Chimney Tree on this 90-minute walk. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Campfire Programs
Saturday, May 18 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, May 25 at 7:00 pm
Sunday, May 26 at 7:00 pm
Join us in our historic campfire center for an evening of song and story. Serenade the glittering stars and learn about redwood ecology, creatures of the forest or stories of the park while relaxing in the shadows of the towering trees. Fire lighting and marshmallow roasting (we provide the marshmallows and sticks!) starts at 7:00 pm and the program begins at 7:30 pm. Wheelchair and stroller accessible. Good dogs welcome! Meet at the Campfire Center.
Junior Rangers
Saturday, May 18 at 3:00 pm
Saturday, May 25 at 3:00 pm
Sunday, May 26 at 3:00 pm
Monday, May 27 at 11:00 am
Discover the fascinating secrets of the forest! Explore, practice outdoor skills and play games as you learn about plants, animals, geology, and more. This one-hour program is for kids ages 7-12. Sorry parents, this program is for kids only! Please register your child at the Nature Lodge15 minutes before the program begins. Please be sure your child is dressed for active play in the outdoors.
Big Basin Nature Club
Saturday, May 18 at 4:30 pm
Saturday, May 25 at 4:30 pm
Sunday, May 26 at 4:30 pm
Monday, May 27 at 10:00 am
This fun program is for children ages 3-6 and their families. Pretend, play, sing and explore! This half-hour program will introduce youngsters to the wonders of the redwood forest. Meet at the Nature Lodge.
Volunteer with the Trail Crew
Saturday, May 11 at 9:00 am (must be 18 years of age or older)
Since 1969 the Big Basin Volunteer Trail Crew has helped make it possible for others to safely enjoy the beauty of our park. The Trail Crew meets the second Saturday of each month, rain or shine. A typical workday lasts until mid-afternoon. Please bring your own work gloves, lunch and water. Join us for a unique perspective of Big Basin, a lively and productive experience with others who share a love of these redwood forests, and the satisfaction of participating in a vital part of the park's ability to educate and inspire the public! Meet at Park Headquarters. Check www.bigbasintrailcrew.org to confirm dates and time.
Crafts in the Outdoors: Beginning Leatherwork in Big Basin
Saturday, May 11 from 9:00-12:00
Doing crafts in the outdoors can be a wonderful experience! Make and decorate (tool) a small name tag for your backpack or luggage made from vegetable tanned leather. Learn to identify the tanoak tree and learn some of its properties. Hear about the history of tanoak logging and tanning in the Big Basin area. This will be a short (1/4 mile) stroll followed by the opportunity to craft your own leather item. Bring water, snacks, and appropriate clothing. Rain cancels. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Berry Creek Falls Hike
Sunday, May 12 at 9:30 am
Travel deep into the heart of Big Basin as you experience a wide range of habitats on this moderate to strenuous 11-mile-loop hike. Wind through shady redwood canyons and climb dry ridges as you hike to the jewel of Big Basin—65-foot Berry Creek Falls. Bring lots of water, lunch and wear layers. Docent Bill Rhoades guides you on this seven-hour hike. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Horse Tails
Sunday, May 12 at 11:30 am
Come meet Bellarose the horse and learn about the important role horses played in early Big Basin history. Join docents Peggy O’Shea and Maura McNamara as they share stories of how horses were used by the Spanish explorers, early settlers and the lumber and tanning industries. Meet at Park Headquarters.
The Women of Big Basin
A Mother’s Day Special Event at Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Sunday, May 12 at 1:00 pm
Celebrate Mother’s Day by honoring some of the incredible women who have lived in, worked in and fought for the Big Basin. Meet pioneer homemaker Alice Maddock; Josephine McCrackin, the “Savior of the Redwoods” and Harriet “Petey” Weaver, the first female Ranger. Docent, actor, writer and producer Doreen Devorah portrays these inspiring women on this half-mile, 2-hour guided walk. Wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet at Park Headquarters.
The Road Less Traveled—A Dog-Friendly Walk
Saturday, May 18 at 1:30 pm
On this dog-friendly walk, we travel on North Escape Road, a paved road closed to traffic. We tour stunning old-growth redwood groves along beautiful Opal Creek. We'll discuss redwood ecology and park history while exploring the deep shade of the redwood forest. This is a fun, easy, three-mile, two-hour roundtrip walk with docent Elise Scripps and her dog Brie. Dogs not required, but welcome! Bring water and meet at Park Headquarters.
Wildflower Walk!
Sunday, May 19 at 10:00 am
Did you know there’s always something abloom in Big Basin? Join docent Scott Peden and learn how to identify each of these flowering plants. You’ll also visit several historical spots within the park. On this leisurely five-mile, five-hour walk you’ll travel from creek side to ridge top. Bring water and lunch. Meet at Park Headquarters.
A Walk in the Past
Saturday, May 25 at 9:00 am
No Safeway? No Home Depot? No CVS Pharmacy? How did the Ohlone Indians survive? Take a walk with Docent Eva Fewel and learn about some of the plants the Ohlones used for food, tools and medicine. This is a 4-mile, 2.5-hour walk. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Sempervirens Falls Saunter
Saturday, May 25 at 10:00 am
Join docent Hal Anjo in this moderate five-mile, four-hour loop walk by one of our prettiest falls, plus an interesting rock formation and old-growth redwoods. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Felling the Giants
Saturday, May 25 at 1:00 pm
Logging was the major industry in the Santa Cruz Mountains for over 50 years. How did lumbermen cut down these tall, tall trees? What was life like in a logging camp? What tools did they use? Join docent Paul Fewel as he tells stories of the logging days and demonstrates how loggers were able to fell these giants—without chainsaws! Meet at Park Headquarters.
Family Discovery Walk
Sunday, May 26 at 12:30 pm
AND Memorial Day, Monday, May 27 at 12:30 pm
Join docent Norm Beeson for a fun-filled family walk and investigate the mysteries and wonders of Big Basin’s redwood forest! We’ll discover what surprises the day offers on this easy, one-mile roundtrip walk that lasts about 1.5 hours. Bring water, a snack or lunch and an adventurous spirit! Meet at Park Headquarters.
Pioneers of Big Basin
Sunday, May 26 at 1:30 pm
Join docent Doreen Devorah on an easy three-mile, three-hour round trip to the site of the Maddock Cabin. Enjoy a beautiful walk through the redwoods and hear stories of the early settlers and their life deep in the forest. Meet at Park Headquarters.
JUNE ACTIVITIES
Redwood Loop Walk
Every Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm (except for 11:00 only on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16)
AND Wednesday, June 12, Friday, June 21, Wednesday, June 26 and Friday, June 28 at 1:00 pm
How do these grand redwoods grow to be so old? So tall? How are they important to humans? Join us for this fun and informative guided half-mile stroll through a magnificent old-growth redwood forest. Meet the famous Mother Tree, the Father of the Forest and the incredible Chimney Tree on this 90-minute walk. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Junior Rangers
June 1-June 14—Saturday at 3:00 pm and Sunday at 11:00 am
June 15-June 30—Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 3:00 pm and
Sunday at 11:00 am
Discover the fascinating secrets of the forest! Explore, practice outdoor skills and play games as you learn about plants, animals, geology, and more. This one-hour program is designed for kids ages 7-12. Sorry parents, this program is for kids only! Please register your child at the Nature Lodge15 minutes before the program begins. Please be sure your child is dressed for active play in the outdoors.
Special Two-Hour Junior Rangers
Wednesday, June 19 at 10:00 am
Wednesday, June 26 at 10:00 am
This special Junior Rangers is for kids ages 7-12 only. We’ll be taking a hike, so make sure your Junior Ranger dresses appropriately. Please register your child 15 minutes before the program at the Nature Lodge.
Big Basin Nature Club
June 1-June 14—Saturday at 4:30 pm and Sunday at 10:00 am
June 15-June 30—Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 4:30 pm, Wednesday at 1:30 pm and Sunday at 10:00 am
This fun program is designed for children ages 3-6 and their families. Pretend, play, sing and explore! This half-hour program will introduce youngsters to the wonders of the redwood forest. Meet at the Nature Lodge.
Evening Campfire Program
June 1-June 14—Saturdays at 7:00 pm
June 15-June 30—Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:00 pm
Join us in our historic campfire center for an evening of song and story. Serenade the glittering stars and learn about redwood ecology, creatures of the forest or stories of the park while relaxing in the shadows of the towering trees. Fire lighting and marshmallows (we provide the sticks and marshmallows!) at 7:00 pm; program begins at 7:30 pm Wheelchair, stroller accessible. Good dogs welcome!
Drop-In Afternoon Campfire Program
Wednesday, June 19 from 4:30-5:30 pm
Wednesday, June 26 from 4:30-5:30 pm
Drop by anytime at our historic campfire between 4:30-5:30 and enjoy ranger apples, music and crafts!
Twilight Hike
Nocturnal Animal Senses
Friday, June 7 at 7:30 pm
Friday, June 14 at 7:30 pm
Monday, June 17 at 7:30 pm
Monday, June 24 at 7:30 pm
Twilight is a special time that marks the end of day and the beginning of night. Join us for an easy, level walk for the whole family and experience the forest at dusk. This is a 1.5-hour, half-mile walk. Wheelchair/stroller accessible. Sorry, no dogs on the trail. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Horse Tails
Sunday, June 2 at 11:30 am
And Sunday, June 23 at 11:30 am
Come meet Bellarose the horse and learn about the important role horses played in early Big Basin history. Join docents Peggy O’Shea and Maura McNamara as they share stories of how horses were used by the Spanish explorers, early settlers and the lumber and tanning industries. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Hike to Buzzard’s Roost
Saturday, June 8 at 10:00 am
Develop your hiking muscles with this challenging 5-mile round trip to Buzzard’s Roost with docent Steve Stolper. We’ll gain 1,200 feet in elevation as we hike to a dramatic rock formation with a commanding view of the park. After a relaxed lunch on the rocks, we will return to headquarters. Bring at least one liter of water, lunch, snacks, and appropriate clothing. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Berry Creek Falls Hike
Sunday, June 9 at 9:30 am
Travel deep into the heart of Big Basin as you experience a wide range of habitats on this moderate to strenuous 11-mile-loop hike. Wind through shady redwood canyons and climb dry ridges as you hike to the jewel of Big Basin—65-foot Berry Creek Falls. Bring lots of water, lunch and wear layers. Docent Bill Rhoades will guide you on this seven-hour hike. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Discover Big Basin!
Sunday, June 9 at 12:00 noon
AND Sunday, June 23 at 12:00 noon
On this 4-hour, 4-mile leisurely hike with docent Barry Grimm we’ll traverse old-growth redwood and Douglas-fir forest in some of the park’s most scenic backcountry. We’ll look at the forest in new ways and share our findings. Compact digital cameras are encouraged to help us share what we see. This hike is suitable for adults and young adults who are diligent hikers. Dress in layers for changeable weather and temperatures. Bring sturdy walking shoes, water and trail snacks. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Volunteer with the Trail Crew
Saturday, June 8 at 9:00 am (must be 18 years of age or older)
Since 1969 the Big Basin Volunteer Trail Crew has helped make it possible for others to safely enjoy the beauty of our park. The Trail Crew meets the second Saturday of each month, rain or shine. A typical workday lasts until mid-afternoon. Please bring your own work gloves, lunch and water. Join us for a unique perspective of Big Basin, a lively and productive experience with others who share a love of these redwood forests, and the satisfaction of participating in a vital part of the park's ability to educate and inspire the public! Meet at Park Headquarters. Check www.bigbasintrailcrew.org to confirm dates and time.
Wildflower Walk!
Saturday, June 15 at 10:00 am
Sunday, June 16 at 10:00 am
Join docent Scott Peden and learn to identify these flowering plants. You’ll also visit several historical spots within the park. Saturday’s walk is a four-mile, four-hour walk that includes two chimney trees and a waterfall. Sunday’s walk is a five-mile, five-hour walk that includes a chimney tree. Bring water and lunch. Meet at Park Headquarters.
The Road Less Traveled—A Dog-Friendly Walk
Saturday, June 15 at 1:30 pm
AND Saturday, June 29 at 1:30 pm
On this dog-friendly walk, we travel on North Escape Road, a paved road closed to traffic. We tour stunning old-growth redwood groves along beautiful Opal Creek. We'll discuss redwood ecology and park history while exploring the deep shade of the redwood forest. This is a fun, easy, three-mile, two-hour roundtrip walk with docent Elise Scripps and her dogs Brie and Peanut. Dogs not required, but welcome! Bring water and meet at Park Headquarters.
The Men of Big Basin—A Father’s Day Special Event
Sunday, June 16 at 1:00 pm
Celebrate Father’s Day by honoring some of the remarkable men who lived in, worked in and fought for Big Basin. Living history re-enactments bring you back in time where you’ll meet pioneer settlers, Big Basin founders and early park rangers. Stroll through the magnificent redwoods on this half-mile, 1.5-hour guided walk. Wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Last Chance Trail
Saturday, June 22 at 12:00 noon
Join Docent Doreen Devorah as she introduces you to one of our least-known trails. Experience the charm of a meandering stream, lush ferns and cool cliff formations on this four-mile, three-hour hike. Bring water and food. Meet at Park Headquarters.
A Walk in the Past
Saturday, June 29 at 10:00 am
No Safeway? No Home Depot? No Pharmacy? How did the Ohlone Indians survive? Take a walk with Docent Eva Fewel and learn about some of the plants the Ohlones used for food, tools and medicine. This is a 4-mile, 2.5-hour walk. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Shadowbrook Stroll
Saturday, June 29 at 12:00 noon
Join docent Hal Anjo as he guides you on a less-traveled trail that takes you by Union Creek, to the Sempervirens Falls and back through the redwoods. This is a four-mile, 3.5-hour hike. Bring water and good hiking shoes. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Felling the Giants
Saturday, June 29 at 1:00 pm
Logging was the major industry in the Santa Cruz Mountains for over 50 years. How did lumbermen cut down these tall, tall trees? What was life like in a logging camp? What tools did they use? Join docent Paul Fewel as he tells stories of the logging days and demonstrates how loggers were able to fell these giants—without chainsaws! Meet at Park Headquarters.
Coffee Talk and Crafts
Sunday, June 30 from 9:00-12:00
Come to the Sempervirens Room next to Park Headquarters for free coffee or hot chocolate! This is a great way to start your day in Big Basin. Docent Norm Beeson will be happy to answer your questions about the park and help get you going on the right trail. And there’s a fun craft activity for the kids!
Family Discovery Walk
Sunday, June 30 at 1:00 pm
Join docent Norm Beeson for a fun-filled family walk and investigate the mysteries and wonders of Big Basin’s redwood forest! We’ll discover what surprises the day offers on this easy, one-mile roundtrip walk that lasts about 1.5 hours. Bring water, a snack or lunch and an adventurous spirit! Meet at Park Headquarters.