Big Basin and the redwood parks around Boulder Creek.
The lodge is at 13420 Big Basin Way. Follow the same road about nine miles uphill and you reach the visitor center of California's oldest state park, at 20580. Henry Cowell's old-growth grove is down Highway 9 in Felton, and Castle Rock's sandstone is up on Skyline.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Set aside in 1902, Big Basin protects the largest continuous stand of ancient coast redwoods south of San Francisco. Some of its trees are 1,000 to 1,800 years old, more than 50 feet around, and as tall as the Statue of Liberty.
The fire, and the comeback
On August 18, 2020, the CZU Lightning Complex Fire burned through 97% of the park and destroyed its historic buildings. Most of the old-growth redwoods survived. New growth is coming in fast, animals have returned, and the park is being rebuilt in stages.
Reserve parking
Day-use parking is limited, and the park highly recommends reserving a space. Oversized vehicles and trailers can't be accommodated for day use right now.
Hours and the visitor center
The park is open 8 am to sunset. The visitor center, at 20580 Big Basin Way, has exhibits and park staff or volunteers to talk to about the park.
Start with the Redwood Loop
A flat 0.6-mile loop through some of the park's biggest and oldest trees, with a close look at how they survived the fire. Several longer trails and fire roads have reopened too; check trail conditions first.
Bringing the dog
Dogs are allowed only around the parking area and on two miles of North Escape Road, on a leash. Henry Cowell (below) has more dog-friendly trails.
Without a car
On summer weekends, Memorial Day through Labor Day, a free shuttle runs from a temporary lot at Saddle Mountain. Santa Cruz Metro's Route 35 serves the park on some weekends, seasonally.
Highway 236 to Big Basin. Highway 9 to almost everything else.
Big Basin is up Highway 236, which is Big Basin Way. Highway 9 runs south through Ben Lomond and Felton, past Henry Cowell, to Santa Cruz and the beaches about 30 minutes away. Head north on 9 and you climb to Skyline Boulevard and Castle Rock.
The Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail strings it all together, from the ridge near Castle Rock through Big Basin to the ocean at Waddell Beach.
Google Maps may suggest Bear Creek Road. Skip it: the road is terribly windy. Coming from the north, take Highway 9; otherwise, come in through Scotts Valley.
The lodge's own directions
More of the San Lorenzo Valley: two more state parks, the river, golf and the beach.
Distances are approximate driving miles from the lodge. Park rules change; check the park's page before you go.
One more local, rarely seen. The Santa Cruz Mountains have their share of Bigfoot stories. Confirmed sightings at the lodge so far: none. Keep the camera handy on the trail anyway.
Spotted for certain in these parks: banana slugs, black-tailed deer and Steller's jays.
Dinner in downtown Boulder Creek, a few minutes away.
After a day under the redwoods, these are the places the lodge points guests to.