Big Basin Redwoods State Park

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! You get to use some tools too! Meet at park headquarters. For more information, call (831) 338-8883. Event free. Vehicle day use fee is $10.

On this dog-friendly walk, we travel 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 and easy, 3-mile, 2-hour walk with docent Diane Shaw. Dogs not required, but welcome! Bring water. Meet at park headquarters. For more information, call (831) 338-8883. Event free. Vehicle day use fee is $10.

Escape the crowds on this 6-mile loop through shaded forest to a hilltop view of the coast. Join docent Steve Stolper as we climb the Meteor Trail through the trees, gaining 600 feet before emerging at Ocean View Summit. After a relaxed lunch we descend back into the forest and return to headquarters. Bring at least one liter of water, lunch, snacks, and appropriate clothing. Meet at park headquarters. For more information, call (831) 338-8883. Event free. Vehicle day use…

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. Bring water and good walking shoes. Meet at park headquarters. For more information, call (831) 338-8883. Event free. Vehicle day use fee is $10.

On this dog-friendly walk, we travel 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 and easy, 3-mile, 2-hour walk with docent Diane Shaw. Dogs not required, but welcome! Bring water. Meet at park headquarters. For more information, call (831) 338-8883. Event free. Vehicle day use fee is $10.

Explore the park’s less travelled backcountry with Docent Barry Grimm. This moderately paced hike will be individually tailored to your group. Based on group size, experience level, and weather conditions, we will choose from the many trails that explore the park’s most scenic areas. Bring water and good hiking shoes. Meet at park headquarters. For more information, call (831) 338-8883. Event free. Vehicle day use fee is $10.

Learn about redwoods, forest plants, fires, geology, history and more on these fun, varied hikes with docent Diane Shaw. Hikes are 5-8 miles and last up to 5 hours. We go rain or shine, but strong winds may cancel. Meet at park headquarters. For more information, call (831) 338-8883.Event free. Vehicle day use fee is $10.

No Safeway? No Home Depot? No pharmacy? How did the Ohlone Indians survive? Docent Eva Fewel will have plant samples and tools that the local Native Californians used. Learn how they collected, processed and used the local plants. Visit our campfire center any time during this drop-in program. For more information, call (831) 338-8883. Event free. Vehicle day use fee is $10.

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! You get to use some tools too! Meet at park headquarters. For more information, call (831) 338-8883. Event free. Vehicle day use fee is $10.

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. For more information, call (831) 338-8883. Event free. Vehicle day use fee is $10.

On this easy, two-hour walk you'll learn about the courtship behaviors of some of the park's most fascinating plants and animals. Join docent Eva Fewel and discover how some Big Basin inhabitants celebrate love in the wild! Meet at park headquarters. For more information, call (831) 338-8883. Event free. Vehicle day use fee is $10.

Why are snakes important to us? How do they see, smell, taste, and hear? What and how do they eat? What does a snake feel like? Come to the Sempervirens Room at park headquarters, meet docent Diane Shaw and her snake, and learn about the fascinating world of snakes. For more information, call (831) 338-8883. Event free. Vehicle day use fee is $10.

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. Docents will be happy to answer your questions about the park and help get you going on the right trail. And bring the kids for a fun craft activity! For more information, call (831) 338-8883. Event free. Vehicle day use fee is $10.

Develop your hiking muscles with this challenging 5-mile round trip to Buzzard’s Roost. Join docent Steve Stolper for a hike to a dramatic rock formation with a commanding view of the park. We gain 1,200 feet in elevation on the way up. After a relaxed lunch on the rocks, we return to headquarters. Bring at least one liter of water, lunch, snacks, and appropriate clothing. Rain cancels. Meet at park headquarters. For more information, call (831) 338-8883. Event free. Vehicle…

Camouflage! Play games and learn how animals hide from their predators! This program is aimed at K-2nd graders and their families, but everyone can enjoy. Like our Facebook page to receive a notification when we go live!: www.facebook.com/BigBasinRedwoodsSP. If you are unable to join us live, all programs are recorded for later viewing. Free event.

Meet the Auto Tree, one of Big Basin’s oldest trees. Can you really drive through it? What caused the big hole in the tree? Bring your redwood questions to the program! This program is for an all-ages audience. Like our Facebook page to receive a notification when we go live!:www.facebook.com/BigBasinRedwoodsSP. If you are unable to join us live, all programs are recorded for later viewing. Free event.

Can you hold your breath for two hours? Jump to the top of a tree? Test your skills against the animals! Read along and activities. This program is aimed at K-2nd graders and their families, but everyone can enjoy. Like our Facebook page to receive a notification when we go live!: www.facebook.com/BigBasinRedwoodsSP. If you are unable to join us live, all programs are recorded for later viewing. Heavy rain cancels. Free event.

Learn all about this particular “Big Cat” with many names that roams the Santa Cruz Mountains and many other parts of California. This program is aimed at 4th-8th graders and their families, but everyone can enjoy. Like our Facebook page to receive a notification when we go live!:www.facebook.com/CastleRockStatePark. If you are unable to join us live, all programs are recorded for later viewing. Heavy rain cancels. Free event.

Join State Park Interpreter Susan as she reads The Salamander Room by Anne Mazer. Listen to this wonderful story about a boy who wanted to take a salamander home. What would it take to make the salamander feel at home? Sing about habitats too! This program is aimed at K-2ndgraders and their families, but everyone can enjoy. Like our Facebook page to receive a notification when we go live!: www.facebook.com/BigBasinRedwoodsSP. If you are unable to join us live, all programs…

Who lives in Big Basin? Learn to recognize some of our creatures by their skulls and pelts. See how large a mountain lion is compared to a bobcat. See the teeth of an opossum—so sharp! Join Interpreter Susan for an exciting look at some Big Basin critters.This program is for an all-ages audience. Like our Facebook page to receive a notification when we go live!:www.facebook.com/BigBasinRedwoodsSP. If you are unable to join us live, all programs are recorded for later viewing.…

NOT wear clothes! What do they wear? See some animal coverings too! This program is aimed at K-2nd graders and their families, but everyone can enjoy. Like our Facebook page to receive a notification when we go live!: www.facebook.com/BigBasinRedwoodsSP. If you are unable to join us live, all programs are recorded for later viewing. Heavy rain cancels. Free event.

It’s definitely tick season. Learn how small ticks can be, how to best avoid them, and if they’re actually good for anything. This program is for an all-ages audience. Like our Facebook page to receive a notification when we go live!: www.facebook.com/BigBasinRedwoodsSP. If you are unable to join us live, all programs are recorded for later viewing. Heavy rain cancels. Free event.

Join State Park Interpreter Susan as she reads Hey Little Ant by Phillip and Hannah Hoose. This delightful book helps inspire compassion for others, including a little ant. Join the conversation, and learn some activities you can do to help children appreciate all creatures. This program is aimed at K-2nd graders and their families, but everyone can enjoy. Like our Facebook page to receive a notification when we go live!: www.facebook.com/BigBasinRedwoodsSP. If you are unable to join us live, all…

Join Interpreter Susan in one of the most inspirational places–inside a redwood family circle! Learn how these circles are created and experience being in the belly of a redwood. This program is for an all-ages audience. Like our Facebook page to receive a notification when we go live!: www.facebook.com/BigBasinRedwoodsSP. If you are unable to join us live, all programs are recorded for later viewing. Heavy rain cancels. Free event.

Join State Park Interpreter Susan as she reads Everybody Needs a Rock by Byrd Baylor. Ten rules explain how to find your own perfect rock, on a walk or in your backyard! This program is aimed at K-2nd graders and their families, but everyone can enjoy. Like our Facebook page to receive a notification when we go live!: www.facebook.com/BigBasinRedwoodsSP. If you are unable to join us live, all programs are recorded for later viewing. Heavy rain cancels. Free event.

Meet a live snake! Learn about snakes and their amazing adaptations for survival. Ask your questions about snakes and we’ll answer live! This program is for an all-ages audience. Like our Facebook page to receive a notification when we go live!:www.facebook.com/BigBasinRedwoodsSP. If you are unable to join us live, all programs are recorded for later viewing. Heavy rain cancels. Free event.

Meet a live snake! Learn about snakes and their amazing adaptations for survival. Ask your questions about snakes and we’ll answer live! This program is for an all-ages audience. Like our Facebook page to receive a notification when we go live!:www.facebook.com/BigBasinRedwoodsSP. If you are unable to join us live, all programs are recorded for later viewing. Heavy rain cancels. Free event.

Join State Park Interpreter Susan as she reads Redwoods by Jason Chin. A mix of fantasy and facts are used to tell the story of redwoods in this meticulously researched and lyrically written children’s book. This program is aimed at K-2nd graders and their families, but everyone can enjoy. Like our Facebook page to receive a notification when we go live!: www.facebook.com/BigBasinRedwoodsSP. If you are unable to join us live, all programs are recorded for later viewing. Heavy rain cancels.…

Join Interpreter Susan in one of the most inspirational places–inside a redwood family circle! Learn how these circles are created and experience being in the belly of a redwood. This program is for an all-ages audience. Like our Facebook page to receive a notification when we go live!: www.facebook.com/BigBasinRedwoodsSP. If you are unable to join us live, all programs are recorded for later viewing. Heavy rain cancels. Free event.

How would you make dinner if you lived in Big Basin 500 years ago? No supermarkets, no stoves, not even pots and pans…Find out how as we take a look at Nature’s Supermarket and make dinner the way it was done by the native Ohlone people 500 years ago! This interactive program will be simultaneously broadcast as a Zoom webinar and a Facebook Live. Registration is required for the Zoom webinar. To register, visit www.tinyurl.com/SantaCruzCampfire. Like our Facebook page to…

How would you make dinner if you lived in Big Basin 500 years ago? No supermarkets, no stoves, not even pots and pans…Find out how as we take a look at Nature’s Supermarket and make dinner the way it was done by the native Ohlone people 500 years ago! Like our Facebook page to receive a notification when this pre-recorded program is premiered:www.facebook.com/BigBasinRedwoodsSP. Viewers will be able to post questions and comments during the premiere for a state park interpreter…

There’s‌ ‌more‌ ‌than meets the eye to Sequoia sempervirens! ‌‌Learn what redwoods can teach us about strength and values. Like our Facebook page to receive a notification when this pre-recorded program is premiered: www.facebook.com/BigBasinRedwoodsSP. Viewers will be able to post questions and comments during the premiere for a state park interpreter to answer. The program will also be available for later viewing. Free event. Local California State Parks in Santa Cruz County are offering virtual campfire programs during the COVID-19…

You probably shouldn’t cuddle with these cats, but what can we learn about their importance to the Santa Cruz Mountains? This interactive program will be broadcast as a Zoom webinar. Registration is required. To register, visit www.tinyurl.com/SantaCruzJuniorRangers. Free event. Local California State Parks in Santa Cruz County are offering virtual junior ranger programs for 7 to 12 year old children during the COVID-19 pandemic. These fun, free Zoom webinars are scheduled Friday through Monday at 10am each week in August.…

Dig into an imaginary lunch as we trace it back to the beginning of the universe! This interactive program will be broadcast as a Zoom webinar. Registration is required. To register, visitwww.tinyurl.com/SantaCruzJuniorRangers. Free event. Local California State Parks in Santa Cruz County are offering virtual junior ranger programs for 7 to 12 year old children during the COVID-19 pandemic. These fun, free Zoom webinars are scheduled Friday through Monday at 10am each week in August. Children receive a digital stamp…

Explore the world of mountain lions, California’s largest cat, with an evening of songs, games, and trivia. Learn safety tips for visiting cougar country and why these elusive animals are an important part of a healthy California landscape. Like our Facebook page to receive a notification when this pre-recorded program is premiered:www.facebook.com/BigBasinRedwoodsSP. Viewers will be able to post questions and comments during the premiere for a state park interpreter to answer. The program will also be available for later viewing.…

Learn about all the amazing ways that animals survive at night! This interactive program will be broadcast as a Zoom webinar. Registration is required. To register, visit www.tinyurl.com/SantaCruzJuniorRangers. Free event. Local California State Parks in Santa Cruz County are offering virtual junior ranger programs for 7 to 12 year old children during the COVID-19 pandemic. These fun, free Zoom webinars are scheduled Friday through Monday at 10am each week in August. Children receive a digital stamp for each program they…

Predator or prey? Herbivore or carnivore? Skulls give us clues to how an animal survives. This interactive program will be broadcast as a Zoom webinar. Registration is required. To register, visit www.tinyurl.com/SantaCruzJuniorRangers. Free event. Local California State Parks in Santa Cruz County are offering virtual junior ranger programs for 7 to 12 year old children during the COVID-19 pandemic. These fun, free Zoom webinars are scheduled Friday through Monday at 10am each week in August. Children receive a digital stamp…