Big Basin Park Reopens July 22
By Julie Horner
Big Basin Redwoods State Park reopens on Friday, July 22, 2022, with limited day-use access by reservation only. The reservation system opens on Friday, July 1, 2022.
The Redwood Loop near the former visitor center and approximately 18 miles of fire roads near the park’s core have been cleared for visitor access with limited services available.
Highway 236 through the park will also open on July 22 and visitors will be able to drive through the park without stopping. Vehicle parking is by reservation only. You can also ride your bike into the park or arrive by METRO bus route 35 on weekends.
California State Parks Santa Cruz District Superintendent Chris Spohrer said, “The changes to Big Basin are profound, but the forest is starting to recover and it’s amazing to witness. We want to share the recovery process with visitors, including telling the story of what happened, the status today, and the plans for reimagining the park. We’re excited to be able to welcome visitors back on a limited basis as we near the two-year anniversary of the fire.”
Details about entering the park and making a reservation were released in a press briefing today, Thursday, June 30, 2022:
“Reservations will be available online at Big Basin Redwoods State Park or by phone (831) 338-8867. Most spaces will be available by up to 60 days in advance, while a limited number of reservations will be released three days before the visit date. Initially, 45 spots will be offered daily. Pre-registration is required. No day-of, drive-up entry will be available. Entry is $6, plus a $2 reservation fee, and will provide day-long access to the park. State Parks day-use passes, and other park entry programs will be honored, including the recently expanded Golden Bear Park Pass, which provides free access to State Parks for families receiving CalWORKS benefits and others.”
To register online, go to: https://thatsmypark.org/…/big-basin-redwoods-state-park/
This video tracks the progress of recovery as the Santa Cruz Mountains approaches the two-year anniversary of the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, which burned approximately 18,000 acres inside the park boundary. The park is still without electricity, water, flush toilets, phone service, or buildings.
https://thatsmypark.org/visit/fire-impacts/
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