General Information

User Groups:

Hikers only. No dogs, horses, or mountain bikes are allowed. Partially wheelchair accessible.

Subjective Trail Rating for Beauty and Difficulty:

If you want to see some of the best examples of old growth redwoods available in the Bay Area, then this hike is for you. It also has the advantage of being a short (0.6 miles) level trail that should be an easy stroll for most people. The redwoods are truly impressive with the tallest toping out at 329 feet in height. The one disadvantage of the trail is its popularity. Count on having many companions on this hike.

Permits:

No permits are required. A state park entrance fee is charged for each vehicle.

Directions:

From San Jose, take Highway 17 south toward Santa Cruz and take the Mount Hermon exit in Scotts Valley. Take Mount Hermon road through Scotts Valley to the town of Felton. Turn right on Highway 9 and drive north to the town of Boulder Creek. Turn left at the stop sign in town and drive about 9 miles on Highway 236 to the Big Basin Park headquarters. From Santa Cruz, take Highway 1 to Highway 9. Drive north approximately 12 miles to Boulder creek and then use the same directions as for San Jose.

Maps:

Contact Big Basin Redwoods State Park for trail maps. When obtaining a USGS topographic map, ask for Franklin Point.

Who to contact:

Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA 95006. Tel # (408) 338-6132.