General Information

User Groups:

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

Subjective Trail Rating for Beauty and Difficulty:

This is a strenuous 4.8 mile hike that ascends 1100 feet. It starts at the end of Blooms Creek Campground and reaches Buzzard's Roost at 2150 feet. A trail which is not maintained climbs the rest of the way to the summit of Pine Mountain that exceeds 2200 feet. Breathtaking views abound once climbing above the redwood groves but the price is a relentless ascent combined with a few rock scrambles. Those with a fear of heights may not enjoy this trek. Those with small children must be sure that they can control them since some dangerous drop-offs will be encountered. I have seen families with children as young as 7 do 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.