First Day Hikes

COMMUNITY NEWS

First Day Hikes

Big Basin Redwoods State Park will be part of the First Day Hikes program on Jan. 1. Join staff for a hike up to one of Big Basin’s lookouts as part of the First Day Hikes program!

This is a fun-for-all hike with some incline up to the summit. Participants will go at an enjoyable pace and stop along the way to smell the flowers they may come across. Participants will see an overview of the park post-2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire and learn about the park’s flora and fauna.

Once reaching the summit, ocean views will be amazing if it is a clear day. Parking for the first day hike is through the park’s reservation system and must be made 24 hours prior to arrival at https:// www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30737

On Dec. 23, Big Basin reopened an additional four miles of roads and trails.

Visitors on foot can explore the newly renovated Meteor Trail, a one-mile segment of Skyline to the Sea Trail, and dog-friendly access along the first mile of North Escape Road.

The first mile of Sunset Trail is finishing reconstruction and is expected to open sometime next month. Redwood Loop and Dool Trail, both which opened in the summer, are also available to visitors.

About 20 miles of multiuse fire roads near the historic park core remain open to hiking and biking. The Big Basin Redwoods State Park webpage at https:// www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=540 contains a map detailing new trail access.

Services in the park remain limited; there is no cell phone coverage, running water, or electricity.

“We are pushing to reopen fire damaged trail segments in Big Basin as they are safely reconstructed and look forward to welcoming more visitors in 2023,” said Santa Cruz District Superintendent Chris Spohrer. “These newly opened trails offer a novel window to witness the remarkable recovery of the ancient forest – come visit and enjoy!”

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Since Big Basin reopened to the public on July 22, more than 16,000 people have visited through the online parking reservation system created and operated by nonprofit partner Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. Visitors must make a reservation online in advance to guarantee access to the limited parking area.

The amount of parking available by reservation on a daily basis has nearly doubled, according to Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Executive Director Bonny Hawley.

Most spaces of the 100 spaces offered daily are available up to 60 days in advance, while a limited number of reservations are released three days before the visit date. Entry is $6, plus a $2 reservation fee for daylong access. State Parks day-use passes and other park entry programs are honored with a reservation, including the Golden Bear Park Pass, which provides free access to state parks for families receiving CalWORKS benefits. n

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