Big Basin Redwoods State Park Partially Reopening In July

BOULDER CREEK, CA —Nearly two years after the CZU Fire, California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks announced Thursday that Big Basin Redwoods State Park will partially reopen in July.

Big Basin, California's oldest state park, will open for limited day-use access beginning July 22. Parking spot reservations, for those who wish to visit the park on foot, will be available starting Friday.

"The partial reopening of Big Basin is an important milestone after the devastation of the CZU Fire," said Brenda Holmes, executive director of the Mountain Parks Foundation. "As we slowly return to the park, we can draw strength and inspiration from witnessing the resilience of the redwoods and marvel at nature's ability to heal and flourish once again."

The CZU Lighting Complex Fire, which took place in August 2020, tore through 97 percent of Big Basin, burning 18,000 acres inside the park boundary, according to authorities.

Every structure inside the park was destroyed, including park headquarters, campgrounds and housing for park employees. The park still is without electricity, water, flush toilets or phone service.

"The changes to Big Basin are profound, but the forest is starting to recover and it's amazing to witness," said California State Parks Santa Cruz District Superintendent Chris Spohrer.

Spohrer continued: "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."

According to park authorities, the day-use-only reservation system will allow the public to access a small area of the fire-damaged park, including the Redwood Loop and about 18 miles of fire roads near the historic park core.

The access to the park coincides with the reopening of Highway 236, which is the main road through the park. Authorities said that once the highway opens, vehicles will be allowed to drive through the park without stopping. Visitors also can access the park by bicycle or METRO bus route 35, which runs on weekends only, without a reservation.

According to park authorities, 45 parking spots will be offered daily at the park, and pre-registration is required. No day-of, drive-up entry will be available.

Beginning Friday, spaces will be available up to 60 days in advance, and a limited number of reservations will be released three days before the visit date.

Entry to the park costs $6, with an additional $2 reservation fee. Each reservation provides day-long access to the park.

"Managing parks for a healthy future for environmental systems as well as humanity could not be more important at this moment in history," said Armando Quintero, director of the California Department of Parks and Recreation. "We welcome all Californians and visitors from around the world as we enter the next era for this iconic and much-beloved state park."

Reservations for a day at Big Basin Redwoods State Park are available on the California Department of Parks and Recreation website or by calling 831-338-8867.