Overview
Established in 1902, Big Basin is California's oldest state park. It has miles of trails that traverse a wide variety of environments over elevations from sea level to more than 2000 feet. The park is 25 miles northwest of Santa Cruz via Highways 9 and 236, but those with trailers should follow the less winding Route 1 to Highways 9 and 236. For driving route information click here.
Recorded Information: Phone 831-338-8860.
Camping
Blooms Creek Campground. Five campsites are accessible. Restroom and showers are accessible. Parking: Some restrooms have adjacent accessible parking. Routes of travel between campsites and restrooms are generally accessible, and distances from sites are all within 150 feet.
Semperverins Campground Two campsites are accessible. Restrooms with showers are acccessible.
Huckleberry Campground One campsite is accessibly designed and located adjacent to an accessible restroom.
Tent Cabins. Three tent cabins in Huckleberry that are designated accessible have sloped entry ramps that may require assistance. Restroom with showers are accessible. Parking: Each cabin has a parking spur with generally firm but unmarked surfaces. Route of travel to ramps is flat and usable.
Sequoia Group Camp One of two group site is accessible. Restroom with showers are accessible and include van accessible parking.
Picnic Area
The main picnic area has about 15 accessible picnic tables. Parking: Accessible parking and routes of travel to 6 sites are available. Restroom in main parking lot and picnic area and routes of travel to them are accessible.
Trails
The Redwood Loop Trail is a 1/2 mile loop through ancient redwood stands. It is located near the Park Headquarters Accessible parking and restrooms nearby. The surface is compacted soil. This is Big Basin’s most popular hike.
The Campground Connector Trail begins at the Blooms Creek Campground and provides accessible trail linkage to the Redwood Loop Trail and Park Headquarters. Accessible parking is available at both ends. An accessible campsite and bathroom is available near the trailhead in the Blooms Creek Campground. Trail length is 1/2 mile.
The Skyline to the Sea Trail (Accessible Section): This section of the Skyline to the Sea Trail is accessible from the Headquarters Area for approximately ¼ mile. The out and back trail section is surfaced with compacted gravel and soil and has accessible parking at the trailhead, which serves both the Skyline to the Sea Trail (Accessible Section) and the Redwood Loop Trail. Accessible restrooms are located nearby.
Exhibits/Programs
Visitor Center. The Semperverins Room visitor center is located in the park headquarters building. The room and its exhibits are generally accessible. Restroom. Restrooms inside the buildings are not located or designed for wheelchair access. Restrooms near the main picnic area are usable. Route of travel to visitor center is generally accessible, but assistance may be needed with historic doors entering exhibit room.
Other Information
Rancho del Oso / Waddell Creek Area Located on the western edge of the park, accessible by vehicle from Highway 1, the Rancho del Oso Nature Center is accessible including parking, restroom and picnic sites.
West of Highway 1 there is an ocean overlook parking area with accessible parking and restroom and directly across Highway 1 to the east an equestrian staging area has accessible parking restoom and horse mounting platform.
Definitions & Terms
Accessible
Meets all or most of the current accessibility standards; most visitors with disabilities will not need assistance.
Generally accessible
Meets many current codes and has few barriers, but some visitors with disabilities may need assistance.
Usable
Meets some current codes but has some barriers; many visitors with disabilities may require assistance.
Designated accessible
Describes facilities that have been set aside and usually signed or “designated” accessible because they met accessibility codes when built. Such facilities may vary from newer suggested guidelines in specified ways, and improvements may be planned or ongoing. Minor variations from guidelines are not usually described. This term is often used for parking spaces that are reserved for visitors with disabilities even though there may be minor issues with slope, signage, or size.
