®San Jose, California
Big Basin
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San Jose, California |
Big Basin |
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The Place Established in 1902, California's oldest State Park, it is home to |
Getting ThereTake 280 north from San Jose. From there take the 85 freeway south. Exit
85 at Saratoga Avenue. Turn right and head west on Saratoga Avenue.
Watch for the Hwy 9 sign and don't miss the right turn that takes you through
downtown Saratoga and then begins to climb into the mountains. Stay on 9
(there is a stop sign at the crest were it crosses Hwy 35 – continue
going straight) as it winds through the mountains. Miles later, at a
second stop sign, you will then see the sign for Hwy 236/Big Basin. Go straight
onto Hwy 236 and continue on this road for 9 miles until you come to Park
Headquarters. Turn right into the parking area. We will meet at the Campfire
Center, which is on the left just after entering the parking lot. |
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We will start our hike down the Skyline-to-the-Sea trail and pass through old-growth redwood forest with multiple stream crossings and ancient redwoods. This section of the trail climbs gently for the first mile, and then drops 1,000' over three miles as it follows Waddell Creek. We will then hike up the Berry Creek Falls trail which will take us to three waterfalls:
Leaving the last of the falls, we will emerge out of the redwoods into a recovering burn area, with young Tanoak, Manzanita, and Pine. We will have the meeting at Sunset camp and take the Sunset trail back to the parking lot.
This is a Level 4 hike. It is 11 miles with a 1,000' change in elevation.
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Know Before You GoThis is a long hike; prepare to return to the parking lot around 6pm. Bring lots of water (3+ liters). Insect repellent is recommended. Sorry, no dogs. For more information contact your host, Jimmy C . It's always good to check back here for last-minute updates too. |