Beautiful, Beautiful....what a wonderful park, peaceful and a nice hike or stroll along the trail across from the visitor center. My friend had a torn ACL but with her knee brace on she was able to with stand this hike because of the flat surface. The park was very crowded the day we were there, being a Saturday and quite warm for January but the only down side was the lack of parking with so many people. We would like to go back and hike some of the other trails on our next visit to California.
Closest place to Silicon Valley to appreciate the huge redwoods that built the West. Have been visiting since I was a kid, took my children and now my Grandchildren. Great for day trips, evenings in the summer and camping with reservations. The Rangers campfire programs in the evenings are great for the kids and you'll find yourself surrounded by people from around the world. Short, wheelchair friendly trail to trails to waterfalls and the ocean. A very special place. Rule of thumb while driving there "Lead, follow or get out of the way!"
Even if you take the short tour (less than one mile or so?), this is a one of-a-kind experience. Just take the time to sit in front of the father or the mother of the forest and realize that these trees were already there in Year Zero; during the Roman Empire; when Columbus discovered America for the Europeans; .......Makes me feel very little and humble....
Growing up in the Bay Area we spent every summer camping in Big Basin! Such an amazing beautiful place. Recently revisited there on a family vacation and was impressed with all the upgrades to the bathrooms and how well it has been maintained over the years. The amphitheater is always fun in the evenings and hiking the trails are very enjoyable. Nice paths and easy for all including wheelchairs and strollers. Little gift shop/convenience store on site. There is a parking fee for day use as well as fees for camping. Still love this place 40 years later.
During a recent trip out west, made our way up the coast and visited this one AM. February isn't the busy season, so we pretty much had the place to ourselves. Good news was that the redwoods are amazing... bad news was that the weather was gray, foggy, and prevented us from seeing anything distant. Will make the trip out here next time we're out.. Recommended.
I have been planning a trip to the west coast for months and this was supposed to be one of the highlights. Visited park today and what a let down ! First $10 to park - which I was totally OK with at first. I realize that there are several long trails for people who are physically in great shape. However I am disabled and had planned to do the easy loop which was supposed to have the 2 largest trees in the park. Even at a leisurely pace this only took 30 min. and the trees looked nothing like pictures and what you see on TV. You could actually see Redwoods almost as big along the main road. So if you are in wonderful shape and explore the 5 or 8 mile trails you might get your money's worth. But for me , sorry - it was a total waste of time and money.
The drive into the park in filled with twists, turns, and narrow roads but once you make it through you will see the beauty nature has provided us. The park has many trails, several which are steep. Make sure to start the day early if it is winter and that you plan out your trail walk before you arrive at the park.
If you like old growth forest and peaceful surroundings come and see! I don't visit frequently enough but even just the drive thru is worthwhile.
Took the least traveled trail of the day...the Meteor Trail. A good mixture of Redwoods and lots of fungi. The climb to Ocean View Summit reminded me that I need to get out more, but successfully climbed the1600ft to enjoy a light lunch and view above the trees. The trails are well marked and maintained which was great. Take the Redwood loop at the Ranger Station...everyone does it but you get to see one of the oldest trees in the park.
Very friendly staff, lovely sights of nature, really well taken care of... A must while visiting north California