Big Basin SP
Trails to Buzzard’s Roost
My first hike of 2018! I can’t believe it’s taken me until March to do my first hike. I was training for the Santa Cruz 1/2 marathon roughly 4 days a week so didn’t really need the exercise. But boy was it nice to get back out into the woods. After the Forest of Nicene Marks State Park, Big Basin State Park is kind of my home park. It takes about 45 minutes to get there from Santa Cruz because the road is narrow and windy. But there’s some gorgeous hiking there, so it’s worth it.
I got there early because the parking lot fills up quickly on the weekends, even in March. It was incredibly cold so I was glad I had my sweater, I should have had gloves and a hat too. But I knew I’d warm up, the hike was all uphill. I checked in at the ranger station. I love that they give you a form to leave on your car dash that tells them where you are and when you left in case something happens.
Big Basin SP
Buzzard’s Roost
The hike up to Buzzard’s Roost starts by going through a lovely little campground area and across the creek and then up up up along a narrow trail. The views into the woods are lovely along the way. I saw a few redwoods and as I hiked higher there were more bushes and switchbacks. The elevation goes from 1000 feet to 2150 feet at the peak!
There are a couple of rocks that require using your hands to scramble up. When I reached the near top, there was a huge sheer rock face that could be tricky if it were a wet day, but it was sunny and dry. There were a few other people wandering around at the top, but I found a nice shady spot to enjoy the view and have a snack. I took some photos, rested, and then headed back down. The hike took about 2 1/2
Big Basin SP
Ocean in the Distance
hours. It was worth the uphill to see the view and enjoy the sun at the top. I was able to see as far as the ocean, though it looked foggy in that directions. The mountains around the peak were covered with trees. Big Basin is very green year round. The moisture and shade created by the redwoods keeps it green, I’ve seen moss growing even in summer and fall when it’s normally dry at other parks nearby.
I can’t wait to head back to Big Basin and do the Meteor trail hike. I’m still hoping to see those lilies that grow along the creek that are unique to Big Basin. I think that may be a little later in the springtime. Also on the agenda for hiking is to scope out the trail camp that is about 2 miles from Waddell Beach near the ocean part of Big Basin. The area is called Rancho del Oso, but those camps don’t open until May. My adventurous mom has requested an overnight backpacking trip so I’m looking into that location for her. The reservation system seems very organized and the sites have toilets and lockers to keep your food. Fancy!
Big Basin SP
Mountain top pine
Has anyone stayed at any of the back country trail camps in Big Basin? Also, does anyone have experience renting equipment from UCSC or somewhere else in Santa Cruz?
Trail names: Redwood Loop, Blooms Creek, Pine Mountain
Approximate distance: 5 mi
Start/end: Ranger station
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