As we drove north from Santa Cruz on Highway 9, we passed through Boulder Creek. I couldn’t resist stopping for coffee in the general store/bakery. The pace of life here seems much more laid-back than in the coastal towns in which we’ve spent most of our trip. Bolder Creek makes an excellent base from which to explore the state park.

Big Basin Redwoods was California’s first state park, established in 1902. Its main feature is its 18,000 acres of old, towering redwood trees. This is the largest stand south of San Francisco. They are simply awe-inspiring. We spent around 2 hours walking the cool, shaded trails nearest to the park headquarters where the two largest trees in the park are found: the Mother and Father of the forest (largest diameter and tallest respectively). It was all very serine. I couldn’t help but feel closer to nature somehow as we wandered at this very special piece of God’s creation.

The park offers over 80 miles of multipurpose trails that access even more old-growth forest and some waterfalls. Several of these trails tie into others that extend beyond Big Basin’s borders. Maps and advice are available at the park headquarters. We did not camp here, but the sites looked great. Signs recommend that you make reservations by calling 831/338-8860.

After seeing the redwoods here, I am eager to someday walk among the giants in Northern California as well.