Big Basin Double Lollypop (Raindate will be March 14th)

Please RSVP only if you are committed to attend. Reevaluate your availability a few days before the hike and withdraw at that time if you can no longer commit. This allows others to attend.

Big Basin Redwoods is California's oldest state park. It covers more than 18,000 acres ranging from sea level to more than 2400 feet elevation. Once a huge ancient forest, over 90% of the trees were lost to indiscriminate logging starting in the mid 1800s. And then the 2020 CZU Fire added more devastation. But trails are reopening and the blackened redwoods — some of which tower 300 feet tall and date back to the Roman Empire — nearly all survived, and are covered with vibrant green new branches. But none of the buildings, from the rustic visitors center to restrooms, have been rebuilt.

The route I've drawn up starts out on the easy yet beautiful Redwood Trail Loop, home of the Mother of the Forest (tallest tree) and the Father of the Forest (2,000 years old). I have photos below of how they looked prior to CZU. We'll then head along Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail > Dool > Middle Ridge > Meteor. We'll then hike along Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail towards China Grade for a mile or so as an out and back. Then back for another little loop along Creeping Forest Trail > Dool > Skyline-to-the-Sea and back to parking lot. Here is a link to our entire route:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/redwood-trail-6917ff2-3

Effort: Difficult (see Photo for reference below) Length: 9-12 miles Elevation gain: 2464 feet
Time: 5+ hours Route type: Triple(ish) Loop Lollypop

Prepare for sun exposure though we should have shaded sections as well. Water (2+ liters), snacks and any anticipated first aid needs. There are well-kept latrines at the parking lot.

I strongly encourage carpooling, which we'll coordinate using Comments below. Reservations for parking are not required, but are encouraged due to the limited amount of first-come, first-served parking available. Reserve a parking space. The parking fee is $6 per vehicle plus a $2 reservation fee or $10 per vehicle without a reservation.
Parks passes will be honored at the park, but the reservation fee of $2.00 will be charged.
If you indicate that you have a valid California State Park Pass for a vehicle when registering online, the parking fee will be waived. Passholders must still pay a non-refundable $2 reservation fee for each parking space reserved. You must show the pass to the staff person at check-in, or your reservation will not be honored, and you will be turned away.
Any of the following passes are accepted: Golden Poppy, California Explorer, Golden Bear | CALWORKS, an in-season Limited Use Golden Bear, Distinguished Veteran, Adventure Pass for 4th Graders, Santa Cruz District Volunteer, or a Library Park Pass. Holders of a California State Park Disabled Discount Pass receive a 50% discount on parking fees.

Please take a few moments and refer to the frequently updated Soquel SoleMates Hiking Group general description ("What We're About") for important information about this group. Soquel Soulmates Hiking Group
https://4142298.xyz/soquel-solemates-hiking-group/

I hope to see you there!
Jill :)