Big Basin - Santa Cruz County, CA

July 11, 2012 - Big Basin Redwoods State Park - Santa Cruz County, Ca

I seem to be on a Redwood State Park kick, and this hike fit in perfectly. While the drive, yet again, was long, it was well worth the trip. The park itself has multiple options for hikers. Hikes range from the half mile Redwood Loop Trail, to the potential overnight/backpacking Skyline to Sea Trail which takes you out of the state park, into the West Waddell Creek Wilderness, and all the way to the ocean. The downside of all of these wonderful trail is that they are not dog friendly. Super sad face.

No matter, today we opted for the Creeping Forest Trail, one because it had a cool name, and two because it promised ample shade to counteract the surprisingly warm day. It also promised to be approximately 4 miles.

On your way into Santa Cruz (on hwy 17) head west on Highway 9, and further west on Highway 236. It's a windy stretch of road so take you time and drive carefully. Once inside the park you'll find rather nice bathrooms, water, ranger station, and a gift shop. Locate the main parking area and adjacent Redwood Loop Trail. All the trails start inside the loop, less than 100 feet from the entrance if you complete the loop in a counter clockwise direction. We opted for the extra half mile by taking the trail clockwise. The loop trail boasts some very tall Coastal Redwoods and the standard interpretive numbered plaques.  


Once you find the trail heads (follow signs for the Skyline to Sea trail) you'll cross a bridge and hit a  T intersection. Even though these trails are not overly accessible for anyone needing walking assistance, the signs, for some reason, are all posted with mileage for the accessible portions. In other words, ignore the mileage, and really you can get a little creative with the trail signs too as they are a bit... interpretive. You'll be intersecting the Skyline to Sea Trail in the middle, and unfortunately the signs tell you nothing of this, or for that matter, of the trail you are looking for. Regardless, head right on the Skyline trail (away from the ocean) and keep an eye out for similar trail signs that will help you eventually find the Creeping Forest Trail. 


This trail starts by following the creek north and past the Dool Trail (you'll be ending up here later so feel free to throw out a few of those bread crumbs). Just past the Dool trail marker you'll come across a picnic area and small road. Cross the road (yup this is the right trail) and keep an eye out for the left turn and trail marker for the Creeping Forest Trail. If you miss turn you'll be in for a rather long hike to Saratoga. 


This is where the trail starts to climb and maintains a steady up and down trek for the next mile and a half. Part of this trail parallels that road you crossed earlier, but there are no more intersections to worry about. As you hike you'll pass multiple small groves of redwoods. It's a peaceful hike, and we didn't pass a single hiker on our way.

Eventually the trail turns back in an overall southern direction. You'll find another trail marker just past a rather extensive section of trail that winds along side the road, a increasingly frustrating tease keeping the hiker guessing when, just when the trail will finally merge and cross. However, eventually it does cross and you'll come across the trail marker for the Dool Trail. This is where the  Creeping Forest Trail ends. Head to the left on the Dool trail and it will spit you back out on the Skyline to Sea Trail (this time head south). A few paces down the Dool you'll find a lovely memorial bench that invites you to sit and enjoy the enchantment. While we were enticed and attempted the partake, the view left a bit to be desired and the mosquitoes took the the opportunity to have dinner.

In all it was a lovely hike that we wrapped up in a visit to the beach and the boardwalk for a free movie and a few souvenirs. Beware the summer temps drop significantly when the sun goes down, and sweatshirts are expensive!

Pros: lovely trail and trees, low traffic, close to the beach, plenty of alternate trails.
Cons: Long drive, hot, parallels a road for a significant portion.
Rating: 3/5 for difficulty and 4/5 for overall pleasantness.