Buzzards Roost

Overview

A beautiful hike through the Big Basin, this hike up to Buzzard's Roost gives you 360 degree spectacular views atop one of the highest points in Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California's oldest State Park, established in 1902. Home to the largest continuous stand of ancient coast redwoods south of San Francisco, the park consists of over 18,000 acres of old growth and recovering redwood forest, with mixed conifer, oaks, chaparral, and riparian habitats. Elevations in the park vary from sea level to over 2,000 feet. The climate ranges from foggy and damp near the ocean to sunny, warm ridge tops. (from CA State Park Website).

Getting There

From San Jose, Oakland, Fremont

Take the 880 freeway south, which becomes Highway 17. As you head towards Santa Cruz and come down from the summit, you will see a sign on the freeway for Big Basin. The actual road name is Mount Hermon Road. Exit the freeway here and stay right onto Mount Hermon Road. Stay on this road as it goes through the city of Scotts Valley. Mount Hermon Road ends at an intersection with a signal (Graham Hill Rd.). Turn right at this light. You will immediately come to another lighted intersection (Highway 9). Turn right again. Stay on Highway 9 in this northerly direction for 15 miles. You will be traveling through several mountain towns. You will eventually come to the town of Boulder Creek. In Boulder Creek there is one stop sign. At this stop sign you will turn left onto Highway 236/Big Basin Way. Stay on this highway for 9 miles and you will enter the Park. Proceed to Park Headquarters.

From San Francisco, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto

Take either the 101 freeway south or 280 freeway south. From there take the 85 freeway south. Exit 85 at Saratoga Road. Turn right and head west on Saratoga Road. After a few miles, you'll encounter a signal. Pick up Highway 9 here; take a right and drive through the quaint shopping area of Saratoga. The road then begins to climb into the mountains. Stay on 9 as it winds through the mountains for 12 miles. You will then see a sign for Highway 236/Big Basin. Turn right onto Highway 236 and continue on this road for 9 miles until you come to Park Headquarters.

From California Highway 1, Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay

Take Highway 1 to Santa Cruz. Take Highway 9 north for 15 miles. You will pass through several mountain towns and eventually arrive at the town of Boulder Creek. In Boulder Creek there is one stop sign. At this stop sign you will turn left onto Highway 236/Big Basin Way. Stay on this road for 9 miles and you will enter the Park. Proceed to Park Headquarters.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park
21600 Big Basin Way
Boulder Creek, California, U.S.A.
95006-9064
+1 (831) 338-8860

Operating Hours
The park is open every day year round from 6:00am to 10:00pm. Office hours are currently 9:00am to 5:00pm Sunday through Thursday, and 8:00am to 8:00pm Friday and Saturday. Due to severe budgetary constraints, it is not possible to staff park headquarters on a daily basis during office hours at this time.

PARK in Blooms Creek Campgroud (should be less crowded than around the Park Headquarters), walk into the Blooms Creek Campground and until you see signs for the Pine Mountain Trail. Start hiking on the Pine Mountain Trail. ~1.5 mi to the summit, ~3 mi roundtrip. As of 1/2009, you are unable to reach Pine Mountain due to a regrowth area.

Red Tape

Hiking open year round, check website or call CA Forest Service for road/fire closures.

Camping

See www.bigbasin.org for more info for reservations.

External Links

Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California
http://www.bigbasin.org/

Images

View Buzzards Roost Image Gallery - 6 Images