⚠️ Big Basin AccessPublic access to Big Basin has been severely impacted by the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire and ongoing fire recovery work, but the park is now open for limited day-use access. Reservations for parking are not required, but are encouraged due to the limited amount of first-come, first-served parking available.
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Reserve a parking space. The parking fee is $6 per vehicle plus a $2 reservation fee or $10 per vehicle without a reservation.
A summer shuttle program allows visitors to make a reservation to park at the Saddle Mountain parking area and ride the shuttle into the park on summer weekends and holidays, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Santa Cruz Metro provides seasonal bus service on weekends and holidays. Check Santa Cruz Metro’s website for bus schedules.
No fees or reservations are required for visitors arriving by foot, bike, or bus. No fees or reservations required for day-use visits at Rancho del Oso, the coastal subunit portion of Big Basin.
Please come prepared, drinking water is available only by purchase at the parking kiosk, there is no potable water available on site.
Read the FAQs for more information on the reservation system and visiting Big Basin.
View the park map to see reopened roads and trails. Access to additional trails and back country roads will be made available as they are cleared and made safe.
Posted Wednesday, July 16, 2025