Places like Big Basin Redwoods State Park are the reason I moved to California. Within weeks of my move, I discovered Big Basin, which is nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains. I remember my first time walking through the sky-high trees, the scent of redwood floating around me, the forest trail leading to a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean, thinking this is why I moved here.
Big Basin Redwoods is California’s oldest state park, established in 1902. Some of its ancient redwoods are more than 1,800 years old, over 50 feet wide, and soar as tall as the Statue of Liberty. These statistics are impressive, but far more impressive is experiencing the greatness of the trees in real life; straining your neck as you try to take in their enormity.
Wildfires in California have become inevitable, but the destruction and loss they bring always feel fresh. The CZU August Lightning Complex Fire in Santa Cruz County is sweeping through rapidly, leaving extensive damage and thousands of evacuated residents in its wake, including Big Basin, which has been “extensively damaged” and will be closed indefinitely.
The Sempervirens Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the redwoods, stated: “We are devastated to report that Big Basin, as we have known it, loved it, and cherished it, for generations, is gone.”
The complete, long-term damage is still unknown, but it’s been reported that several large redwoods have fallen while many others have been scorched but are still standing. Following the news, there was an immediate outpouring of love for Big Basin across social media, with those from near and far remembering their unforgettable time among the trees.
It’s important we remember how special the park was, continues to be, and hold the memories we made there a little tighter. In an attempt to pay tribute to this incomparable place, we’ve rounded up some of our readers’ best pictures and memories from Big Basin. As the Sempervirens Fund so beautifully put it:
For millions of people, Big Basin is the place where they first experienced the majesty of the redwoods — where they were humbled and inspired standing amidst a grove of towering trees that have stood resolute for thousands of years. Those memories will live on.
Turning 32 at Big Basin | Jobelle Gacuya
“I spent my 32nd birthday at Big Basin with the love of my life. We call ourselves the adventure club. We spent three to four hours walking through this wonderful park and feeling the energy of these ancient, wise, thousand-year-old trees. This birthday in particular I felt very reflective of my life and this was the perfect place to feel the energy of nature and planet Earth. This place is very magical and holds stories throughout time and secrets of the universe. I only hope this place builds up stronger and more beautiful once again.”
Beauties in our backyard | Brian Schmoldt
“This photo was taken from another day around the Bay, exploring the Redwoods in our backyard. I’ve always found it amazing that just a short trip from SF or the office and we can be surrounded by these giant beauties. I’m so sad that many have burned down.”
Boulder Creek is my hometown | Chuck Edwell | Words by friend Leah Thomas
Boulder Creek is my hometown. It is special and unique with people that are refreshingly authentic and quick to lend a hand. It has played a significant role in shaping me into the person I am today. But it is also a community filled with people who are the most vulnerable. I know we will continue to reach out and help our neighbors throughout this tragedy—it truly is the Boulder Creek way. And I don’t doubt we will ultimately come out of this stronger and more united, but today my heart aches for those who have already lost everything and those that will lose more in the coming days.
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My first redwoods forest | Jennifer Carr
I am heartbroken to hear of the fires ravaging the Santa Cruz Mountains and destroying one of my favorite places, the spots that made California feel like home during our short time there are suffering beyond repair. Please keep everyone battling these fires close in your thoughts and prayers.
Magic in the redwoods | Kelly, Aaron, and Hudson
Big Basin was my first visit to a redwoods state park here in Northern California. On a trip to San Francisco a few years ago, we spent a day out of the city hiking around the park, admiring these massive trees. Like so many that come, I found the magic in the redwoods. It’s crushing to think of those beautiful trees and historic buildings burned.
Camping at Big Basin while pregnant | Jodi Gelbman
I grew up camping in Big Basin, and it meant the world to be amongst those same trees with my children. On one camping trip in the tent cabins, I brought my three-year-old son and was about two months from giving birth to my second child. The memories will survive, as will many of the old-growth redwoods. But lord, what destruction.
Backpacking memories | Yu Chen Hou
My last hike at Big Basin was in February when I backpacked the Skyline to Sea Trail with a few friends. I’m sad to hear about the destruction of the State Park over the last few days from the wildfires. It’s a place that has been very special to me and opened me up to the redwoods years ago. Now, the park and the mountains, as we know it, is gone. Hopefully, the redwoods will recover in the not long (yet not too short) future.
Sharing the trees with our son | Melissa Sillin
“One of our greatest joys as parents has been sharing the magic of California’s mountains and forests with our son Henry (age three). On August 1 of this year, we spent the day exploring California’s oldest state park, Big Basin. On our hike, we stopped at nearly every tree to answer Henry’s many questions, ‘how did they get so big?’ ‘who lives in the trees?’ ‘how old are the trees?’ I remember that he pointed to the top of a tree and asked, ‘what is up there?’
It was special to see the magical connection he was making with the beautiful Big Basin and the ancient coastal redwoods. A few days ago, Henry asked when we’d be going back to Big Basin. I paused for a moment… typically my answer would be, ‘that’s a great idea, let’s plan another hike.’ Though, this time, I said… ‘someday.’”
Honoring Big Basin — Jordane Tofighi
“Big Basin has always held a special place in my heart. I’ve often wondered what these beautiful giants would say if they could speak.
Sadly California continues to be threatened yearly by wildfires and this has become a part of their story now too.”
The place I fell in love — Jenn Woo
“Big Basin is where my partner and I went on our first date. We fell in love within that 18-mile hike and 5,000 feet climb battle. The place where our feelings sparked and led to this long and amazing relationship is gone. In an instant, within just a couple of days, gone.
My body is here in Arizona but my heart will always be in California. But just like these amazing trees, we will bounce back. We will thrive and we will stand tall again. I will forever remember this place and I will always be thankful for everything it brought to our lives. I owe this forest everything. For it has given me you.”
To learn how you can support the recovery efforts at Big Basin and Santa Cruz Redwoods, visit the Sempervirens Fund website.
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