Rebuilding Big Basin
The Big Basin Facility Management Plan is the park plan to guide future rebuilding of recreational facilities at Big Basin Redwoods State Park after the 2020 CZU Fire according to the Reimagining Big Basin Vision Summary completed in 2022. The planning process includes three concepts for rebuilding. As a part of evaluating these concepts, California State Parks wants to hear from the public about visitor experience needs and preferences.
This webpage shows key design ideas that are being explored and is meant to give you a sense of what it might be like to visit Big Basin when new facilities are built. This webpage also includes integrated survey questions and opportunities for you to reflect and share your thoughts.
To take a closer look and comment on the diagrams and more detailed site plans for key areas visit; Design Alternatives Summary Document
Big Basin Reference Map
PARK FACILITY ALTERNATIVES
Most facilities will be built in 4 areas:
Main Day-Use Area
Conceptual Illustration
The former park headquarters is in the heart of the old growth redwood forest, and will be an ecologically-sensitive hub for day use activities.
Conceptual Illustration
Shuttle service from Saddle Mountain and bus service from Scotts Valley will support pre-fire visitation levels of the Main Day Use Area, while limiting the ecological impact of parking and driving in the heart of the sensitive old growth redwood ecosystem.
Conceptual Illustration
Familiar experiences will be available, like the Redwood Loop Trail, alongside alongside restoration of natural water flow and other improvements that support the ecosystem, as well as provide learning opportunities and evocative nature experiences for all visitors.
Overnight Area
Conceptual Illustrations
From secluded walk-in campsites to larger campsites for groups, a wide range of overnight experiences will be available at Huckleberry, Lower Sky Meadow, and surrounding Campgrounds.
Little Basin
Conceptual Illustration
There is a strong desire to bring back the same level of use that existed before the CZU fire, including large event facilities, cabins, concessionaire, residences, and new uses including a Mixed Tribal Use Space for shared use and cultural awareness of Indigenous people. Future facilities at Little Basin will be dependent on input by local and state fire officials.
Conceptual Illustration
Saddle Mountain Gateway
Conceptual Illustration
Conceptual Illustration
At the intersection of Highway 236 and Little Basin Road, Saddle Mountain will be a new welcome experience for visitors to Big Basin. A visitor center, parking lots, and shuttle station will be among the facilities here.
REMEMBERING THE PAST
While facilities at Big Basin will be new, experiences will be familiar. Former facility locations hold special memories and are integrated thoughtfully in the site design concepts. Remnants of former facilities could be integrated into the park in different ways. Some design approaches are illustrated below.
This illustration shows a possible reimagination of the amphitheater near the Redwood Loop Trail. Log benches that survived the CZU Fire are integrated with additional benches designed with reverence to their surroundings. The new amphitheater is a special place of gathering and reflection nestled in the heart of the old growth forest.
This illustration shows the stone chimney of the Big Basin Lodge building, which is all that remains of that structure after the CZU Fire. This architectural feature can serve as a touchstone that celebrates the important place Big Basin holds in California’s history as the first State Park.
This illustration shows the concrete steps that once led to the Big Basin Headquarters Building, which was lost in the CZU fire. Many visitors to the park began their journey here. Limiting the footprint of developed facilities here is important for the health of the old growth redwood forest. There are many possibilities for treating this site in a way that supports forest health, honors important memories, and reimagines the site for future generations.
EXPLORE DESIGN FOR KEY AREAS
Click the arrows to scroll between site design concept illustrations for key sites around the park to imagine what you’ll be able to experience!
