Redwood Hiking Trail

Sequoia sempervirens, commonly known as redwood trees, are among the tallest and oldest living organisms in the world. It's estimated that there are less than five percent of old-growth trees remaining on our planet, and the species is dwindling.

It's an amazing sight to be dwarfed by these spectacular giants, and one of the best places to see them for yourself is on the Redwood Trail at Big Basin State Park. This ADA-accessible half-mile interpretive trail showcases the best of what this park has to offer. Eleven points of interest show you various biological aspects of this land as well as some of the biggest trees in the park. Father of the Forest (250 feet tall) and Mother of the Forest (293 feet tall, though it used to be 329 feet before a storm broke the top off) are among the tallest trees in all of Big Basin. These are some of the points of interest along the trail.

The Chimney Tree is an example of how resilient and hearty these trees can be. Multiple fires over the years have burned and hollowed the core of this tree, creating a natural chimney. Even though this tree is alive, you can walk inside the trunk and look up through to the top!

These and many more majestic old-growth trees can be seen along this trail. The trailhead is located at the main parking lot across from the park headquarters.