Best hikes at Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Overview: Big Basin Redwoods State Park is the best place to see old-growth redwoods in the San Francisco Bay Area. Yes, better then the famed Muir Woods in Marin County.

Big Basin, California's first state park, also has some of the best trails in the Bay Area. If you're in Silicon Valley on business and you've got an extra day, Big Basin is the perfect get-away.

This bundle has it all: An overview of Big Basin, plus guides to the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail, a favorite of Bay Area backpackers; Berry Creek Falls Loop, the best Bay Area hike; and two lesser-traveled, moderate hikes: Meteor Trail and Buzzard's Roost.

Tips: Buy a map for backup at the park headquarters. GPS reception can be dodgy under the thick canopy of redwooods.

Big Basin contact: 831-338-8860


Parking fees: $10/vehicle

Dogs: Not allowed on trails

Driving directions: Take Highway 17 south to Mount Hermon Road. Stay on this road as it goes through the city of Scotts Valley. Mount Hermon Road ends at an intersection with Graham Hill Road. Turn right. You will immediately come to another lighted intersection (Highway 9). Turn right again. Take California Highway 9 to Boulder Creek and head west on Highway 236 for nine miles to the park entrance; continue to park headquarters.