Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Santa Cruz County

Like a protective fog, morning mist collects in branches that reach high above the forest floor of Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Intense greens of mosses contrast with the subtle colors of lichens and mushrooms on a cool fall day, and decaying needles on the forest floor muffle footsteps. California’s oldest state park, Big Basin is home to the largest continuous stand of ancient coast redwoods south of San Francisco, and was established in 1902. Some redwoods here top 300 feet and 50 feet in circumference. The Redwood Trail is an easy introduction, a loop trail that’s half a mile. It hosts some of the tallest trees in the park, so you won’t be tempted to zip through it. For a longer walk add the Sequoia Trail, which includes Sempervirens Falls. 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek. (831) 338-8860. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=540