Distance: 16.00 mi
Type: Loop, Trail
Difficulty: 7 / 10
More Info: Visit Web Site
Address: 111 Columbia Ave., Redwood City, CA 94062
Phone: 650-364-8256
Filed Under: Running
You?ll pass through old-growth redwood forest with multiple stream crossings and ancient redwoods, some of which are 300' tall and 50' in circumference. This is Big Basin, so the footing for these events are pristine single-track trails. The magnificent falls on the course are among the loveliest we?ve seen outside of Yosemite.
There is also a marathon, 10.5 mile and a 5.5 mile race.
Start and Finish at Park Headquarters.
The park is 25 miles northwest of Santa Cruz via Highways 9 and 236 and about 65 miles south of San Francisco. From the Bay Area, there are three basic ways to get to the park: from the San Jose area, from the San Francisco area, and from the Santa Cruz area.
From San Jose, Oakland, Fremont:
Take the 880 freeway south, which becomes Highway 17. As you head towards Santa Cruz and come down from the summit, you will see a sign on the freeway for Big Basin. The actual road name is Mount Hermon Road. Exit the freeway here and stay right onto Mount Hermon Road. Stay on this road as it goes through the city of Scotts Valley. Mount Hermon Road ends at an intersection with a signal (Graham Hill Rd.). Turn right at this light. You will immediately come to another lighted intersection (Highway 9). Turn right again. Stay on Highway 9 in this northerly direction for 15 miles. You will be traveling through several mountain towns. You will eventually come to the town of Boulder Creek. In Boulder Creek there is one stop sign. At this stop sign you will turn left onto Highway 236/Big Basin Way. Stay on this highway for 9 miles and you will enter the Park. Proceed to Park Headquarters.
From San Francisco, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto:
Take either the 101 freeway south or 280 freeway south. From there take the 85 freeway south. Exit 85 at Saratoga Road. Turn right and head west on Saratoga Road. After a few miles, you'll encounter a signal. Pick up Highway 9 here; take a right and drive through the quaint shopping area of Saratoga. The road then begins to climb into the mountains. Stay on 9 as it winds through the mountains for 12 miles. You will then see a sign for Highway 236/Big Basin. Turn right onto Highway 236 and continue on this road for 9 miles until you come to Park Headquarters.
From California Highway 1, Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay:
Take Highway 1 to Santa Cruz. Take Highway 9 north for 15 miles. You will pass through several mountain towns and eventually arrive at the town of Boulder Creek. In Boulder Creek there is one stop sign. At this stop sign you will turn left onto Highway 236/Big Basin Way. Stay on this road for 9 miles and you will enter the Park. Proceed to Park Headquarters.
References and External Links
Posted by: ddreyfuss and last modified on Aug 17, 2006 by ddreyfuss
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