Big Basin can be approached from the east, through redwood forest and coastal mountains, or from the coast, along State Route 1.
The eastern route, over State Route 9 through Saratoga and smaller towns like Boulder Creek is more popular because of the famous trees.
This route passes Castle Rock State Park (California) on the eastern side of the Santa Cruz range.

From SR 1, Gazos Creek road offers a pleasant fire-road route for mountain bikes (road closed to motor vehicles), which can then descend into the headquarters area or turn off on Johansen fire road to join China Grade above its intersection with State Route 236.

The park is about two hours south of San Francisco, or seven hours north of Los Angeles.
Big Basin can be approached from the east, through redwood forest and coastal mountains, or from the coast, along State Route 1. The eastern route, over State Route 9 through Saratoga and smaller towns like Boulder Creek is more popular because of the famous trees. This route passes Castle Rock State Park (California) on the eastern side of the Santa Cruz range.
From SR 1, Gazos Creek road offers a pleasant fire-road route for mountain bikes (road closed to motor vehicles), which can then descend into the headquarters area or turn off on Johansen fire road to join China Grade above its intersection with State Route 236.
The park is about two hours south of San Francisco, or seven hours north of Los Angeles.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park