After 15 years, California’s oldest state park finally gets bigger with new land to explore

Big Basin Redwoods grows at last

Ever revisit a favorite place and notice something new? Big Basin Redwoods State Park just got an upgrade, adding more forest to explore after years without a significant expansion. The added land sits near Highway 236 in the Santa Cruz Mountains, near where leaders plan to rebuild visitor services.

Think of it as a new front porch for the park. Park officials say the area is expected to serve as a gateway where visitors could eventually start near new facilities and walk about a mile to reach conifers, creek canyons, and mountain views. It’s a small change on the map that can feel big under the trees.

Big Basin Redwoods adds 153 new acres

If you love redwoods, this news feels like finding an extra room. Big Basin Redwoods State Park is expanding by 153 acres, a wooded stretch meant to support recovery after the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex fire. The parcel borders the planned Saddle Mountain welcome area, where Big Basin officials expect to rebuild key visitor services.

The land is known as the NoraBella property. Park staff picture visitors stopping at amenities nearby, then heading out for a hike. New trail links could grow over time, giving you more ways to explore without pushing into fragile old growth.

Big Basin Redwoods gets a new gateway

Ever had a park trip start with a drive, then a messy arrival? Big Basin Redwoods State Park wants the first moments to feel easier as it rebuilds after the 2020 fire. The new NoraBella acreage sits along Highway 236 and is planned to help form a simple entry area.

Visitors often want a scenic payoff right away. From this corner, you can walk a mile and reach Big Basin views, including conifers and deep canyons. It’s a welcome that sets the tone before you head deeper into the forest.

Meet the NoraBella forest addition

The new land has a name that sounds like a storybook. The 153 acres are called the NoraBella property, and they sit beside Big Basin’s planned new welcome area. It’s forested, hilly, and cut by small creeks that make the Santa Cruz Mountains feel wild.

Officials say it can offer a taste of Big Basin scenery. Think evergreens, cool shade, and wide viewpoints without a long trek. As the park rebuilds, this parcel also provides planners with more room for trails and visitor flow, which may reduce pressure on sensitive areas.

How a nonprofit helped grow the park

Land deals can take years, even when everyone wants the same outcome. The Sempervirens Fund, a nonprofit that protects redwood forests, worked for years to secure the NoraBella property. In February 2026, Sempervirens Fund sold the land to California State Parks for about $2.4 million.

Why does that matter to you as a visitor? Nonprofits can move fast when a parcel hits the market, then pass it to the state once it’s ready. Sempervirens targeted this site for its creeks, canyons, and trees, as well as its alignment with Big Basin recovery plans.

From messy lot to park-ready woods

This new forest didn’t arrive in perfect shape. For years, the property along Highway 236 was known for clutter and vehicles, and neighbors complained. Over time, county actions and ownership changes opened the door for cleanup.

A local business leader later bought the land, cleared it, and then sold it to Sempervirens with conservation in mind. After the 2020 CZU fire moved through the area, the nonprofit finished work, including fire cleanup and forestry projects. Only after that did the parcel become ready to join the state park system.

First expansion in 15 years

Big Basin hasn’t added land like this in a long time. State Parks says the NoraBella purchase is the first addition to the park in 15 years, making it a milestone for redwood fans. It also shows how recovery can include growth, not only repairs.

Sempervirens says it is working on other land deals nearby that could expand the protected forest again. Not every parcel will be significant, but small pieces can connect habitats and future trails. Over time, that can make the park feel healthier and even simpler to explore.

How the 2020 fire changed the landscape

If you haven’t visited since 2020, the park may feel different. The CZU Lightning Complex fire burned through most of Big Basin’s roughly 18,000 acres, and many areas remain closed for safety as recovery work continues. Charred trunks and open skies can appear where once stood thick shade.

The forest is turning green again, and crews are helping with erosion control and trail repairs. Many old redwoods survived better than other trees, giving the park a backbone for recovery. With time, the canopy will keep filling in.

What trails are open

You can still get a great hike at Big Basin, even with limits. As of mid-February 2026, local reporting said Big Basin had reopened about 20 miles of trails and about 20 miles of fire roads, but visitors should check the park’s current trail conditions page before heading out. That’s less than before, but it’s enough for a real day outside.

One beloved option is the Redwood Loop, known for towering trees and an easy feel. Check current closures because wind or repair work can change access quickly. Bring water, wear sturdy shoes, and stay on the marked route. The forest is healing, and your footsteps matter.

A new hub without harming old growth

Before the fire, the park headquarters sat deep among the tallest trees. Now, leaders are relocating key facilities to Saddle Mountain, about 3 miles away, to reduce stress on sensitive old-growth forests. The NoraBella property borders this new hub zone.

A draft facilities plan envisions a welcome center with basic amenities like information and restrooms, plus a shuttle area. It also mentions admin buildings, staff housing, and possible trail connections, with some housing on NoraBella land. The goal is to welcome crowds while keeping the oldest redwoods quieter and safer.

Little-known fact: Reimagining Big Basin shifts major visitor facilities to Saddle Mountain to protect the old-growth core. The plan also includes utility upgrades as part of the park rebuild.

Rebuilding costs and the funding puzzle

Rebuilding after a fire is not cheap. The San Francisco Chronicle reported in February 2026 that the state had allocated at least $186 million for the work, while the broader rebuilding effort was estimated at about $369 million, figures that may change as plans are finalized.

That leaves a gap planners hope to cover with funding and private donations. For visitors, this can mean construction zones and phased reopenings.

You may need to follow detours, respect closed areas, and allow time. The upside is that each finished piece can improve safety and access. If you love the park, following rules and supporting partners helps every dollar work harder.

How to plan a smart visit this year

Big Basin is coming back, but it rewards planning year-round. Check current hours, trail openings, and parking notes before you drive into the Santa Cruz Mountains. The weather can change fast, and high winds may trigger temporary closures, especially after storms.

Pack like you’re heading somewhere remote, with layers, water, and snacks. Download maps in case cell service fades, and start early because limited access can create mid-day crowds. Expect a mix of redwood magic and visible recovery work, and let that contrast remind you why protection matters.

If you’re into can’t-believe-it nature moments, the related story points to a California park with a tree as old as the Roman Empire that most locals still haven’t seen.

What you might see on the new land

Imagine pulling in, stretching your legs, and seeing a view fast. Staff says the new property could deliver that, with conifers, creek corridors, and spots for mountain views. Officials have described future visitor routes on or near the new gateway area as potentially offering access to waterfalls and mountain views. Still, final trail design and seasonal water flow will determine what visitors can actually reach.

This area can also work as a first hike for families. A mile is enough to feel immersed without committing to a long day. As facilities grow nearby, you may have a smoother start, then choose longer adventures deeper in the park, where there’s more room to breathe.

Ready to add a few more jaw-droppers to your list? The related story rounds up 12 California state parks that can rival Yosemite.

What do you think about the idea that California’s oldest state park is getting bigger for the first time in 15 years? Share your thoughts and drop a comment.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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