Big Basin Redwoods State Park, which sustained catastrophic damage in the CZU Lightning Complex fires last August, is set to partially reopen on Memorial Day weekend.
The portion of the park that’s reopening doesn’t include its famous redwood groves or historic core, park officials clarified on Big Basin’s website.
Starting May 29, the Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center will open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. That includes land across from Waddell Beach and the nearby Marsh Trail.
"We’re very excited to be able to open it," California State Parks Interpreter Rhiannon Sims told The Mercury News. "There has been a huge public demand to get back into the parks. We’re happy to be able to open a small portion of Big Basin."
The historic core, which contained the park’s visitor’s center, amphitheater, store and museum, was completely destroyed in the fire that scorched the majestic redwoods lining the park’s interior and left debris scattered for miles. That, along with much of the 18,000-acre park, its trails and backcountry areas, will remain closed for the time being.
Damage at Big Basin totals at least $186 million, possibly more.
It could take years to completely recover. Many of the ancient redwoods are expected to survive and are already showing new green growth.
Both Butano State Park and the Fall Creek unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park were also damaged in the August 2020 fires. It’s possible they could reopen by June but plans have not yet been finalized, Sims added.
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