Ocean View Summit

Immerse yourself in the towering redwoods of Big Basin Redwoods State Park on the Skyline to the Sea and Meteor Trail Loop. This moderate 4.6-mile (7.4 km) hike, with 791 feet (241 metres) of elevation gain, offers a rich forest experience, including a good workout on the Meteor Trail's steep ascent and the chance to glimpse the Pacific from Ocean View Summit. Expect varied terrain, from shaded forest paths to some rocky sections, all within a lush, resilient environment.

Planning your visit means checking Big Basin Redwoods State Park's current status, as sections of the park are still recovering from past fires. Parking is available at the trailhead, but arriving early is a smart move, especially on weekends, to beat the crowds and ensure a spot. This loop is a great alternative if you want to experience the park's iconic redwoods without the longer commitment or potential closures of the traditional Skyline to the Sea Trail.

This loop provides a poignant look at nature's resilience, showcasing new green growth beneath fire-scarred trunks, a testament to the redwood forest's recovery. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a quieter redwood experience away from the park's more crowded waterfall loops, offering a unique blend of ancient forest grandeur and a glimpse into the ongoing ecological restoration of California's oldest state park.

This difficult 12.2-mile (19.7 km) hiking loop is a powerful journey through Big Basin Redwoods State Park, showcasing both ancient redwood groves and the dramatic recovery from the CZU Lightning Fire. You'll navigate varied terrain, from shaded lowland redwoods to exposed, fire-scarred uplands where the canopy is gone, offering a unique perspective on forest regeneration. With 1896 feet (578 metres) of elevation gain, including steep sections on fire roads like Johansen Road and Gazos Creek Road, this route is a demanding but rewarding experience for those seeking a challenging hike with a story.

Planning for this 5-hour and 48-minute adventure means being prepared for variable conditions. The trail can be strenuous, with potential obstacles like downed trees, especially after rain. Always check current trail conditions before you go, carry a detailed map, and bring ample water, as some sections can be hot and dry. An early start is recommended, particularly on weekends, as parts of the Dool Trail can see significant foot traffic.

The Dool Trail, Johansen Road and Gazos Creek Road Loop stands out for its vivid display of nature's resilience. You'll encounter impressive old-growth redwoods that survived the fire, some with "fire caves" at their base, alongside new growth like sword ferns and huckleberry bushes. This trail offers a unique opportunity to observe the ongoing ecological changes and the diverse habitats ranging from damp canyon bottoms to chaparral-covered slopes, making it a compelling choice for hikers interested in natural history and conservation.

The Ocean View Summit loop offers a condensed journey through Big Basin Redwoods State Park's diverse environments, from ancient redwood groves to sun-drenched chaparral. You'll wander through lush redwood forests along the Meteor Trail, where ferns and sorrel thrive in the cool, moist air, before ascending to the Ocean View Summit for rewarding glimpses of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Keep an eye out for the milky, aquamarine waters of Opal Creek on your return, a true jewel of the trail.

This easy 4.1-mile (6.6 km) hike involves a respectable 685 feet (209 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete. Starting from the Day Use Parking area, it's a manageable day hike for many, though the descent on the Dool Trail can be steep and root-filled, especially after rain. Arriving early is always a good idea to secure parking and enjoy the tranquility before crowds gather.

What makes this route stand out is its ability to showcase the park's resilience; you'll pass through areas impacted by the 2020 CZU fire, witnessing the forest's recovery in a palette of green, black, and brown. It's often recommended as a quieter alternative to the park's more popular waterfall loops, providing a unique "summit-to-sea" perspective within the redwoods.