Big Basin highway restored after 2020 CZU Fire

By Olivia Wynkoop | Bay City News Foundation

A stretch of Highway 236 — the main roadway through the Big Basin Redwoods State Park — reopened to drivers on Friday after state park officials made forward progress in restoring the forest after the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire.

The road closure from Little Basin Road, 6.4 miles north of the South junction of State Route 9, to China Grade, 4.8 miles south of the North junction of State Route 9, has now been lifted.

Drivers can roll through Big Basin without stopping, or park with a reservation. The park is opened on a limited day-use-only reservation system as the forest continues to recover from the effects of the fire two years ago. Park officials say that 18,000 acres of park property were burned, including the park headquarters, campgrounds and housing for park employees.

“The changes to Big Basin are profound, but the forest is starting to recover and it’s amazing to witness,” stated California State Parks Santa Cruz District Superintendent Chris Spohrer. “We want to share the recovery process with visitors, including telling the story of what happened, the status today and the plans for reimagining the park. We’re excited to be able to welcome visitors back on a limited basis as we near the two-year anniversary of the fire.”