Established in the 1870s, originally the northern part of the San Lorenzo Logging flume, this mountain town borders highway 9, between San Jose and Santa Cruz. Preservation efforts have allowed the forest to flourish, since the days of heavy logging. You can feel the freshness in the crisp mountain air. Ecotourism draws people to the Santa Cruz mountains, Boulder Creek is home to California’s oldest state park, Big Basin, which holds some of the oldest, and largest trees alive today. Nestled amongst grand redwoods, Boulder Creek offers luxury leisure activities; such as wine tasting at the Big Basin Vineyards or relaxing at the Boulder Creek Golf and Country Club. Boulder Creek provides the opportunity to lose yourself in nature, or simply admire its beauty from the comfort of almost anywhere in town.
Off of the big basin highway, surrounded by marvelous redwoods, the Boulder Creek Golf and Country Club awaits. A complete 18-hole golf course with a picturesque redwood forest backdrop is not the only thing this facility has to offer. Delightful lodging facilities offer a getaway for a night, or longer if you like. Complete with full kitchens and outdoor barbeques, or head over to the clubhouse to check out the restaurant and bar. Overnight guests can relax outside on their deck or patio or stroll to the pool for a dip. The event venue hosts many beautiful weddings and other celebrations every year. Also on-site, the Redwood Run Disc Golf Course offers 27 baskets and an enjoyable trek through the redwoods, carts are available on both courses, weather permitting.
Just north of town, you can access Big Basin Redwoods State Park, the oldest state park in California. The 18,000-acre state park contains 130 km of trails (80 miles) allowing for complete immersion in the redwood forest. While the park was established over 100 years ago, in 1902, some of its oldest redwood inhabitants have stood their ground for more than 1,000 years. Visitors can enjoy the majestic redwoods and waterfalls while hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and overnight camping. Avid hikers enjoy the 1-3 day Skyline to the Sea Trail, which begins in Castle Rock State Park, and follows Waddell Creek through Big Basin all the way to Waddell Beach on the coast. The large trail network also contains many shorter hikes, since 80 miles of trails run through the park a map is recommended, grab a basic one online, or purchase a more detailed map at the park headquarters, Big Basin Park Store, or the Little Basin Campground office.
