Big Basin bounces back … sort of. Park partly reopening two years after devastating fire

Big Basin Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz County is partially reopening later this month — with reservations now being accepted for limited day-use access — for the first time since the CZU Lightning Complex Fire destroyed much of the park in August 2020.

The fire burned more than 97 percent of the park, destroying its headquarters, campgrounds, employee housing and nearly every other structure, and the park is still without electricity, running water or phone service, California State Parks officials said.