Summer Shuttle Service Returns to Big Basin Redwoods State Park for Weekends and Holidays

California State Parks says the free summer shuttle at Big Basin Redwoods State Park will return for weekends and holidays starting Saturday, May 23, 2026.

The seasonal service will carry visitors from the temporary Saddle Mountain parking area into the park’s main day-use area. The announcement lands just ahead of Memorial Day weekend, a busy stretch for Bay Area and Central Coast travel.

Big Basin remains in limited day-use recovery mode as rebuilding continues after the 2020 CZU fire. State park pages also note seasonal weekend bus service through Santa Cruz Metro and describe the shuttle as part of the park’s summer access plan.

California State Parks said the shuttle will operate on summer weekends and holidays through Labor Day. Officials have not said whether the operating hours or capacity will change after launch.

For visitors, the update means easier access to one of California’s oldest state parks during the summer travel season, even as the park’s long-term recovery work continues.