Boulder Creek
Sunday, Oct. 5, 2003

Contact: Trevor Pering, 408-656-1686

Come one, come all, for the "big and totally cool" redwoods of Big Basin state park. Big Basin is California's oldest state park and is noted for distinctive redwood circles and challenging orienteering terrain. The park has a lot of shade, and is often cooler than many more exposed parks. All 7 courses will be offered this year. Registration will be in the same place it has been for the last few years: just down the road from the park headquarters.

John and Larry Pagendarm are setting the White and Yellow courses, which will have starts and finishes near the registration and will have relatively little climb. Due to the generally rough terrain, there is a "stroller advisory" in effect -- you may have a few fallen trees to work around. Van Boughner is setting the advanced courses, which will have a remote start 20 minutes from the registration area. Owing to the steep terrain, there will be a notable amount of climb on all the advanced courses. There is very little poison oak out there. Due to park restrictions, no dogs will be allowed on any of the courses. Our permit is limited to 200 people. If you are planning on bringing a group of 10 or more people to this event, please contact the meet directors prior to the event.

Directions

Take I-880 or I-280 to Highway 17. Go south over the Santa Cruz Mountains. Exit at Mount Hermon Road in Scott’s Valley and go right 3 miles to Highway 9. Turn right and proceed about 6 miles to the town of Boulder Creek. Turn left on Highway 236 and go 9 miles to Park Headquarters.

From the West Bay, a shorter scenic winding alternative is to take Highway 85 to the Sunnyvale-Saratoga exit (also known as South DeAnza Blvd.), go south to the town of Saratoga, turn right on Highway 9 (Big Basin Way), and follow this 2-lane road up, over and down the mountain, about 13 miles in total, to the north end of Highway 236. Turn right on Highway 236 and go about 8 miles to Park Headquarters.

Once you reach the Park Headquarters, enter the parking area ($5 fee required), and follow the O-signs and the road north until you reach the registration area. Park along the road just beyond the registration area.