moderate
This steep climb up to a fire lookout provides great views of the surrounding redwood forest.
Keep an eye out for red huckleberries, star lilies, mountain iris and black-tailed deer.
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation change: 1400′ gain
Hiking time: 3 hours
Trail surface: packed dirt, fully exposed
Best Season: year round
Managing agency: Little Basin Redwoods State Park
Parking lot location: Click here for directions
Overview: For a steep 4-mile hike follow the Eagle Rock Trail to the fire lookout and back down. The climb up to Eagle Rock is worth the view from the lookout.
Follow Little Basin Road off of CA Route 236 to Eagle Rock Trail. The trail is relatively narrow until it reaches a fire road after two miles. Once you reach Eagle Rock, there is a small trail that leads to the summit platform. The side of the rock is a 100 feet sheer face, so be cautious. When you’re ready to head back, retrace your steps to the parking lot.
Tucked away in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Little Basin was an outdoor getaway for HP employees for 44 years. POST and Sempervirens Fund purchased the property from HP in a bargain sale to secure public access to the 535-acre redwood park. The joint agreement paved the way for it to become part of Big Basin Redwoods State Park.