In brief:
2.9 mile loop through redwoods.
Distance, category, and difficulty:
This 2.9 mile loop hike is moderately easy, with about 1150 feet in
elevation change. Trailhead elevation is about 225 feet. The highest trail
elevation in the park is about 1734 feet.
Exposure:
Mostly shaded.
Trail traffic:
Moderate.
Trail surfaces:
Dirt trails and a paved road.
Hiking time:
1 1/2 hours.
Season:
Nice any time.
Address:
1500 Cloverdale Road Pescadero, CA 94060
Getting there:
From CA 1 in San Mateo County, turn east onto Pescadero Road. Drive about
2.5 miles, then turn right (south) onto Cloverdale Road. Drive about 4.5
miles, and turn left into the park. Park near the entry kiosk.
GPS Coordinates* for Trailhead:
Latitude
37°12'6.69"N
Longitude 122°20'21.74"W
(* based on Google Earth
data, shown as degrees, minutes, seconds)
Trailhead details:
Parking for about 6 cars near the kiosk; more roadside parking throughout
the park. $10 day use fee (self registration if kiosk is empty). Maps available
if the kiosk is staffed (there's a map under glass at the information signboard).
Pit toilets a bit further up the road. There is no direct public transportation
to the park.
Gas, food, and lodging:
Gas, restaurants, and stores about 5 miles away in Pescadero. I recommend
the famous green chile soup at Duarte's. Butano has drive-in and backcountry
campgrounds.
Rules:
A few trails are multi-use, but many are designated hiking-only. Dogs are
not permitted on the trails, but they are allowed in campgrounds and paved areas.
The Official Story:
CSP's Butano page.
Park office 650-879-2040
Map Choices:
• Official park brochure with map (pdf)
• Order the Saratoga to Big Basin map from Redwood Hikes.
Go to Bay Area Hiker Home page