Disabled Hikers at Big Basin Redwoods State Park

DATE CHANGE

We have rescheduled this event for Sunday November 19th at 11am due to rain and gusty winds forecasted for Saturday.

Disabled Hikers is partnering with Big Basin Redwoods State Park and Parks California for a very special event. Big Basin burned during the CZU fire in 2020 and all of the recreational facilities in the park were lost. The park is undergoing a reimagining and revisioning process that centers diverse communities, land stewardship, and accessibility.  

During this accessible event, you will have the opportunity to experience the park, engage in a discussion about disability, access, and belonging in the outdoors, and provide feedback to the park about what matters to you. Disabled Hikers will facilitate a guided conversation about how you define accessibility and what the park should consider as they rebuild. We'll hike the accessible redwood trail (0.2 mile, level, firm packed gravel), have a picnic, and spend time in community. 

The event is open to anyone who is disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, deaf, blind, or otherwise experiences access barriers in the outdoors. Your friends, family, and caregivers are also welcome. Our events are entirely disabled-led and center access and collaboration. It is required that you wear a mask (unless your disability prevents it).

Please complete this release form once you register.

Details

• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible gathering space, trail, and portable toilet. Benches and picnic tables available. English/Spanish and ASL interpretation available. Discussion and feedback portion is neurodivergent-affirming and considerate of different conversation and learning styles. Trail is 0.2 mile with benches.
• Amenities: There are currently few amenities in the park. Portable toilets are available. There is no cell service and no drinking water. Chairs, benches, picnic tables, and canopies will be provided.
• Pets: Service dogs are welcome. Pets are not allowed in the park.
• Cost: Free. Stipends and/or gas cards may be available for attendees.
• Parking: Paved parking with van-accessible parking spots; the parking reservation fee will be waived.
• Transit:  We are hoping to coordinate a shuttle bus from the Scotts Valley Park and Ride Center.  Public transit will not be running to the park at the time. 

Full details will be provided following registration.

About Disabled Hikers

Disabled Hikers is an inclusive, disability-led, and disability-centered organization grounded in principles of disability justice. We welcome anyone who is disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, or otherwise has lived experience of disability – we define these terms in the broadest way possible. We also welcome your caregivers, friends, and family. The group hikes together; we adapt the hike to match the needs of everyone present, rest when needed, and make decisions about when to turn back as a group.

Our events begin with a moment to honor the land and the Indigenous peoples, followed by group introductions. There is never any pressure to share anything; if you want to be anonymous, that is okay, too.