1955 Map of Big Basin

About this map

Big Basin Redwoods State Park dominates this mid-century survey of the Santa Cruz Mountains, revealing a landscape defined by protected groves and scattered mountain communities. The administrative center at Park Headquarters (Big Basin PO) serves as the hub for a network of fire trails and roads winding through deep canyons carved by Waddell Creek and Boulder Creek. This era shows the region in a state of quiet transition, where traditional mountain sites like the Locatelli Ranch and Sawmill exist alongside newer developments such as the Hilton Airport and a Drive-in Theater near Riverside Grove. The topography is sharply defined by Butano Ridge and Ben Lomond Mtn, while the San Lorenzo River valley supports a string of settlements including Wildwood, Camp Campbell, and Redwood Grove.