Using The Reserve
NOTICE: Big Creek is currently inaccessible.
There are two slides on Highway 1 to the north of Big Creek's entrances. Estimates of reopening from the north currently are mid-March. Caltrans has announced a "long term closure" of Highway 1 at a slide known as "Paul's Slide". As a result, Big Creek is only accessible from the north through Monterey/Carmel. Paul's Slide is located six miles south of Big Creek Reserve and 3 miles north of Nacamiento Ferguson Road. Therefore NF Road does not serve as an alternate route to Big Creek. Caltrans has not estimated how long the southern closure will last. Please plan accordingly.
Big Creek Reserve burned in the Dolan Fire December 2020 and experienced debris flows in January 2021 which destroyed campgrounds, roads, and trails. Through 2021-22 some repairs were made so that research and coursework had resumed. Severe rain in January 2023 reversed much of those repairs and washed out the canyon road to Redwood Camp. The crew has been working hard to recover our capacity to support research and teaching. We have our cabins, one campground and a core number of roads and trails open. Please inquire for a status update on access and facilities availability.
Visiting Big Creek Reserve requires an approved application for research or educational purposes. Applications are submitted through the UC Natural Reserve System Reservations System (RAMS).
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If you would like to give to help with the important recovery process at Big Creek Reserve, please visit our Giving Page for instructions on how to make a donation.
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