Visitor Information

NRS Mission Statement

University of California / NRS Mission:

The following mission statement has been approved for the UC Natural Reserve System (NRS):

“The mission of the Natural Reserve System is to contribute to the understanding and wise management of the Earth and its natural systems by supporting university-level teaching, research, and public service at protected natural areas throughout California.”

University of California at Santa Cruz / Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve:

Within the mission of the NRS, the UCSC Campus Natural Reserves Advisory Committee has adopted the following statements on the principles and vision for the Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve:

The guiding principle of the Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve is to contribute to the understanding of ecological processes as they occur in intact, protected natural systems through on-site research and education, and to provide a benchmark for interpreting long-term environmental change.

The vision statement for the Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve: The intact ecosystems and the aesthetic qualities of the Reserve will be fully protected for future generations of teachers and researchers. Its natural systems will be sustained to provide a benchmark against which to compare environmental changes elsewhere and through time. The reserve will be an access window through which nature can be investigated, observed and monitored, but not fundamentally altered. Human activities in the reserve will be managed so as to avoid disturbance to natural processes while providing a full program of investigation and teaching sufficient to support the UC and NRS missions. Students and faculty will conduct in-depth research about terrestrial and marine systems, acquiring knowledge that can be used to advance science and improve stewardship of natural communities and biological diversity. Investigators supported on-site will exchange ideas and enthusiasm. The reserve will inspire students and teachers to appreciate the character and value of nature per se, and to seek ways to balance natural and human-dominated landscapes. Reserve staff will provide data, logistical support, and expertise to visiting researchers, students, and other persons engaged in studies of natural ecosystems. As feasible and appropriate the reserve will also provide public services to the greater community by supporting nature study, land management efforts, and environmental improvement.

Use Reservations and Calendar

NOTICE: There is a seven mile long emergency road closure on Highway 1 with the Regents Slide impacting Big Creek’s entrances (Big Creek Canyon at Mile Marker 28 and Circle M Ranch at Mile Marker 27) . Due to the closure and Regents Slide repair, only resident and essential, site-dependent, work-related access is allowed to Big Creek at this time. The Regents Slide, located at MM 27.6 between the two entrance gates, has blocked through traffic on the highway and there is no estimate for its completion. 

Please get in touch with Reserve staff for a status update, to inquire about a project, or if you would like to discuss how local conditions affect your use of the reserve. Don’t hesitate to give me a call with any questions so we can best facilitate you.

In general, Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve is open to any research or educational institution, public or private. All uses must be consistent with the University’s objectives of teaching, research and public service. All visits to Big Creek Reserve must be preceded by approval of a use application. Please submit more than one week before your requested date. Requests may only be reviewed once a week.

Apply to visit Big Creek Reserve through the UCNRS Reservation System (RAMS) 

Facilities

Whale Point Researcher Cabin 
Overlooks Big Creek canyon at 500′ elevation at the end of Highlands Ridge. Fully functional cabin with kitchen, indoor flush toilet, and outdoor shower. Capacity of 12 people inside the cabin (3 bedrooms with 6 single and 2 double beds plus loft space for sleeping pads). Three tent spaces outside the cabin.

Gatehouse Cabin
Fully functional cabin at sea level at the mouth of Big Creek canyon. Kitchen, indoor flush toilet and shower. Capacity of 12 inside the cabin on single beds (one bedroom/office, two loft areas). Three tent spaces outside the cabin.

Terrace Camp
Located across the creek at the mouth of Big Creek canyon, this camp has potable water, three picnic tables, potable water, a 20′ diameter yurt and a covered deck. Capacity of 25 people with 14 tent sites. All gear must be carried over a bridge from the main parking area.

Redwood Camp
Located a mile up Big Creek canyon in a redwood grove, this campground has potable water, countertops, a brick grill, and picnic tables for food preparation, sink and drying racks for cleanup, a food locker, fire pit and benches, and a latrine. Capacity of 30 people with 12 tent sites. Parking for five cars. All gear must be carried over a bridge from the road.

Highlands Camp-Burned in Dolan Fire-Closed until further notice
Located at 2000′ on Highlands Ridge, this campground has potable water, countertops and picnic tables, a sink, food locker, fire pit and benches, and a latrine. Dispersed camp sites in manzanita/madrone habitat. Capacity of 20 with 8 tent sites. Parking for five cars, two directly adjacent to camp.

Current Notice-Highway 1 closures

There are two closures on Highway 1 impacting Big Creek’s entrances (Big Creek Canyon at Mile Marker 28 and Circle M Ranch at Mile Marker 27) . Only resident and essential work-related access is allowed to Big Creek. Please submit a reservation and contact the reserve director to coordinate access for site-dependent work purposes. The Regents Slide located at MM 27.6, between the two entrance gates has blocked the highway and there is no estimate for its completion.

Google Maps

Main entrance at Big Creek bridge. Note there is limited cellular service at Big Creek so Google Map navigation may not work without having an offline map.

36° 4’11.38″N, 121°35’56.40″W

Good Old Driving Directions

Cal Trans recorded highway information – call 1-888-836-0866

Note: the reserve entrance is not marked and is easily missed unless you are alert and follow these directions:

From Monterey…drive south about 40 miles from Monterey, passing through Big Sur. Look for the sign that says “Esalen Institute”. After Esalen, just past the Lime Creek bridge you will pass through the road closure. Leave the cones as you find them. If there is an attendant, state you have a reservation at Big Creek Reserve. Then, 4 miles south of Esalen, you will cross the Big Creek bridge, 600′ long and straight, made of cement. At the south (far) end of the bridge make a sharp left into a unmarked, gated driveway. The gate is made of metal, formed in the shape of a wave. Do not cross the barrier across the highway further south of the gate. (Monterey-Big Creek travel time = about 75 minutes.)

From Cambria…drive north about 50 miles. Drive past Lucia, a small restaurant/motel. Around Lopez Point you will pass through the road closure. Leave the cones or signs as you find them. If there is an attendant, state you have a reservation at Big Creek Reserve. Pass the Vicente Creek bridge, made of cement. 4 miles north of Lucia is the Circle M Ranch gate. It is facing south in a driveway where a blue Vista Point sign is located, across from a grove of pine trees. Do not cross the barrier across the highway further north of the gate. (Cambria-Big Creek travel time = about 75 minutes).

If you get lost: Call 831-667-2543 (office), Mark 831-667-2309, Sean 831-667-2569 or Mack 831-667-2157 for directions.

Rules and Regulations

Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve is open to any qualified user from any educational institution, public or private.  All uses must be consistent with University objectives of teaching and research.  Supervised public access is available monthly docent tours.  The reserve is not open for recreational uses such as hiking, hunting, fishing, camping, picnicking, climbing, boating, or biking.

These rules have been designed to preserve a natural and wild environmental state for short and long-term studies and to prevent disturbance to ongoing research and educational activities.  To ensure that these objectives are met, all persons making use of this reserve must abide by the following rules and regulations.  Permission to use the reserve may be withdrawn or denied if any of these rules and regulations are violated.

1. You must have completed an application form to carry out class or professional studies. Projects must not conflict with current research nor diminish the future research or educational value of the reserve. Applications are available on the internet at http:s//rams.ucnrs.org, by calling 831-667-2543, or by writing to the Resident Director at readdie@ucsc.edu.  Please apply at least one week in advance of your visit.
2. All individuals should be familiar with the emergency instruction sheet supplied with this application. These instructions are posted under the lid of the sign in box and at each facility. All individuals must sign a release of liability waiver before visiting the reserve. 
3. Please call 831-667-2543 if you have any questions before visiting the reserve. All users must sign in the logbook when entering the reserve. Check for notices posted in the visitor center lobby. Do not hike alone unless you leave a note with someone as to your planned route and time of return. Hikers should take a map, flashlight, compass and extra food. Please sign out when you leave.
4. The reserve is not a park intended for recreation but a wilderness reserve in which the environment is largely left undisturbed for the benefit of research and education. Inexperienced visitors should be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. The reserve contains extremely steep and rugged slopes, wave hazards, narrow roads, cliffs, loose rock, dead trees, fire hazards, flood hazards, and wildlife which is potentially dangerous. Poison oak is nearly everywhere on the reserve. Entering the reserve is undertaken at your own risk, in full realization that these hazards require you to be alert, informed, and cautious.
5. Cliff and rock climbing, or any other sort of hazardous activity, is prohibited. If you need access to a difficult spot, get help from the staff. Be particularly careful around waterfalls and beaches. 
6. Group leaders are responsible for the behavior of their group. You should inform all members of the rules and you must supervise their activity.
7. Pets are not allowed to visit the reserve (except for qualified service dogs approved by UCSC policy).
8. Collecting, harvesting, experimental manipulation or any other disturbance to reserve habitats or cultural artifacts requires specific permission from the reserve manager, who will request copies of any applicable permits. Recreational fishing or hunting is not allowed. Firearms are not allowed on the reserve and is a federal offense.
9. The reserve contains private inholdings (Devil’s Creek Flat, Stewart leasehold, French Camp) which are off limits to visitors except for transit along the main roadway. Watch for signs for private property up the canyon and stay on the road while passing through.
10. Camping is permitted in designated campgrounds only. Use the campground latrines for human waste; if these are unavailable solid waste must be buried and toilet paper/wipes packed out. Visitors are expected to clean up campsites before they leave. Reserve visitors are also expected to carry out their own trash from camp to the garbage and recycling receptacles at the main entrance.
11. Camp fires are permitted in designated campgrounds only, in the fire circles provided. A California Campfire Permit is required as part of an approved campground reservation. During fire season (usually June through November) open fires are prohibited. Cook stoves are to be used only in camps.
12. Reserve roads are steep and narrow, with steep drop-offs to the side. Great caution should be used in driving reserve roads. Speeds should not exceed 12 mph (7 mph on turns) and in many cases will average 5-8 mph. If you meet an oncoming vehicle, downhill gets priority or stop and discuss with other driver which vehicle should back up to an appropriate turnout. If you slide off the edge of the road or otherwise get stuck, stop and get help. Don’t risk your life trying to right a tipping vehicle. Off-road driving is prohibited.
13. Vehicles may be parked in designated areas only. Do not block the road when unloading gear at campgrounds. All vehicles must stay on the roads. During fire season, ensure that grass and weeds do not touch the hot exhaust system of your vehicle.
14. Special permission is necessary for marine research. Boating and diving in the marine reserve must be pre-approved by the UC Santa Cruz diving safety officer (459-4881).
15. All tags or flagging must have your name and the date written on them and be cleared with the reserve manager. Otherwise they are subject to removal at any time. The exact location of any permanent study plots or sampling disturbance must be cleared in advance and documented, to avoid disturbing other research and to protect your research from future disturbance.
16. You are expected to incorporate the results of your studies into the UCNRS reserve database, as appropriate. We also ask that written materials resulting from work done at Big Creek include acknowledgement of the reserve. Reprints or copies of articles or theses based on work done at the reserve should be promptly delivered to the manager. 

Code of Conduct

Expected Behavior:

• All participants, visitors, staff, students, faculty, and vendors are to be treated with respect and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions.
• Be considerate, respectful, and collaborative.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert UCSC NRS personnel if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress.

Unacceptable, Noncompliant Behavior:

• Harassment, intimidation and/or discrimination in any form.
• Physical and/or verbal abuse of any participants, visitors, staff, students, faculty, vendors, or other reserve guests.
• Verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race,  religion, and/or national origin.
• Unwelcome and/or nonconsenting physical contact.
• Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in reserve public spaces.
• Threatening and/or stalking any participants, visitors, staff, students, faculty, vendors, or other reserve guests.

Reporting an Incident
UCSC NRS Staff are always available to help. Please note that we are obligated to report any incidents we’re made aware of. If you’d prefer privacy, a confidential advocate can assist you by helping to identify your best strategy and provide accompaniment if you choose to report

Emergencies: Call 911

Confidential Resources

• CARE Advocate Office
  831-502-2273 (9am – 5pm, M-F on campus)
  Email: care@ucsc.edu
  care.ucsc.edu
• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
  831-459-2628 (24 hour hotline)
  caps.ucsc.edu
• Monarch Services
  888-900-4232 (24-hour hotline)
  monarchscc.org

Reporting Options

• Title IX Office
  831-459-2462
  Access online reporting link at titleix.ucsc.edu
• Monterey County Sheriff’s Department
  831-649-7911
  Officer needed/Non emergency

 

ALL DRONE FLIGHTS MUST BE PRE-APPROVED

Drone use

Once you are at the reserve, you will need to get authorization from the Resident Reserve Director. Secondary authorization from the Reserve Director is dependent on flight path, weather conditions, wildfire risk, endangered species nesting behavior, etc. 

Drone use on all UC property is regulated. If you wish to fly a drone, you must apply to the UAS Program for policy and authorization for drone use. Any costs associated with unapproved drone flights are the sole responsibility of the operator.

Any comments or suggestions concerning management of the reserve are appreciated. 

Things to know before you visit

Be Prepared

Big Creek Reserve is a rustic field station in a wilderness setting. Although there are staff on-site to generally help with orientation, questions and in emergencies, be prepared to be self-sufficient.

Locked gate combination

• To recieve the gate combination for entry you must sign and return the Use Guidelines and Rates form that will be sent with your reservation approval. Return this acknowledgement at least two days before you embark on your trip to the reserve. There is no cell service at the gate and you may not get a hold of someone to let you in.

Vehicle

• 4 wheel drive is not required most of the time but it is recommended to bring a higher-clearance vehicle. You are not guaranteed to get everywhere in a low slung sedan or electric vehicle.

Accommodations

• Big Creek operates under the philosophy that you should leave things better than you found them. There is no housekeeping. Please read the cleaning instructions that are sent to you with your reservation approval.
• Come like you’re camping, even if indoors. The cabins have beds with mattresses but no pillows or sheets. Bring the same gear you would if you were staying at a campground. 

Field Safety Planning

• Download and fill out the UCSC Big Creek Reserve field safety plan for your group with protocols for how to handle emergency situations (lost hikers, minor injuries, severe weather, etc.). See the UCSC EH&S Field Safety Policy for guidance. Have all users in your group sign the plan and submit to your EH&S department.
• Bring a personal first aid kit for minor injuries. Ask reserve personnel if you need first aid supplies for larger,m non life-threatening injuries.
• Read the reserve’s emergency instructions and become familiar with them before you visit. Phone numbers for emergency services and reserve personnel are listed and are also posted in each building.

Clothing and Weather Conditions

• Bring multiple layers and be prepared for large fluctuations in temperature throughout the day. Big Creek has many microclimates that you will pass through while out and about. The weather can change quickly from sunny and warm to windy, foggy, damp or rain. Some days there can be a 30 degree temperature difference between sea level and the ridge tops.
• Bring sturdy and comfortable hiking shoes.
• Check the weather forecast for local conditions

Campfires

• Before having a campfire at one of our campgrounds you must present a valid California campfire permit to Big Creek management personnel before having a fire. Follow the permit link at Ready For Wildfire.org
  (https://www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/).
• Read the Requirements for Having a Campfire at Big Creek Reserve.

Poison Oak

• Be sure you can positively identify poison oak, Toxicodendron diversilobum. Recognizing it quickly will keep you away from it.
• Stay on the trails. We try hard to keep poison oak off the hiking trails. If you leave the trail, you are often at very high risk.
• Never hike with skin exposed. Wear long pants and a long shirt. Treat hiking clothes like contaminated material.
• Do not wear hiking clothes twice before washing them. The oil soaks through cloth and will reach your skin by the second time wearing it.
• Wear hiking-specific shoes that you can change so as not to get contaminated with handling shoelaces. Or wear gaiters over shoes so they get the oak oil rather than the shoes.
• Wash with Tecnu or dish soap (Dawn is good) immediately after returning to camp. Bring a small bottle with you hiking. There is a product called Ivy Block by EnviroDerm. Applied before exposure it apparently helps block the oils from your skin until you can wash it off.
• Avoid touching your face or other “sensitive” body parts with your hands after you may have been in contact with poison oak.
• Wear a hat and bandana around your neck in case errant vines growing out over the trail brush you at face level.
• Print these poison oak recommendations

Emergency Information

Emergency Instructions

Visitor Center Emergency Phone and Radio Instructions

UCSC Big Creek Reserve Field Safety Plan

UCSC NRS Code of Conduct

User Fees

	UC Rate	Non UC Rate
Day Use Only (per day)	$2.00	$3.25
Whale Point Researcher Cabin (per night)	$36.00	$56.00
Gatehouse	$36.00	$56.00
Redwood Camp (per night)	$10.00	$16.00
Terrace Camp (per night)	$10.00	$16.00
Highlands Camp (per night)	$10.00	$16.00
Lopez Camp (per night)	$10.00	$16.00

Public Access

Many visitors ask how they can come back to Big Creek if they don’t have a research project or are not in the field of education. The reserve provides a variety of educational experiences due to its inherent nature and the stewardship we apply here. The following scheduled events are availabe for visiting and volunteering.

Docent Tours

Big Creek Reserve is one of five University of California Santa Cruz Natural Reserves that supports scientific research and hands-on training to students in the fields of physical and biological sciences, social sciences and the humanities. A broader network of UC’s living laboratories and outdoor classrooms available to educational organizations worldwide. Public entry into Big Creek Reserve is organized through educational tours and events.

Sign up for a free docent-led tour here. 

Annual Open House

NOTE: since the Dolan Fire of 2020 our roads and trails have experienced erosion, overgrowth and washouts that have severely impacted safe access across the reserve. We hope to get back to the open house tradition when we have more to offer. In the meantime, we offer the docent tours described above. 

Volunteer Events

While we work hard towards being good caretakers, there are many tasks that need to be done that our staff simply can’t do without extra help. Volunteering is a way for people concerned with the above issues to learn about these aspects of land management while helping to keep Big Creek as pristine as possible. By integrating maintenance tasks into our long term vision of land stewardship, we provide our volunteers with a hands-on learning opportunity and hopefully the satisfaction gained by being a part of a concerted effort to protect Big Creek Reserve. 

To join our contact list, please send an email to bigcreek@ucsc.edu

If you would like more information, please call Mark Readdie at the Big Creek Reserve office:
(831) 667-2543.