Rancho del Oso

Camp at Rancho del Oso and Visit the New Welcome Center

The entrance to the campground at Rancho del Oso. Credit: Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

Big Basin’s Rancho del Oso is a hidden gem for fall and winter camping, hiking, and exploring one of Santa Cruz County’s beautiful North Coast beaches.

Remembering Scott Peden

Scott Peden leading a nature walk at Rancho del Oso.

Like a gentle modern mountain man, the longtime docent delighted many with his knowledge of nature and his enthusiasm for Waddell Creek and Big Basin.

Waddell Creek Wildflower Hike

Indian paintbrush at Rancho del Oso in Big Basin State Park. Hilltromper photo.

April 23, 2013—When we asked wildflower photographer, musician and wild man Al Frisby where he’d go to see the blooming sights, Waddell Creek was the first place he mentioned. Since Frisby teaches photography and leads wildflower tours in the spring, we listened. A.k.a.

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