At 2,100', Buzzards Roost is the highest point in Big Basin Redwoods State Park. The trail leaves from the Redwood Trailhead across from park headquarters and gives hikers a glimpse of impressive coastal redwood trees, some of the largest in the park. Hikers will enjoy a clearly visible ecological transition as the Pine Mountain Trail climbs in altitude on its way to the top at Buzzards Roost. The summit offers 360 degree views of the entire park across dense forest canopies to the horizon.

A gigantic split redwood trunk slowly gives itself back to the ecosystem

Knobcone Pine Trees (Pinus attenuata) like these atop Buzzards Roost, are a slow-growing species exist in mild climates and can tolerate poor soil

The cones of a Knobcone are clustered on branches and will remain closed for years until fire opens them and releases their seeds

The Pine Mountain Trail passes through multiple eco-zones on its way to Buzzards Roost

Enormous redwoods can be found near the trailhead but disappear as the trail gains elevation

The final approach to the rocky summit of Pine Mountain - a.k.a. Buzzards Roost

Views across Big Basin are truly awesome

Large Manzanita trees are prevalent in the higher elevations

Manzanita trees were used by ancient peoples for culinary, decorative and architectural purposes

A large distinct rock formation caps the top of Pine Mountain and resembles a buzzard's roost