Mt. Madonna County Park

Mt. Madonna County Park is known for its towering redwood forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains, with views east over the Santa Clara Valley and west to Monterey Bay. Along its trails the landscape shifts from redwoods to oak woodland, chaparral, and grassy meadows. The park's history includes the Ohlone people who lived, hunted, and gathered here, and cattle baron Henry Miller, who spent his summers on the mountain; a one-mile self-guided nature trail circles the ruins of his summer home.

Hikers and equestrians share a 14-mile trail system, and Mt. Madonna Stables offers guided trail rides. The Pathways of Wildlife trails give hikers four color-marked routes of different difficulty, named for the banana slug, California newt, gray fox, and mountain lion, starting uphill from the visitor center near the Henry Miller site. The visitor center covers the park's natural history, geology, and cultural history, and the amphitheater can be reserved for weddings and events. The park also has an archery range.

Camping is one of the park's main draws. There are 116 reservable drive-in and walk-in sites in four campgrounds, each with a barbecue pit, food locker, and picnic table, plus 29 partial hook-up RV sites and yurts in three sizes with bunk beds, futons, and wraparound decks. All campsites must be reserved; there are no first-come, first-served sites. Shaded picnic areas are first come, first served, and group picnic, group camping, and youth camping areas can be reserved.

The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset, and trails open at sunrise. Leashed dogs are welcome. Vehicle entry fees are collected year-round at the Pole Line Road entrances, while the Sprig Day Use Area on Hecker Pass Road has free parking.