Mount Madonna County Park is located in a redwood forest ten miles west of Gilroy, California at the summit of California State Route 152. Although the park is part of the Santa Clara County Parks system, its address is within the borders of Watsonville in Santa Cruz County. The park offers 14 miles of hiking and horseback trails and a public-use archery range, as well as tent, yurt and RV camping. Horseback trail rides is available through Mt. Madonna Stables, which is next door to the park. The park is popular with families, hikers, nature lovers, campers, archers and equestrians.
Parking and public transportation at Mount Madonna County Park
The park has several small parking lots that are near trail heads and picnic tables. Public transportation is not available.
Best and worst time to go to Mount Madonna County Park
Head to the park from March to May to see spring wildflowers in bloom. The campgrounds are less crowded from November to March, which is also when the park offers a 25 percent discount on camping fees. The park is usually the most crowded between May and September, especially on days when temperatures are high in Silicon Valley.
Admission to Mount Madonna County Park
Open for day use from 8 a.m. to sunset, the park charges an entrance fee of under ten dollars. You can park for free at Sprig Lake, several miles to the east of the main entrance. Camping fees for individual sites range from $30 to $96 and for group sites, $175 to $325.
Must see/do at Mount Madonna County Park
View the ruins of the summer home hideaway of Henry Miller, who was known as a cattle baron and one of the largest landowners in the United States in the 19th century. Also, check out the nearby pens holding exotic white fallow deer, which are descendents of a pair of deer that William Randolph Hearst gave to Miller as a gift.
Other places to visit near Mount Madonna County Park
The Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy has 40 amusement rides, water play areas, themed gardens, a rock maze and other attractions that were developed around the park's horticultural theme. If you are interested in birding, check out the Wetlands Nature Center in Watsonville, which has over six miles of trails in a freshwater wetland. To learn or purchase plants found in Mediterranean climate zones, visit Sierra Azul Nursery and Garden, in Watsonville, which also features demonstration gardens and sculptures by local artists.
Insider tip for visitors to Mount Madonna County Park
If you plan to camp, be prepared for colder weather at night or early morning should fog roll in, which can happen at anytime of the year.
Author's bio: Susan Echaore-McDavid writes Take 25 to Hollister, a blog about Hollister, San Benito County and nearby areas.