Mt. Madonna County Park
Experience the great outdoors of Santa Clara County with your adventurous pupper at Mount Madonna County Park! Spanning 4,605 acres, this majestic site is mostly composed of redwood forest, with some oak woodland, meadow, and chaparral. In addition to its natural beauty, the park offers a number of recreational activities that both human and canine outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy.
Mount Madonna is home to 14 miles of trails that are open to hikers, equestrians, and furry travelers. Weaving through redwood groves and climbing up to the summit, these trails range from easy to moderate, so there's something for doggos of different abilities. One of the more leisurely routes is the half-mile Giant Twins Trail, which will lead you and your four-legged hiking buddy to a pair of huge, old-growth redwood trees. There's also a 1-mile self-guided nature trail that goes around the ruins of famed cattle rancher Henry Miller's summer home. For a longer hike, follow the 2-mile Merry-Go-Round Trail, which ventures into a redwood, madrone, and tanoak forest before arriving at a viewing area at the top of a ridge.
Other activities that you and Fido can do together include picnicking and watching the free shows at the amphitheater. If you'd like to extend your adventure, the park has four campgrounds that offer nearly 120 drive-in and walk-in campsites. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, fire pit, and animal-proof food locker. All campers also get access to hot showers and drinking water. If your pampered pooch is used to the finer things in life, you may want to stay in a yurt instead. Each yurt comes with locking doors, bunk beds with mattresses, fold-out futons, and a wrap-around deck. Note that only two yurts are pet-friendly, so be sure to make a reservation!
Make sure your doggo stays on a 6-foot leash at all times within the park. Always carry mutt mitts so that you can clean up any mess right away, and water is a good idea too. Expect to be in for a puptastic time with Fido at Mount Madonna County Park!
