Mount Madonna County Park is one of the most majestic of Santa Clara County‘s regional park and recreation areas. This 3,688 acre park is dominated by the redwood forest so characteristic of the Santa Cruz Mountain range, with hiking trails and a campground. The park is located on Highway 152 (Hecker Pass Highway), 10 miles west of Gilroy. From the east, use Highway 101, and take the Highway 152 West exit. From the west, use Highway 1, and take the Highway 152 East exit. The entrance to the park is located at the summit of Highway 152 at Pole Line Road.

The extensive 14 mile trail system here works well for both hikers and equestrians, and if you’d prefer not to hike on foot, Mt Madonna Stables offers horseback trail rides that let you cover more ground while exploring the property. The park also features a visitor center where you can learn about the natural history, geology and cultural history of the area. There’s a one mile self-guided nature trail that winds around the ruins of cattle baron Henry Miller’s summer home, which gives the hike some historical context.

Overnight camping is one of the most popular activities at Mount Madonna. You can choose from 118 drive-in and walk-in reservable campsites spread throughout four campgrounds. Each site comes equipped with a barbecue pit, food locker and picnic table. The park offers 17 partial hookup RV sites if you’re bringing your rig, and showers are available with just a day use or camping fee—no coins needed. If you want something different from a tent, yurts are available for reservation in three sizes: 16′, 20′ and 24′. They come furnished with bunk beds and mattresses, fold out futons and a wrap-around deck. Shaded picnic areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis, though group picnic areas, group camping and youth camping areas require reservations ahead of time.