Sanborn County Park sits in the hills above Saratoga and offers something for every type of visitor—day hikers, picnickers, campers with RVs, and those looking to overnight in the backcountry. The park’s network spans over 22 miles of trails through varied terrain, so whether your dog is up for a challenging ridge walk or you prefer something gentler, there’s a route that works.

The Lake Ranch Trail is a good choice if you want shade and easy footing. It runs between Lake Ranch and Black Road with minimal elevation change, making it comfortable for dogs that aren’t conditioning for endurance hikes. The one-mile nature trail near the day-use area is even shorter and gives you a quick introduction to the park’s mix of oak woodland and open grassland.

The forty-acre day-use area itself has plenty to like. Picnic tables are scattered throughout the grass, so you can set up for lunch without fighting for a shady spot. The facilities stay open year-round, which is useful if you’re planning a cooler-season trip when the trails are less crowded and your dog won’t overheat.

Dogs need to stay on leash throughout the park, and the Leave Only Paw Prints ethic applies—pack out what you pack in, and stick to the trails to protect both the landscape and wildlife. Bicyclists share the routes with hikers and dogs, so stay alert on busier weekends. If you’re thinking about camping, the park accommodates both RV sites and hike-in campsites for a more immersive experience.

The park sits on the western edge of the Santa Clara Valley foothills, close enough to the Bay Area for a day trip but far enough removed that you’ll feel like you’ve actually left town. Parking at the day-use area fills up on weekends, so arriving early improves your chances of getting a spot near the trailhead.