Sanborn County Park, Silicon Valley Travel Guide

4.7 (2198)

Escape to nature in the Santa Cruz Mountains: hiking, camping, redwoods, and outdoor theater near Silicon Valley.

Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Sanborn County Park offers a sprawling 3,453-acre escape with redwood forests, diverse hiking trails, camping, and a unique outdoor Shakespearean theater. A haven for nature lovers seeking tranquility and outdoor adventure close to Silicon Valley.

A brief summary to Sanborn County Park

16055 Sanborn Rd, Saratoga, California, 95070, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sanborn County Park.

Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure parking.
Bring water and snacks for hiking.
Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
Be aware that hike-in tent camping is closed from the third Sunday in October to the third Friday in March.
Dogs are allowed on leash in picnic and RV areas, and on most trails.

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Explore Sanborn County Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Sanborn County Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Saratoga, drive west on Highway 9 for approximately 2 miles. Turn left onto Sanborn Road and continue for 1 mile to the park entrance. Parking is available at the main entrance for a fee of $6. Be aware that parking can be limited, especially on weekends. There is restricted parking on Black Road and the far south end of Sanborn Road.
Public Transport

Take a bus to Saratoga. From there, use a rideshare service to reach Sanborn County Park, as public transport may not directly service the park. Bus fare varies, and rideshare rates fluctuate.

Discover more about Sanborn County Park

Sanborn County Park, a 3,453-acre mountain retreat, is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, near Saratoga. Managed by the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department, the park boasts lush redwood forests, over 22 miles of hiking trails, and year-round creeks.The park's history stretches back over 3,000 years, with evidence of local tribes who hunted, fished, and gathered food in the area. Later, the land was part of a homesteading era before becoming a county park in the late 1970s. Judge Welch, a Superior Court Judge, once owned part of the land as a family retreat.Visitors can explore a variety of ecosystems, from redwood groves to mixed evergreen forests of oak, madrone, Douglas fir, and tanoak. The park's trails cater to all skill levels, including a one-mile nature trail and more challenging climbs. The Bay Area Ridge Trail also passes through the park. Camping options include RV and hike-in tent sites. During the summer, Silicon Valley Shakespeare performs outdoor plays. The Youth Science Institute's Sanborn Science and Nature Center features live animals, exhibits, and educational programs.The park's main geologic feature is the San Andreas Fault, which runs through it. Evidence of the fault can be seen in offset streams and other formations. Sanborn County Park provides a blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities.