Going to See Madonna

Hike the Redwoods in Mount Madonna Park

03.18.2015

If you're going to see Madonna we're guaranteeing the venue is going to be amazing: high up in the Santa Cruz Mountains and dominated by redwood trees. Okay, we’re not talking "Like a Virgin" Madonna; we're talking like "Second-Growth Redwoods" Mount Madonna. This beautiful 3,200-acre park 10 miles west of Gilroy in the Santa Cruz Mountains has 20 miles of secluded hiking trails to explore.

For a moderate journey, take a 1.7-mile loop hike through towering redwoods fringed by green ferns and oak woodland. Start on the Sprig Trail for a brief stretch before joining up on Bayview Trail. Towering redwoods provide plenty of shade as the path traces a canyon and offers partial views of Monterey Bay to the west. You'll weave in and out of the forest on the Redwood, Iron Springs, and Blackhawk Trails. Keep an eye out for wildflowers and the region's famous banana slugs.

BONUS CAMPING AND YURTS: Mount Madonna has 116 drive-up and walk-in campsites that can be reserved, along with yurts in three different sizes. 

Mount Madonna Yurts

TIP: Fifteen minutes down the road, heading southwest, is Gizdich Ranch, famous for its apples and apple cider. It also has delicious melt-in-your-mouth berry pies and excellent deli sandwiches.

img_2194-image-jpeg

Mount Madonna County Park is on Highway 152, 10 miles west of Gilroy. Dog-friendly! 

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

    {NOTE: Due to atmospheric rivers that can come this time of year, always be sure to check ahead for trail closures and hazards. And of course, wait for better weather and drier con

    View

  2. Serene Las Gallinas

    A serene stroll alongside marshland, passing ponds and grasses frilled in seasonal wildflowers, with Mount Tam a beacon in the background … how nice. As part of the esteemed Bay Trail, San Rafael’s Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop and Wildlife Ponds comprises about 3.5 miles of wide-open trail.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

    View
  4. Hike at Olompali State Historic Park in Marin

    Historically Serene

    Olompali State Historic Park is a small park that packs big California history. Go on a mostly easy 3-mile loop hike where oak trees, big-leaf maples, and madrones are stunning in autumn.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

    View

  2. Dune It Right

    Want a beach that will really get you away from it all? Monterey's Fort Ord Dunes State Park is just the ticket. And it often glows golden toward sunset.

    View
  3. A woman walks the path next to the beach at sunset at Palisades Park in Los Angeles County

    Santa Monica’s Most Beautiful Walk

    With its sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay and the Santa Monica Pier, the 26-acre Palisades Park, perched along the beach bluffs, may be a tourist’s delight for its quintessential California vibes–but it’s just as beloved by locals. Follow this 2.5-mile loop to experience it like one.

    View

  4. The Undead Ghost Town

    Every Halloween, the worlds of the living and the dead blur together. In the “living ghost town” of Randsburg that condition is permanent. This strange gold-rush town near the El P

    View