
Sanborn County Park
Escape to Sanborn County Park, a tranquil redwood forest sanctuary with scenic creek trails, wildlife, and camping.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lush greenery & wildlife

Sanborn County Park
Best Time
Lush greenery & wildlife

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Escape to Sanborn County Park, a tranquil redwood forest sanctuary with scenic creek trails, wildlife, and camping.
"A peaceful redwood retreat perfect for hiking and nature walks."

🚗 Parking Fee
A $6 parking fee per vehicle is typically required. Consider a park pass if you plan frequent visits .
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Dogs are welcome but must be leashed on most trails .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sanborn Creek Trail
Follows Sanborn Creek
Meander alongside a beautiful, flowing creek through shaded redwood forests. Perfect for an easy, scenic walk.
Summit Rock Loop Trail
Leads to Summit Rock
A moderate hike offering potential panoramic views from Summit Rock, though sometimes closed for falcon season.

Nature Trail
Designated Nature Trail area
A paved, short, and easy trail ideal for families, featuring bridges and opportunities to see wildlife.

Redwood Forest Immersion
Throughout the park
Experience the awe of towering redwood trees, offering a peaceful and shaded environment for exploration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Redwoods & Creek Vibes
Trail Conditions & Closures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fee
A $6 parking fee per vehicle is typically required. Consider a park pass if you plan frequent visits.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Dogs are welcome but must be leashed on most trails.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be dusty or muddy depending on the season. Good hiking shoes are recommended.
💧 Seasonal Water Features
Creeks and waterfalls are most impressive after rain; bring water shoes for creek crossings if exploring.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fee
A $6 parking fee per vehicle is typically required. Consider a park pass if you plan frequent visits.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Dogs are welcome but must be leashed on most trails.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be dusty or muddy depending on the season. Good hiking shoes are recommended.
💧 Seasonal Water Features
Creeks and waterfalls are most impressive after rain; bring water shoes for creek crossings if exploring.
🧥 Bring a Jacket
The redwood canopy keeps it cool, even on warmer days. A light jacket is advisable.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Plenty of photo opportunities with redwoods, creeks, and wildlife. Don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Sanborn County Park's serene redwood forests and peaceful atmosphere, calling it a perfect escape for hiking and nature walks. The trails are generally well-maintained, offering beautiful scenery along Sanborn Creek and opportunities for wildlife spotting. While some trails may occasionally be closed for maintenance, the park is highly recommended for its natural beauty and tranquility.
"Great place to hike. The paths are a bit dusty, but the views are great. Many redwoods. As of September 2025, both Upper and Lower Madrone trails were closed due to construction."
Galina G
"Great park for a medium difficulty hike, picnicking or camping. $6 to get in, or use a pass. Multiple restrooms, running water, lodges for weddings and beautiful views from the top.
8/3/2025- a huge part of the Western loop trail was closed - most likely due to maintenance. Dog friendly, must be leashed."
Zsuzsanna Sziveri
"Absolutely gorgeous county park with redwood forests, picnic places, Shakespeare in the Park performances, and hiking trails. Perfect for avid hikers and families alike. Good for an afternoon out!"
Kate Lincoln
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sanborn County Park is located at 16055 Sanborn Rd, Saratoga, CA 95070.
It's nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains between Saratoga and Skyline Boulevard. Driving is the most common way to access the park, with parking available for a fee.Public transportation options to Sanborn County Park are limited. It's best to check local transit schedules for any available bus routes that may get you close to the park entrance, though driving is generally recommended for ease of access.
From San Jose, take I-280 North to Saratoga Avenue, then head west on Saratoga Avenue, which becomes Sanborn Road. Follow Sanborn Road to the park entrance. The drive offers scenic views as you approach the park.
While major road closures are uncommon, it's always wise to check local traffic conditions before heading out, especially if traveling during peak hours or inclement weather. The road to the park can be winding.
Sanborn County Park is conveniently located about 25 minutes from downtown San Jose, making it an accessible day trip destination for Bay Area residents.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically a $6 parking fee per vehicle to enter Sanborn County Park.
Park passes may also be accepted, so check with park authorities if you have one.Sanborn County Park is generally open daily from sunrise to sunset. However, specific facility hours, like restrooms or campgrounds, may vary. It's best to check the official Santa Clara County Parks website for the most current information.
For general park entry and hiking, advance ticket booking is usually not required. However, if you plan to use picnic areas, lodges, or campsites, reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends and holidays.
Information on discounts or annual passes for Santa Clara County Parks can usually be found on their official website. These passes can offer savings for frequent visitors.
While the park grounds are generally open from sunrise to sunset, camping areas have specific check-in and check-out times. It's advisable to confirm the exact hours for any specific facilities you plan to use.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the Sanborn Creek Trail for easy, scenic walks,
the Summit Rock Loop Trail for moderate climbs, and the Nature Trail for families. The park offers over 22 miles of trails, ranging from easy to challenging.Yes, Sanborn County Park is very family-friendly. The paved Nature Trail is short and engaging for children, with features like bridges and hollowed trees.
The redwoods and creek also provide natural exploration opportunities.Absolutely! Sanborn County Park has numerous picnic tables scattered throughout the park, making it an ideal spot for a family picnic or a gathering with friends.
Yes, Sanborn County Park offers RV and tent campsites. It's a hike-in site, meaning you'll need to carry your gear a short distance to your campsite.
Visitors have reported seeing deer, salamanders, various birds like Stellar's jays, dragonflies, butterflies, and newts.
The redwood forest ecosystem supports a diverse range of wildlife.📸 📸 Photography
The redwood groves offer stunning, dappled light for photography.
The Sanborn Creek and its seasonal waterfalls provide beautiful water features. Look for wildlife and unique forest textures.Yes, the park is filled with majestic redwood trees. Focus on capturing the scale of the trees, the light filtering through the canopy, and the textures of the bark and forest floor.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful warm light that enhances the redwoods. Mid-day can be good for capturing the dappled light under the canopy.
Drone usage is typically restricted in most county and state parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check the specific park regulations or contact the park office for clarification on drone policies.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grandeur of the redwoods. A macro lens can be useful for close-ups of forest floor details, fungi, or insects. A tripod can help with low-light conditions under the dense canopy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the Nature Trail, the general atmosphere of the redwood forest is enchanting for children. The Sanborn Creek Trail offers a gentle path alongside the water, providing sensory engagement with the sounds and sights of the creek. Remember to bring a jacket, as the shade can make it feel cooler than expected.
🐶 Dog Owners
While dogs are welcome, be mindful of the trail conditions. Some paths can be dusty or muddy, so ensure your dog is comfortable with such terrain. The shaded redwood forest provides a pleasant environment for dogs, especially during warmer months.
🏕️ Campers
Be prepared for a steep climb on the road leading to the campsites. Once set up, you'll be surrounded by the peaceful ambiance of the redwood forest. It's a great way to extend your visit and enjoy the park's tranquility after the day-trippers have left.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Trails and Difficulty
For those seeking a bit more challenge, the Summit Rock Loop Trail offers a moderate climb and the potential for rewarding vistas from Summit Rock. It's important to note that Summit Rock itself can sometimes be closed due to falcon nesting seasons, so checking ahead is advised. More adventurous hikers can explore longer routes like the Winery Road and Saratoga to Skyline Trail, which can extend to over 6 miles.
Families with young children will appreciate the paved Nature Trail, a short and easy path designed to keep kids engaged with features like bridges and hollowed trees. This trail is also a great spot for spotting local wildlife. Regardless of the trail chosen, be prepared for shaded paths, as the dense redwood canopy provides ample cover.
Camping and Facilities
The park provides essential facilities for campers and day-use visitors alike. Multiple restrooms are available throughout the park, and running water is accessible. For group events, Sanborn County Park features lodges that can be rented for weddings and other gatherings, making it a versatile venue for both recreation and celebrations.
Picnic areas are plentiful, offering a pleasant setting for enjoying a meal amidst nature. The combination of camping, picnic spots, and rentable lodges makes Sanborn County Park a well-rounded destination for various types of visits, from a quick day hike to an overnight stay or a larger event.
Wildlife and Nature
The presence of Sanborn Creek and its tributaries adds another dimension to the park's natural beauty. After rainfall, the creek swells, and small seasonal waterfalls can be observed, making the park particularly vibrant. The creek crossings can be an adventurous part of the hike, with some visitors opting to use logs to traverse or bringing water shoes.
Beyond the larger fauna, keep an eye out for smaller wonders like dragonflies and butterflies. The park's diverse habitats also support a variety of fungi and other fascinating plant life, especially in the damper areas near the creek. It's a place where you can truly reconnect with nature and appreciate the subtle beauty of the forest.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit