SIR HIKE WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2025 TO MT MADONNA
LADIES ARE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO JOIN US
RSVP to Doug Krause at diamondtub@sbcglobal.net NLT May 26th.
Mt Madonna County Park, one of the most majestic of Santa Clara County’s regional park areas with 3,688 acres in 23 trails. The park is dominated by redwood forest and to the east, the park overlooks the Santa Clara Valley, to the west, Monterey Bay. As the slopes of Mt. Madona descend toward the valley, the landscape changes from redwood forest to oak woodland, dense chaparral and grassy meadows. This park charges a fee to park. There are horse stables for those that love to ride on the trails by horseback.
This park is located on Highway 152 ten miles west of Gilroy. The entrance to the park is located at the summit of Highway 152 at Pole Line Road. It takes about an hour, 10 minutes to drive.
Ridge Trail, Camp Trail, Merry Go Round Loop Hike Plan 3.9 mile, 2 hr, 0 min duration, 833’ elevation gain. One of the shortest hikes in the park but still a healthy challenge; this trail is graded moderate. Starting in a clockwise direction, we will climb up the first 2 miles and the rest is flat and then down. Most of the trail is wide. Highlights include beautiful views, a mix of shaded and sunny areas and varied terrain. A great hike! We want to start the hike at 9am when the temperature will be mid 60’s. By the time we reach the top, there will be lovely views with temps in the low 70’s. We will finish the hike by 11:30am and drive to Gilroy for lunch by Noon, a little early in order to finish before it gets too warm. Bring water bottles, wear good hiking shoes and poles for those that need them.
The trail winds through a shaded forest on mostly gravel roads, offering distant views of Big Sur. During this time of year there are beautiful wildflowers. This hike has a mix of oaks, redwoods, grassy meadows and a beautiful creek coming down. No bugs. 5 minutes from Gilroy. One of the best short but challenging hikes in the area.
Travel Plan
7:50am! NOT 8:50AM! Carpoolers will meet at Cambrian Park Plaza parking lot, facing Union Av
8am Depart for the trail.
9:20am Arrive at the trailhead.
The trail begins at the Spring Parking area, located next to Spring Lake and takes you to Mt Madonna County Park. It is faster to drive via Almaden Expy, McKean Rd, Watsonville Rd to Rte 152W and right onto Pole Line Rd.
For those that wish to drive themselves or buddy up with friends, use Google Maps and input your destination: Ridge Trail, Camp Trail, Merry Go Round Loop or map coordinates:
37.0113, -121.70798
Lunch. Olives Mediterranean Market and Grill 890 Renz Ln Gilroy. Free parking on street. 408-337-5640. Mediterranean cuisine featuring: Gyro Plate, Falafel Wrap, Chicken Kebab, Beef Lamb Gyro, Tzatziki. Price in the mid-teens, no beer, just fountain drinks and juice drinks. Sit indoors or outdoors.