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Welcome
Mt Madonna Stables offers horseback trail rides, it is a wonderful way to explore the beauty of this park.
Welcome to Mt. Madonna County Park, one of the most majestic of Santa Clara County''s regional park and recreation areas. This 3,688 acre park is dominated by the redwood forest so characteristic of the Santa Cruz Mountain range. To the east, the park overlooks the Santa Clara Valley, to the west, Monterey Bay. As the slopes of Mt. Madonna descend toward the valley, the landscape changes from redwood forest to oak woodland, dense chaparral and grassy meadows. Park visitors may learn about areas where Ohlone Indians hunted and harvested, and will understand why cattle baron Henry Miller spent his summers here. Enjoy your visit today, and return often to the pristine redwood forest of Mt. Madonna County Park. Mt Madonna Stables offers horseback trail rides, it is a wonderful way to explore the beauty of this park.
The park is located on Highway 152 (Hecker Pass Highway), ten miles west of Gilroy. From the east, use Highway 101, and take the Highway 152 West exit. From the west, use Highway 1, and take the Highway 152 East exit. The entrance to the park is located at the summit of Highway 152 at Pole Line Road. |
Activities
Visitors may choose from 118 drive-in and walk-in reservable campsites spread throughout four campgrounds. Each site comes equipped with a barbecue pit, food locker and picnic table. Showers are also available (no coins needed) with a day use or camping fee required, as well as 17 partial hook-up RV sites. Yurts are also available for reservation. These domed-tent like structures come in three different sizes - 16', 20' and 24' offering bunk beds with mattresses, fold out futons and a wrap-around deck. Hikers and equestrians have access to an extensive 14 mile trail system. Mt Madonna Stables offers horseback trail rides, it is a wonderful way to explore the beauty of this park. Shaded picnic areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Group picnic, group camping and youth camping areas are available by reservation. Bowmen may practice archery skills at the beautiful archery range. A one mile self-guided nature trail winds around the ruins of cattle baron Henry Miller's summer home. The park's amphitheater, available by reservation for weddings and other special functions, also features live music and slide shows Memorial Day through Labor Day. These free shows are provided by park docents every Saturday at 8 p.m. The park also features a visitor center where the natural history, geology and cultural history of the park is highlighted.
CAMPING
Overnight camping is one of the most popular activities at Mt. Madonna. Please help make this unique back-to-nature experience worthwhile for everyone by adhering to the following rules and any posted regulations:
- Camp at established campsites..
- All campsites are site specific and reservations are required. To make a reservation you can reserve up to 6 months to the date or at the least, and no less than, 48 hours prior to the arrival date. Maximum of 8 persons and 2 vehicles per site. Make your reservations at https://gooutsideandplay.org or call (408) 355-2201 from 8:30a.m. to 3:30p.m. Monday - Friday.
- Persons under age 18 cannot camp overnight unless accompanied by a responsible adult.
- Maximum of two pets per campsite. Keep pets on a 6-foot (or less) leash during the day, and in confined areas overnight.
- No wood gathering. Wood may be purchased at the entry station kiosk.
- Park closes to non-campers one-half hour after sunset to one half hour before sunrise.
- Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. No radios, musical instruments, or other loud noises during quiet hours.
- Maximum stay is 14 days within a 45-day period.
RV CAMPING
- Mt. Madonna has 17 partial hook-up sites with electricity and water. Make your reservations at https://gooutsideandplay.org or call (408)355-2201 from 8:30a.m. to 3:30p.m. Monday-Friday.
- On site dump station available. (Located on Valley View Road).
Hours and Fees
The park is open year-round from 8 a.m. until sunset. All non-campers must leave the park one half hour after sunset. Vehicle entry fees are collected year-round. Fees are required for camping, and for use of group picnic and group camping areas. Fees are posted at the kiosk and at the ranger station.
Accessibility
The majority of the park's facilities meet those standards established by the Americans with Disabilities Act. For specific information or special accommodation contact the park office.
For More Information Please Contact:
Mt. Madonna County Park
7850 Pole Line Rd
Watsonville, CA 95076
Phone: (408) 842-2341