Overview:
This hike at Wunderlich County Park takes you through some of the most common ecosystems in the South Bay: second-growth redwood, oak, madrone and open meadows.
The park, just outside of Woodside on the west side of Silicon Valley, draws crowds on the weekends, and it can be hard to find a parking spot. That's why I recommend taking a day off from work (call it a mental health day) when you'll have the trails mostly to yourself.
The redwood forest deepens the further you hike in. At one point this whole hillside was logged, but now a new redwood forest is reclaiming the land. It's a great place to experience nature's regenerative powers first-hand.
Trails on this track: Bear Gulch Trail > Alambique Trail > Skyline Trail > Alambique Trial.
Wunderlich is on a hillside at the foot of the Santa Cruz Mountains; you start at the bottom so it's pretty much uphill for most of the first half; but it's downhill for the rest.
Note you can cut this hike roughly in half by looping back to the parking lot rather than venturing higher in the park along the Skyline or Alambique trails.
Also, the Redwood Trail is a pretty side trip, and The Meadows is an excellent open area for taking a snack break.
Best time to come: With all the shade, this is a great all-year park; springtime will be a bit more scenic as the wildflowers bloom. The deepest redwood section offers a cool break from summer heat. The redwood canopy even offers some protection on a rainy hike.
Tips:
Bring plenty of water and snacks; there's enough climbing here to drain you pretty quickly.
Watch for horses: Many equestrians keep their steeds at the stables on the park's grounds.
Contact: 650-851-1210
Park hours: Opens at 8 a.m., closes near sunset
Dogs: No
Driving directions: Take the Woodside Road (Highway 84) exit from I-280, go west for three miles. Park will be on the right.
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