Sanborn County Park is a county park located within the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering a diverse landscape for outdoor pursuits. This area features deeply forested terrain, including second-growth redwood groves and oak woodlands, with elevations ranging from approximately 1,300 feet to nearly 3,000 feet. The park's unique geology, influenced by the San Andreas Fault, contributes to its varied topography, making it suitable for several sports like hiking, jogging, mountain biking, road cycling, and more.
134
Routes
4.6
(230)
Average rating
3377
People visited

5.0
(6)
61
hikers
11.4km
03:23
350m
360m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.3
(3)
48
hikers
19.2km
05:48
610m
580m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.8
(6)
42
hikers
12.4km
04:23
900m
400m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(4)
27
hikers
13.4km
04:12
510m
530m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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4.7
(3)
133
riders
101km
05:21
1,590m
1,590m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
114
riders
34.8km
01:55
710m
710m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

3.0
(1)
77
riders
77.0km
04:00
1,350m
1,350m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

61
riders
33.6km
02:00
820m
820m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(19)
39
riders
34.8km
03:24
800m
800m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.9
(27)
136
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(41)
76
riders
25.8km
02:30
600m
600m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
33
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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22
runners
15.2km
01:54
420m
420m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

15
runners
8.55km
01:11
310m
310m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

10
runners
5.16km
00:39
180m
180m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

11
runners
10.5km
01:29
400m
400m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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15
riders
54.7km
04:12
1,310m
1,310m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

52
riders
55.3km
04:10
1,270m
1,270m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
25
riders
83.6km
05:40
1,410m
1,410m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

19
riders
71.4km
04:45
1,110m
1,110m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
8
riders
22.3km
02:11
730m
720m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
31
riders
42.7km
03:18
1,010m
1,010m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
6
riders
22.0km
01:55
490m
490m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

11
riders
51.5km
03:41
900m
900m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Sanborn County Park offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, jogging, mountain biking, and road cycling. The park features an extensive network of trails across its 3,453 acres. It is known for its diverse landscapes, from redwood groves to oak woodlands.
Yes, Sanborn County Park has an extensive network of hiking trails, totaling over 15 to 22 miles. Popular options include a one-mile nature trail and the Lake Ranch Trail. The park also features a segment of the regional Bay Area Ridge Trail. For more details, refer to the Hiking in Sanborn County Park guide.
Mountain biking is a popular activity in Sanborn County Park, with trails designed for intermediate to advanced riders. The John Nicholas Trail is a well-regarded singletrack route known for its significant elevation changes. Additional information is available in the MTB Trails in Sanborn County Park guide.
Road cyclists can find challenging routes within Sanborn County Park, such as Route 9, which features a demanding ascent and exhilarating descent. Multi-use trails also accommodate road cycling. Explore options in the Road Cycling Routes in Sanborn County Park guide.
Sanborn County Park offers trails suitable for families, including a one-mile nature trail. The park's cool summer climate and shaded paths make it comfortable for various age groups. Consult the Family-friendly hikes in Sanborn County Park guide for specific recommendations.
Sanborn County Park has specific regulations regarding dogs on trails. It is advisable to check the official park website or signage for current rules. Information on dog-friendly options can be found in the Dog-friendly hikes in Sanborn County Park guide.
The park features deeply forested terrain with second-growth redwoods, oak woodlands, and year-round creeks. Elevations range from approximately 1,300 feet to nearly 3,000 feet. Unique geological features, such as offset streams and 'fairy rings' of redwoods, are present due to the San Andreas Fault running through the park.
Sanborn County Park maintains one of the coolest summer climates among Santa Clara County's parks due to its location and redwood forests. This makes it an ideal destination for outdoor activities during warmer months. The shaded trails offer comfortable conditions.
Routes in Sanborn County Park have an average rating of 4.58 out of 5 stars on komoot, based on more than 2,000 ratings. Over 38,000 visitors have explored the park's 42 routes.
Yes, Sanborn County Park offers easy hiking trails suitable for various fitness levels. The one-mile nature trail and the shaded Lake Ranch Trail are examples of less strenuous options. For more choices, consult the Easy hikes in Sanborn County Park guide.
Beyond its trails, Sanborn County Park provides tent and RV campgrounds, picnic areas, and a nature center. The park also hosts Silicon Valley Shakespeare during the summer months. Many facilities and several trails are wheelchair-accessible.
For official information, visit the Santa Clara County Parks website for Sanborn County Park. The park can also be contacted by phone at (408) 867-9959 or (408) 355-2200.

