Planning for an adventure along Skyline Boulevard Route 35? This road winds through the Santa Cruz Mountains, and it’s like no other. You can see the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean from here. You’ll also find a bunch of nice parks and walking trails along the way. This post will explore some of the best spots to check out.
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5 Scenic Parks and Hiking Trails around Skyline Boulevard Route 35
Mount Umunhum, Sierra Azul Preserve
Santa Clara County
Mount Umunhum reaches close to 3,500 feet. It offers incredible views covering the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Nevada range. You can easily drive up to the top, making it suitable for people of all ages.
Families can learn about its Native American history and its role in the Cold War. If you’re up for an 8-mile hike, start at the Bald Mountain lot. Just remember to keep this sacred place clean and respect its natural beauty.
John Nicholas Trailhead, Sanborn County Park
20409 Black Rd, Los Gatos
This 10.3-mile trail suits hikers, bikers, and runners. It winds through beautiful forests with oak, redwood, fir, and pine trees. You might even spot Pileated Woodpeckers and Pacific Wrens. The trail has nice bridges, scenic views, and links to the Skyline Trail.
Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve
Half Moon Bay
The Purisma Creek Redwoods Preserve near Half Moon Bay is a lovely place to explore. It’s filled with tall redwood trees, creeks, and lush canyons. This hiking area connects five trails, allowing you to see forests, hills, and streams. You can easily access beautiful views of hills and the Pacific Ocean.
Castle Rock State Park
15451 CA-35, Los Gatos
Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this popular park features one of the region’s highest ridges. It covers 5,200 acres, ranging from 3,214 to 760 feet in elevation. The park is famous for its unusual rock formations and beautiful forests filled with redwood, oak, and pine trees.
There’s a 6-mile trail that offers fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean. People come here for rock climbing and hiking, enjoying the San Lorenzo River Valley and Monterey Bay views.
Windy Hill, Windy Hill Preserve
Portola Valley
Windy Hill Preserve is great for catching stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains, and Pacific Ocean. The grassy hilltop is breezy and beautiful. It is a favorite spot for its natural beauty.
Check our showcased review about Windy Hill:
“A really exciting and beautiful hike with lots of different landscapes that make it super interesting and fun. It’s not too hard, just enough to get a good workout without getting too tired. Plus, there are tons of colorful wildflowers! This was my first time on this trail, and I loved it.” T.D., 5 Stars review
Ready to embark on your own Skyline Boulevard adventure?
Put on your hiking shoes, grab some snacks, and get going! Whether you love nature or just want to see amazing views, this road has something for you.
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