Outside San Jose Is A California Paradise With Redwoods, Mountain Trails, And Scenic Camping

While California has a record-topping nine national parks and 280 state parks, the Golden State's love for protecting its wild and natural spaces doesn't end there. Counties at the regional level take wilderness preservation seriously, too. This means even those in large metropolitan areas can find scenic parks and outdoorsy joys nearby. Urbanites in San Jose, for example, can drive about 30 to 40 minutes and find themselves on the redwood-covered slopes of Sanborn County Park. Tucked away in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this sprawling 3,453-acre paradise is an idyllic retreat where you can hike or bike among towering conifers and then camp beneath their splendor.

Designated in 1977, the thickly wooded park features primarily second-growth coast redwoods, as most of the ancient forests on this fog-mantled coastline endured heavy logging beginning in the 1850s. You'll find evidence of this logging heyday when you spot mystical-looking redwoods' "fairy rings" weaving through this untamed terrain. A fairy ring is a pattern in redwood forests wherein new trees grow in a nearly circular formation around the stump of a fallen conifer. These younger trees grow from the surviving root system of their mature counterpart, forming — no points for guesses here! — a near-circle. These lovely redwood rings, alongside other trees like tanoaks, Douglas firs, and madrones, punctuate the dense groves and create a beautifully lush setting in this mountainous reserve (via Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department).

You can roam the grounds on over 23 miles of trails, with the park opening bright and early at 8 a.m. for exploring. There are also a handful of picnic spots, restrooms, and areas for weddings where you can exchange vows under nature's skyscrapers. San Francisco residents can also easily reach this scenic redwood setting — a 1.5-hour  drive is all it takes.

Located a few miles from Los Gatos, California's unsung wine town with Victorian charm, Sanborn County Park's main feature is its mountain trails. There are paths for all skill levels, with some connected to nearby preserves in the same mountains. The 1.8-mile San Andreas and Nature Trail Loop, for instance, is both easy to complete and rewarding. Starting at the main parking area, it weaves through redwood-filled wilderness and winds past creeks where you might see California newts. It's also a top-rated pick on AllTrails; one hiker shared, "Perfect for bringing kids ... moss on rocks, big redwood trees, pond and ducks, streams. Mostly flat, with a few small ups and downs to keep the kids interested."

If you're up for a challenge afterward, the 4.2-mile San Andreas Trail to Peterson Memorial Trail starts at the same trailhead and rewards you with expansive valley views. It's a thigh-buster with 1,233 feet of elevation gain, so trekking poles can help with stability and balance. A similarly challenging path (whether you hike or bike) lies on the preserve's secluded southern side, with the trailhead just off Black Road. From second-growth redwoods replenishing the forests to scenic water views, the 10.5-mile John Nicholas Trail has several vantage points where you can stop to savor the panoramas. It's an out-and-back trail, so you can choose to complete a section instead of the full path.

No matter which trail you choose, watch out for poison oak. Additionally, avoid getting too close to wildlife — black-tailed deer, turkeys, coyotes, and red-tailed hawks roam these forests. Rattlesnakes also call this place home, so be aware around any logs or rocks where they might be hiding!

Should you wish to forest-bathe a little longer, Sanborn County Park's three campgrounds are hidden in scenic woodlands for a perfect weekend retreat. Those with motorhomes can reserve year-round RV campsites, with paved spaces and both electrical and water hookups! Tents aren't allowed at this campground. Facilities like a dump station and showers make it comfortable for multiday trips, where you can wind down by cozy campfires as the sweet, piney scent of conifers calms your senses.

Traditional campers, meanwhile, can book a space at the seasonal, tent-only campground. Small and serene, this campground has 33 hike-in spaces (wheelbarrows help you haul your camping gear), and some brush right up against the redwoods. "Campsites [one through 10] are super easy to walk to. Just know that the higher the campsite number the further and steeper you have to climb. But some of the upper sites are really nice," one past visitor shared on Google. Each site has a maximum capacity of six, so if you're looking for a spacious four-person tent for your family, Amazon has an option for under $90.

If you're coming with a crew, stay the night at the group walk-in campground, which has an occupancy limit of 35. Reservations can be made via Santa Clara County Parks' website. Wherever you choose to lay your head, do your part in protecting redwoods. Pack out whatever you pack in, don't tamper with the bark, and always stay on designated trails. For a change of scenery next, take a 15-minute drive to Cupertino, a relaxed city that draws traveling tech buffs with industry attractions and local wine.