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The main entrance of Sanborn County Park is a family favorite where kids can happily wander without getting into too much trouble. The main entrance to the park is off Sanborn Road, just west of downtown Saratoga. As you drive in to the park, turn right immediately after the pay station (take a map) so you can park near Peterson Grove. That is a neat second-growth redwood grove. Head towards the San Andreas trail and Nature trail. You can follow the entire Nature trail (~1 mile loop) and/or keep going on the San Andreas trail for as long as those little legs can go. You’ll hike through beautiful second growth redwoods and there are several trees along the nature trail that your kids are going to want to stop and play in. In the wetter months, the trees turn wonderfully mossy. Back at the parking lot is a massive meadow, perfect for picnics, frisbee, tree-climbing or other shenanigans.
Alert: If you happen to make it past the Nature Trail and to the fork of San Andreas Trail/Peterson Trail, I do NOT recommend continuing on the Peterson Trail with small kids. It gets extremely steep. Take the San Andreas Trail instead.
Bathrooms
Yes, near the Nature Trail trailhead
Playground
No
Kid transportation
Walking or child carrier. Too steep & narrow for strollers. Bikes not allowed.
Suggested Route
Head to the main entrance of Sanborn County Park (off Sanborn Road, near downtown Saratoga). Park near Peterson Redwood Grove. Find your way down to a stage where the Nature Trail starts. Complete the entire Nature Trail Loop (~1 mile). For more fun, continue on the San Andreas Trail until it becomes too steep for the little ones.
Difficulty
Moderate. Some hills.
Parking Situation
Abundant
Entrance Fee
$6
Bonus
Beautiful mossy trees. Redwood stumps to climb in on the Nature Trails. Creeks!
Official Park Website
https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/pages/sanborn.aspx Trail map: https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/Documents/Sanborn%20Guide%20Map.pdf
Date Updated
January 2019
