General Information

User Groups:

Hikers only. No wheelchair facilities.

Subjective Trail Rating for Beauty and Difficulty:

This is a 2.2 mile round-trip hike with less than a 200 foot elevation gain. This is a little known trail that provides some of the best views of the Santa Cruz mountains and the Pacific Ocean (on clear days). The relatively easy hike combined with the fact the this is not a well-known trail provide for spectacular views and very few trail companions. While the return via Skyline-to-the-Sea trail is close to highway, it still provides a very nice loop return. The best time to visit is in the spring when the profusion of flowers is amazing.

Permits:

No permits are required. Access is free.

Directions:

From the town of Saratoga in the Santa Clara County, take highway 9 west through the town and into the Santa Cruz Mountains. At the intersection of highway 35 (Skyline Blvd.) continue on Highway 9 for 1.8 miles. There is a large pullout on the left that allows for ample parking. On the right a sign for a Boy Scout Camp may be present but there is no sign marking Summit Meadows.

Maps:

For a free trail map, contact the Midpenisula Open Space District at the address below.

Who to contact:

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, 330 Distel Court, Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 (tel) 650-691-1200.