By Scott Dancer
Woodside sits in the hills above the Peninsula, and three parks within minutes of town give residents direct access to the redwood forests and open meadows that define this part of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Huddart Park, Wunderlich County Park, and Thornewood Open Space Preserve each offer a different version of that landscape, from family picnic grounds to horseback riding trails to a quiet lake hike where dogs are welcomed.
Key Takeaways
- Discover Huddart Park, a 973-acre county park with 24 miles of trails, picnic areas, and a mix of redwood forest and open meadow.
- Learn what makes Wunderlich County Park a favorite for horseback riders, with stables, riding lessons, and trails through redwoods and oak woodland.
- Find out why Thornewood Open Space Preserve is one of the few dog-friendly preserves in the area, with a peaceful lake hike through second-growth redwoods.
Huddart Park
Huddart Park covers 973 acres in the wooded hills just outside
Woodside, with 24 miles of trails winding through redwood forest, open meadows, and steep, shaded canyons. The park is a popular spot for both a quick afternoon hike and a full day out, with enough facilities to support large groups alongside quieter trails for anyone looking to get away from the picnic areas.
What Huddart Park Offers
- Picnic areas, barbecue pits, a playground, and group campgrounds make the park a reliable choice for gatherings, while the surrounding redwoods keep most of the park shaded and cool even on warm days.
- The trail network includes loops of varying length, from short walks near the parking areas to longer routes like the Lonely, Mount Redondo, Dean, and Chinquapin Trail loop that covers nearly nine miles.
- Horseback riding is permitted on many of the trails, and Richards Road in particular offers a wide, gradual route that suits a relaxed trot or canter.
- An archery range and volleyball courts round out the park's recreation options for visitors who want more than just a hike.
The park offers paid parking, and the lot near the main trailhead fills up quickly on weekends, so arriving early gives the best shot at an easy spot.
Wunderlich County Park
Wunderlich County Park sits just south of Huddart and shares a similar redwood and oak woodland setting, but it has built its own identity around horseback riding. The park's Folger Stable offers boarding, trail rides, and English and Western riding lessons, with direct access to miles of horse-friendly trails right from the barn.
What Wunderlich Offers
- The Folger Stable runs guided trail rides through the park's redwoods for riders of all experience levels, along with spring and summer camps for kids and youth.
- Hiking trails wind through hillside terrain with mixed redwood, oak, and madrone forest, and most routes start with a steep climb before leveling out into more gradual grades.
- A small history museum near the stables, open weekends, gives visitors a look at the estate's earlier life as a working ranch, with restored stable buildings and a collection of old wagons.
- Trails are shared with horses throughout the park, so watching your step and yielding the right of way to riders is part of the experience here.
Parking is free, though the lot is small and tends to fill early on weekend mornings. No bikes or pets are allowed in the park.
Thornewood Open Space Preserve
Thornewood Open Space Preserve is a smaller, quieter spot tucked between Interstate 280 and Skyline Boulevard, and it stands out from the other two parks for one simple reason: it welcomes dogs on a leash. The preserve's 1.5 miles of trails lead through second-growth redwood forest to Schilling Lake, a still, tree-lined pond that anchors the hike.
What Thornewood Offers
- The Schilling Lake Trail winds through bigleaf maples and moss-covered oaks before reaching the lake, with brief views toward the South Bay and Palo Alto along the way.
- The Bridle Trail connects to Schilling Lake Trail through a denser stretch of redwood forest, following Dennis Martin Creek down to a second trailhead on Old La Honda Road.
- Dogs are allowed only on these designated trails and must stay on a leash no longer than six feet, with self-retracting leashes permitted up to 25 feet when locked at six feet around other visitors.
- There are no restrooms or water fountains anywhere in the preserve, so bringing your own water is necessary for any visit.
The parking area off La Honda Road holds only a handful of cars, so this is the kind of park best visited on a weekday morning if a quiet trail is the goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these parks is best for a family outing?
Huddart Park is the most family-friendly of the three, with picnic areas, a playground, and shorter trail options alongside its longer routes. Wunderlich is well suited to families interested specifically in horseback riding lessons or camps. Thornewood is better suited to a quieter walk than a full day out, given its limited parking and lack of facilities.
Can I bring my dog to all three parks?
No. Thornewood is the only one of the three that allows dogs, and only on designated trails while leashed. Huddart and Wunderlich do not permit pets.
Do any of these parks require a fee?
Huddart Park charges $6 for parking. Wunderlich County Park parking is free. Thornewood Open Space Preserve has no entrance or parking fee, though its small lot fills quickly.
Woodside's Parks Are Part of Daily Life Here
Living in Woodside means having redwood trails, horseback riding, and quiet lake walks within a short drive of home, and that access is part of what makes this town special. If that kind of lifestyle is what you are looking for, reach out to me,
Scott Dancer, and I’ll help you find the right property.
