Wanna get back to nature and away from the crowds this Labor Day
weekend? The South Valley region has spectacular parks to visit for
a day hike or a family picnic. Here are five top picks nearby:
1. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: Located in the rugged Big
Sur region, this tranquil setting features redwood trees and
wildlife. An 80-foot waterfall drops off a granite cliff into the
Pacific Ocean.
Wanna get back to nature and away from the crowds this Labor Day weekend? The South Valley region has spectacular parks to visit for a day hike or a family picnic. Here are five top picks nearby:
1. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: Located in the rugged Big Sur region, this tranquil setting features redwood trees and wildlife. An 80-foot waterfall drops off a granite cliff into the Pacific Ocean. Located 37 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1. For more information, call (831) 667-2315.
2. Fremont Peak State Park: After visiting the California Indian market in San Juan Bautista, head on up to the top of this Gabilan Mountain peak for breathtaking vistas of the Monterey Bay region. Off Highway 156, 11 miles west on San Juan Canyon Road. For more information, call (831) 623-4455.
3. Big Basin State Park: Located off Highway 9 in the Santa Cruz Mountains, California’s oldest state park was established in 1902 to protect the ancient redwood trees. You’ll find serenity in the more than 80 miles of vista-filled trails. For more information, call (831) 338-8860.
4. Henry Coe State Park: California’s largest state park has more than 80,000 acres of wilderness boasting rugged ridges and steep canyons. Hiking is for the hearty, especially in the summer, but a picnic area near the park’s headquarters is perfect for a family outing. In Morgan Hill, take East Dunne exit off Highway 101 and drive 13 miles east to the end of a curvy mountain road. For more information, call (408) 779-2728.
5. Mt. Madonna County Park: A short, winding drive west of Gilroy along Hecker Pass Highway, this 3,219-acre redwood forest park has miles of easy trails for adventurous family members. Visit the mysterious remains of Gilroy pioneer Henry Miller’s summer home. For more information, call (408) 842-2341.
