This’ll be the last one I do for the San Jose Mercury News.

Tucked into a remote section of the Santa Cruz Mountains south of La Honda, the park is one of three grouped nearby. The other two – Sam McDonald County Park and Memorial County Park – have far more amenities (car-camping sites, restrooms, etc.) but don’t have Pescadero Creek’s trails.

Situated deep in the boonies, Pescadero Creek’s two trail heads have zero creature comforts, which probably explains the dearth of hikers. Still, hardy trekkers could hardly ask for a better setting: Well-marked, nicely graded trails zigzag through a redwood forest making a remarkable recovery from the logging era. Add it to your must-hike list.

Read the whole park profile.