Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Sam McDonald County Park spans 867 acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains of San Mateo County, California. The park features a mixture of redwood, Douglas fir, and mixed evergreen forests alongside open grasslands that provide scenic vistas of the surrounding hills. Originally part of a large land parcel owned by rancher Sam McDonald, this county park was established to preserve open space and provide outdoor recreational opportunities to local residents. Visitors can explore more than 14 miles of multi-use trails that wind through varied terrain including shaded canyons, ridgelines, seasonal creeks, and native oak woodlands. The park’s diverse ecology supports wildlife such as black-tailed deer, gray foxes, and numerous bird species including woodpeckers and owls. Sam McDonald is a favored destination for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and picnicking, with less crowded trails than nearby state parks. Notable landmarks include the Devils Slide Trail, which offers panoramic views of the San Francisco Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean on clear days, and the historic Niehls Ranch area. Visitors appreciate the park’s peaceful atmosphere, accessible trails, and natural beauty, making it a valued outdoor resource near the Bay Area. The park also connects to neighboring parks forming a network of regional open space that protects important habitat corridors.
