Sam McDonald County Park, County park in La Honda, California.
Sam McDonald County Park is a natural area near Loma Mar with two distinct landscapes: a redwood forest in the northwest and open grassland on the ridges in the southeast. The 867-acre park connects through trails to neighboring protected lands.
The land came from Sam McDonald's estate after his death in 1957, when Stanford University received 400 acres. San Mateo County purchased the property in 1958 and opened it as a public park.
The park serves as a gathering place for horse riders who use the extensive trail network and stay at Jack Brook Horse Camp. The riding culture remains central to how visitors and locals experience the land today.
The park is accessible via Pescadero Creek Road and offers a range of trails for different fitness levels and interests. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes, as paths go through forests and over hills where weather can change quickly.
From the higher sections in the southeast, visitors can see the ocean on clear days, along with Pescadero Creek valley and Butano Ridge. These viewpoints offer a rewarding break while walking through the hilly terrain.
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