Mt. Madonna County Park — Attraction in Watsonville

My mother and father moved back to California something and after my father passed about a month or so ago my mom wanted me to take her to the park that we used to go to when we were kids. At first she cannot remember the name all that she could remember that it was only about 20 or 30 minutes from Hollister and that it had beautiful tall trees and both day use as well as camping use. She remembered that when my dad cannot take us camping, she would take me and my brothers brothers. as well as a couple of our friends from the neighborhood to go to Mount Madonna and spend the weekend. We were poor very poor back then we had each other, and we had my mom‘s favorite campground that made it so easy to deal with. It did not matter if we forgot something behind. it was easy to get things back from the house as it was to run to the store. I’ve told my mom that I would take her there again either tomorrow or next week depending upon the weather. I hope my mom survives long enough that I could take her camping there this summer. She’s 82 years of age now and she’s losing her memories. Although she’s losing those memories, the memories of this campground stands out to her. The last weeks of my dad‘s life as he was going in and out of consciousness. He told me about his all-time favorite restaurants or best meatloaf sandwich that compared to his mothers recipe and meatloaf sandwiches from Sicily. I was able to get my dad, one of his favorite meatloaf sandwiches in fact, a couple of them, and a number of the final meals that he had were from those meatloaf sandwiches that came from the market in San Juan Bautista.

I’m looking forward to taking my mom tomorrow to Mount Madonna even if we have to stay in the car because of the rain. I want her to keep freshen her mind those memories of the places that she love to go to as a refuge when things were tough at home. I believe my mom would go up there after a big fight with my dad or a difficult day with my brothers and me all five of us must’ve drove her crazy.

But a place that she could go and pray and see nature and speak with God. I would love it if I could take my mom up there and do a zoom call with my brothers that live very far away these days. But perhaps we can all be there together like we were all doing back then. When I was maybe 12 my brother John was 13 my brother Danny was 14. My brother Jo Jo 11 years of age and my baby brother would’ve only been about six years of age.

I think anybody that lives locally and does not have the financial means to travel far for the family may make some beautiful family memories there at the park at the top of the hill between Gilroy and Watsonville. Mount Madonna is a beautiful park and I’m sure you and your family would love it as...

Hiked a trail on 4/21. First time here. Traffic wasn’t so bad for a Saturday afternoon. Got there around 2pm. Staff were very friendly and helpful. The parking lot at the trailhead to Merry Go Round was packed but I got lucky one spot was open.

Some parts of the trail were muddy. Lots of loose gravel and rocks. A down tree blocked the path, but still can get around it. Some shaded areas, but in open space, the sun can be very hot. Downhill and uphill was a battle. So, I recommend to bring a lot of water, hiking sticks, and a hat/sunglasses. Ran into a few small waterfalls which was unexpected. Surrounded by Tall redwood trees. It was beautiful. Views are also nice. Plenty of places to stop and take a break or have a quick bite. Also, trails were well marked which is a huge plus.

I went with my dog. (Dogs must be on leash). He was wearing shoes. It was quite a warm day and the loose rocks and hot ground would’ve destroyed his paws. We passed by a good number of people with dogs. None other than my dog had shoes on. I Highly recommend dog booties for dogs with sensitive toe beans.

Also, be careful of mountain lions. I think we passed by one moving in the trees.

Gave it 4 stars only because there were so many bugs. They were out in full swing! Despite wearing bug spray, I had to wave my hiking stick many times. Bug spray may have saved me from their...

Mt. Madonna Park is GREAT!! They have all kinds of sites, tent, RV/Trailer, and yurts!

We had 2 families of 4 in the 10 person yurt and we felt that we had plenty of room and were very comfortable. There was a fold down futon, 3 bunk beds, two had a full size bed on the bottom and a twin up top while the 3rd had a twin below and up top. There is a single overhead light that gives plenty of light when it's dark, no outlets or other electricity. There was a large picnic table and two end tables, one large and one a bit smaller. The skylight let's in great light during the day and can crank open if it's warmer. There are 2 large screened windows that can zip closed from the outside when needed.

The camp sites are beautiful, so many redwood trees and other foliage. Our site had a wrap around deck around our yurt, two outside picnic tables and a fire pit. The parking area had plenty of room for a mid-sized truck and mid-sized SUV.

There are numerous walking/hiking trails that lead to a variety of sites to enjoy. They have showers (we didn't use them).

Beautiful campgrounds, very well maintained, bathrooms with lights were clean and stocked. We'll definitely be back for some...