Saratoga-to-the-Skyline Trail

COMPLETED IN 2020

The City of Saratoga hired SCMTS to build 3.2 miles of hiking trail that connects the South Bay to Santa Cruz County and fuels non-profit trail building in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

In early 2020, SCMTS was contracted by the City of Saratoga to build the Saratoga to Sanborn portion of the Saratoga to the Skyline Trail. The 3.2 miles of trail built by the SCMTS team complete the final 9.7-mile trail segment needed to realize a dream that began over 50 years ago to connect Saratoga to the Pacific Ocean via 37 miles of hiking trails. Finally, hikers can travel from the Bay Area to the ocean via trails only!

This project is unique in that SCMTS was hired by the City of Saratoga and paid to build this hiking-only trail. Funds from this project fuel the organization's not-for-profit trail work that benefits all users throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains region.

This multi-use trail brings long-awaited connectivity between the South Bay and Santa Cruz County. SCMTS' work connects Saratoga Quarry Park to Sanborn Park, which will allow for trail access from the Village of Saratoga to the Open Space areas along Skyline Drive. The project was driven by the City of Saratoga with additional funding from Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District’s Measure A.

Want a peek before you visit? Check out the trail highlights video above.

Key Project Stats
  • Over 3 miles (3.2, to be exact) of new trail that is 4-5’ wide
  • ~550’ of elevation change throughout
  • 4 bridges throughout - 25’, 35’, 50’, 70’
  • Some areas of the trail are steep and rocky, and will require retaining walls
  • Multi-use trail built for use by hikers and equestrians, with future plans to include bike access
Have you enjoyed Saratoga-to-the-Skyline Trail? Consider donating to SCMTS to support our not-for-profit trail maintenance and development throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains.
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