The big redwoods of Sam McDonald County Park

Wild, junglesque! What an original way to spend the 4th of July, so close to San Jose and so far from civilization. This park was in my list since I visited the Butano Park with a girlfriend some months ago, but never found the excuse to go until the 4th (we were trying to avoid the crowds going to the beach and since the day was very hot still wanted to enjoy the outdoors). I remembered then about Sam McDonald and we went thinking the parking lot would be full to find out we were just around 3 cars and very few people trying to find the heritage trail and the Big Tree.

The scenery full of ancient and tall redwoods is magnificent and you can smell the solitude. I can imagine the Japanese experiencing  shinrin-yoku or forest bath among those trees. Looks like a very safe trail and even though when we went there was no ranger around (still, we paid out duties as visitors to support the State Parks system), it is not a long hike, around 5 miles loup and very easy to walk around. Do not miss the experience to enter inside one of those huge redwood trees and feel like you are in the womb of mother nature. It is a great surreal feeling.