The park was once part of the massive Rancho Cañada de Raymundo land grant during the Mexican era of California.
Huddart Park is home to several historic logging sites that were active during the 19th-century redwood timber rush.
The park's elevation ranges from approximately 500 feet at the base to over 2,000 feet near Skyline Boulevard.
It features one of the few remaining designated equestrian campgrounds in the San Mateo County park system.
The park is frequently used as a staging area for emergency response and mountain rescue training in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Huddart Park is a 972-acre forested reserve situated on the eastern slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains in Woodside, California. The park features diverse ecosystems including redwood forests, oak woodlands, and chaparral. Over 24 miles of trails are available for hiking, horseback riding, and equestrian use. It serves as a gateway to the larger Santa Cruz Mountain trail network via the Skyline Trail. The site provides various reservable picnic areas and group camping facilities. Visitors can explore distinct vegetation zones that transition from creek-side ferns to ridgetop manzanita. The park terrain varies significantly in elevation, creating challenging climbs for experienced hikers. It is managed by the San Mateo County Parks Department as a recreational space for outdoor activities. The forest floor is frequently damp, supporting a wide range of native ferns and mosses.
The Redwood Flat area featuring dense old-growth canopy lighting.
Bring layers, as the forest canopy can be significantly cooler and damper than the surrounding Woodside valley floor.
Check the official park website for trail closures after heavy rain, as steep paths are prone to erosion.
Wear sturdy, high-traction footwear due to the uneven, root-heavy terrain found on most trails.
Attempting to access Skyline Boulevard through restricted service roads instead of marked official trailheads.
Leash dogs at all times, stay on marked trails to protect sensitive flora, and pack out all trash.
