Merry-Go-Round Loop
Trail
4.1 mile
6.6 kilometer
loop
Intermediate
Elevation
Ascent:
826'
252 m
Descent: -826' -252 m
High: 1,272' 388 m
Low: 478' 146 m
Grade
Avg Grade: 8% (4°)
Max Grade: 28% (16°)
Dogs
Leashed
Weather
All Clear
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“A short but pleasant loop leading hikers into a thick forest of redwoods, seasonal creeks, and hardwoods.”
— Matthew StFeatures Birding · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife
Family Friendly Wide trail but lots to see along the way.
Overview
This route makes for a great four-mile loop in Mount Madonna Park, allowing hikers to take in some of the highlights of the park.
Description
From the Sprig Lake entrance trailhead, go through the horse trailer parking area to get to the start of the trail. Stay to the right at the split to start your hike on the Merry-Go-Round Trail for a total of 1.5 miles of a steady and sometimes steep climb. The going will be well-worthwhile as you'll be shaded by towering trees.
Turn left on Tie Camp Trail and go 1.1 miles. This part of the trail goes through a really beautiful section of redwoods. Take in the shade and the beautiful views. Finally, turn left on the Ridge Trail and go 0.6 of a mile.
This trail is a fairly nondescript descent and is more of a connector than a destination trail. This will join the Merry-Go-Round Trail where you go 0.2 miles to get back to the trailhead.
Turn left on Tie Camp Trail and go 1.1 miles. This part of the trail goes through a really beautiful section of redwoods. Take in the shade and the beautiful views. Finally, turn left on the Ridge Trail and go 0.6 of a mile.
This trail is a fairly nondescript descent and is more of a connector than a destination trail. This will join the Merry-Go-Round Trail where you go 0.2 miles to get back to the trailhead.
Contacts
Land Manager: California State Parks - Santa Cruz District
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Mar 17, 2018
Felicia Miller
First solo hike! I got rained and hailed on but I saw like 10 salemanders, 2 deer, and some birds!
4.1mi
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