Located within the 4,605‑acre Mount Madonna County Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Amphitheater and Valley View Trail form a picturesque moderate loop of approximately 3 miles, weaving through towering redwoods and oak woodlands. The hike begins near the park’s Valley View 1 Campground (but has multiple entry points)—and ascends gradually along forested ridgelines, intermittently opening to sweeping vistas of Santa Clara Valley below.

Along the route, a short detour leads to the evocative ruins of the Miller House—Henry Miller’s late‑19th‑century summer residence—where remnants of stone walls, cement steps, and footings hint at the grand seven‑bedroom home with its ballroom, built around 1901 and burned shortly after Miller’s death in 1916. Ideal from January through November, this trail integrates serene woodland ambiance, panoramic viewpoints, and a touch of park history, typically completed in about 1½ hours and cherished for its blend of natural beauty and cultural legacy.

Pet-friendly: Yes, but must be leashed and well-behaved

Soft adventure: Yes, mostly!

Seasonality: All seasons

Fee: $6 day visit fee per vehicle