[Saratoga, CA] Quarry Park

Not too long ago, around the late 1990s, hidden in the lush hills of Saratoga, there lies an abandoned quarry only known to the residents of its small town. County employees will use this site for family and friends get togethers even though it was a restricted area. These first rebels helped shape the park to what it is today. They installed and maintained picnic tables, barbecue pits, and cleared out the area for seating. In 2011, the City of Saratoga acquired the property and in 2014, the master plan for the park was approved. Saratoga Quarry Park opened its doors to the public in October 2015.

The park is considered a baby compared to the history within these hills. This 64-acre area has been an active part of the city since the 1850s. The hills were first mined for copper then limestone, and finally gravel, sand and rocks into the early 1900s. Mining ceased in 1967, and slowly but surely became a popular spot for recreational activities.

The City of Saratoga was careful to keep its history remembered throughout the park. Signs and pieces of mining equipment can be found throughout the grounds, starting from the entrance all the way to the second levels of the hiking trails, where visitors can view and admire remnants of the past.

The old barbecue fire pits, as well as, the sitting areas created by the County Employees are still there. Sadly the barbecue pits are not in use anymore. The area is nicely shaded and quiet due to the surrounding trees. There is a great sense of privacy here which is most likely why the residence of Saratoga find this area to be a great small event spot before it was even open to the public.

At the very top of the hiking trails is a lookout point where you can get a "glimpse" of the city below. I wrote "glimpse" in quotations because you can hardly see anything due to the massive trees blocking the view. Don't let this discourage you from taking the trip up. The hike is not strenuous and along the way you get a beautiful view of Saratoga's Vineyards across the ways.

There is also a small pond a little into the hike, but in the summer season the pond can be dried up and become overgrown with bamboo and other plants. I happened to walk right past it on my visit because it didn't look like a pond at all. It was overgrown and unkept despite the park being opened only a little over a year ago.

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The Quarry in all sense has great history rooted in it, but the park itself feels unfinished. There are many closed off paths leading higher up the hill, most likely left by miners, but it is a clear sign that this little park has the potential of expanding and becoming a real hiking ground in the near future. At the moment, it only offers a nice little stroll and a nice little history lesson. All it needs is 45 minutes of your time.

Happy Wandering, Alice.