
The Winding Road West
With so many twists and turns on the way to Mt. Madonna’s 1,309-foot peak, driving up sloping Hecker Pass Highway (State 152) is invigorating. The views up top are equally thrilling, looking east over Santa Clara Valley and west to Monterey Bay. But don’t rush: This drive is best enjoyed by taking your time, stopping along the way at pretty parks and boutique wineries.
Just west of Gilroy, wineries beckon before the road begins to climb. After passing the colorful 17-acre flower gardens at Goldsmith Seeds (2280 Hecker Pass Hwy.; 408/847-7333), you can check out the rides and botanical marvels at Bonfante Gardens Family Theme Park ($32; 10–6 Sat–Sun; 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy.; 408/840-7100). Or head straight to Hecker Pass Winery (10–5 daily; 4605 Hecker Pass Hwy.; 408/842-8755) and Solis Winery (11–5 daily; 3920 Hecker Pass Hwy.; 408/847-6306).
A detour north leads to Chitactac-Adams Heritage County Park (10001 Watsonville Rd.), where a 1-mile loop trail follows Uvas Creek. Rocks here are pocked with grinding holes, and interpretive signs describe life long before the Spanish planted wine grapes.