Bear Creek Redwoods North Parking Area

Zander Westbrook Design is working with BKF Engineers to develop the northern parking area in Bear Creek Redwood Open Space Preserve. The site plan will include equestrian trailer parking, an accessible trailhead, stormwater treatment, viewpoints, picnic areas and a vault toilet. When complete, the parking area will provide a trailhead for the newly developed trails within the Preserve.

Key design challenges include preserving trees, integrating equestrian parking, and siting a vault toilet that is visible yet not visually prominent. Through the design process, the team adapted the layout to accommodate tree drip lines, ultimately preserving more trees than the agency originally anticipated. Tree protection was prioritized at the vehicle entrance and trailhead, enhancing the sense of arrival within the redwood preserve. The equestrian parking area was carefully designed to meet required capacity while remaining flexible for use by standard vehicles during high traffic days and special events.

Bear Creek Redwood Open Space Preserve is located three miles south of Los Gatos, California and has over 10 miles of hiking and equestrian trails.