Santa Clara County Parks Tour

Visit all of our 28 regional parks virtually or in person.

Almaden Quicksilver

Alviso Marina

Anderson Lake

Calero County Park

Chitactac-Adams

Chesbro Reservoir

Coyote Creek Parkway

Coyote Lake - Harvey Bear Ranch

Ed R. Levin

Field Sports

Hellyer County Park

Joseph D. Grant

Lexington Reservoir

Los Gatos Creek

Martial Cottle

Metcalf Motorcycle Park

Mt Madonna

Penitencia Creek

Rancho San Antonio

Sanborn County Park

Santa Teresa

Stevens Creek

Sunnyvale Baylands

Uvas Canyon

Upper Stevens Creek

Uvas Reservoir

Vasona Lake

Villa Montalvo

Almaden Quicksilver

Almaden Quicksilver County Park, spectacular in natural diversity and a landmark of California history. The park is the site of over 135 years of mining activities and former home to more than 1,800 miners and their families. The park encompasses 4,163 acres, occupying a majority of Capitancillos Ridge. During early spring, the park offers one of the most spectacular wildflower displays in the region. Remnants of the mining era also offer an exciting look into the mining operations of the latter part of the 19th century.

The park includes over 37 miles of hiking trails, including 30 miles of equestrian trails and 16.6 miles of bike trails. All trails in the park are also open to pet owners to walk their dogs on leash.

A number of picnic tables are scattered throughout the park adjacent to the trails and horse water troughs are available in a few locations. No potable water is available within the park except at the Hacienda and Mockingbird Hill entrances.

There are also remnants of mining structures throughout the park. All mines and adits have been sealed. However, the San Cristobal mine may be viewed from behind a locked gate. For your safety, please do not climb on any structures.

Mockingbird Entrance   Apple Maps   Google Maps 

Wood Road Entrance  Apple Maps   Google Maps 

Alviso Marina

This 20.6 acre bayside park serves as a gateway to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Though small in size, offers a great deal of activities within its boundaries and on into the Wildlife Refuge. Both the pathways and boardwalks of the County Park and trails around the ponds in the adjacent Wildlife Refuge offer fantastic views of the mountains surrounding the bay, and of the wildlife that call these ponds home. The launch ramp provides one of the few clear routes in the San Jose area through the salt marshes out to the open waters of the San Francisco Bay.

Anderson Lake

Anderson Lake County Park covers over 4,275 acres and features Santa Clara County's largest reservoir. The lake itself has historically been a draw for power boat enthusiasts, anglers, and picnickers, but these and other activities at the park are currently on hold until reconstruction of the Anderson Dam has been completed in 2030. However, The park visitor center will remain open while the dam is being rebuilt. The Coyote Creek Parkway trail extends from the park visitor enter northward, and can be enjoyed by bicyclists, equestrians, and nature lovers in general.

For more information about the process of retrofitting the Anderson Dam, visit the  Valley Water website .

Calero County Park

Calero County Park is one of Santa Clara County's most diverse regional park and recreation areas. Once part of the Pueblo lands of San Jose, and Rancho San Vincente land grant, this approximate 4,471 acre park is nestled in the eastern foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Two distinct areas define this park: the reservoir, which offers a host of water-oriented recreational activities, and the adjoining "back country" which reveals to the visitor California Oak woodland, chaparral, riparian plant communities, and associated wildlife habitats.

Chitactac-Adams

This beautiful and culturally significant 4.5 acre park site is located just minutes from the cities of Gilroy and Morgan Hill. The park features the beautiful Uvas Creek and a wealth of cultural artifacts including bedrock mortars and petroglyphs left by the Ohlone Indians. The park includes a self-guided interpretive walk and an interpretive shelter focusing on Ohlone Indian culture and the Adams schoolhouse which was sited on this property from the 1850s until 1956.

Chesbro Reservoir

This beautiful and scenic 232 acre park and reservoir is located in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains west of Morgan Hill. The reservoir's rural setting is located just minutes from Morgan Hill and Gilroy. Activities at the park center around the reservoir. There are no designated trails within the park at this time. To find out more information, call (408)779-9232.

Coyote Creek Parkway

This scenic parkway meanders along Coyote Creek for 15 miles. The north portion features a paved multi-use trail popular with bicyclists, rollerbladers, and hikers. South of Metcalf Road, an equestrian trail parallels the paved trail. Public transit is available to Coyote Creek Parkway.

Coyote Lake - Harvey Bear Ranch

This 6,695 acre regional recreation area, nestled in the hills east of Gilroy, CA, features a 449 acre lake for fishing and boating. Coyote Lake has a “world-class” population of black bass, as well as bluegill, black crappie, and Eurasian carp. Both powered and non-powered vessels can ply the waters of the lake.

Coyote Bear provides habitats for many species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects and mammals. The park is home to rare western pond turtle, California tiger salamander and Bay checkerspot butterfly. Over two hundred species of birds have been seen here, including our national bird, the bald eagle.

Ed R. Levin

This 1,558 acre park combines the traditional features of an urban park such as picnicking, fishing and play areas, with the complex trail system of many regional wilderness parks.

Field Sports

The County's only publicly owned firing range provides opportunities for rifle and pistol, as well as trap and skeet shooting. League activity and special events take place year-round. Located in South San Jose, Field Sports Park is staffed and supervised by qualified range masters at all times.

Hellyer County Park

Welcome to Hellyer County Park and the Coyote Creek Parkway. This 178 acre urban park is located in the heart of Santa Clara County's regional park system. The Coyote Creek, which meanders through the center of the park, is the focus of the park's natural environment. A thick undergrowth and tall trees characterize the well defined creek channel which is home to many different species of wildlife. Visitors to the park can escape from the nearby hustle of city life and enjoy the quiet solitude of Hellyer County Park and the Coyote Creek Parkway.

Joseph D. Grant

At nearly 11 thousand acres, Joseph D. Grant County Park is the largest of Santa Clara County's regional park and recreation areas. The landscape here is characteristic of the east foothills of the Santa Clara Valley with grasslands and majestic oak trees. Hikers and equestrians have access to an extensive 51 mile trail system. Mountain bikes are permitted on over 75% of the park's trails as designated. The diverse trail system at the park makes this a popular place to stage large-scale organized trail events such as equestrian endurance rides, mountain bike events and foot races. Dogs are also allowed on the trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds as long as they are on a 6 ft. leash.

Shaded picnic areas are available on a first-come first-served basis. Campers can choose from almost 40 reservable family campsites, and there are three large group camping sites. Hot showers are available with paid campsite use.  Group picnic and youth camping areas are available by reservation. One large lake and several smaller ponds are accessible for warm water fishing.

As part of the park's tradition and history, cattle grazing currently takes place in some areas, and is monitored under a resource management plan.

Lexington Reservoir

This beautiful and scenic 950 acre park and reservoir is just minutes from the urban centers of Santa Clara County. The park includes the 338 acre man-made reservoir available for shoreline fishing. The County park is also part of a chain of parks and open spaces connected by the Bay Area Ridge Trail, which, when completed, will connect Sanborn with Almaden Quicksilver County Parks as well as Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve and ​other parks in the greater San Francisco Bay region.

Activities at the park center around the reservoir and trails. Swimming is prohibited. The designated staging areas are located off Alma Bridge Road at the boat launch ramp and Miller Point day use area. The boat launch is located about 0.3 miles from the dam. Non-gas powered boats may launch from the ramp when the reservoir water levels accommodate use of the ramp. Portable toilets and first-come, first-served picnic tables are also available at the boat launch area. This area is also used to access the Jones Trail and Saint Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve.

The Miller Point day use area is located approximately 1.3 miles from the dam off Alma Bridge Road. A parking area is available for access to a picnic area and trails. This is also a popular fishing access.

Los Gatos Creek

The Los Gatos Creek Trail offers recreational opportunities for walkers, joggers, bicyclists, skaters, non-motorized scooters, and nature lovers. The trail is operated by the County of Santa Clara Parks Department, City of Campbell, Town of Los Gatos and the City of San Jose. Another great amenity to the trail is the Los Gatos Creek dog park. There's shade, seating and water and with artificial turf it's able to provide for the enjoyment of the many dogs, and their humans, that love this park.

Martial Cottle

Martial Cottle is Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department’s newest urban park and uniquely celebrates our shared agricultural past while highlighting innovations in modern organic, sustainable and urban farming practices. Throughout the park’s 287 acres, visitors can enjoy aspects of a traditional urban park, such as trails, green space and picnic areas, as well as learn the Cottle family’s story and how agriculture remains an integral part of this historic ranch. All of this comes with an emphasis on organic farming incorporating the latest in water conservation techniques and ongoing community education.

Metcalf Motorcycle Park

Metcalf is the County park system's only off-road vehicle park. This 445 acre park is located in the grass covered hills of south east Santa Clara Valley. Motorcycle County Park offers trails for the advanced and beginner motorcyclist and ATV rider. In addition to the 17 miles of dirt trails, there are motocross tracks, ATV tracks, a Quarter Midget track, picnic areas, air/water station, loading ramp, and restroom facilities.

Metcalf Motorcycle Park is partially funded by a grant from the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division which supports maintenance, operations, and improvements for the park. The park receives grant funding for three project types: law enforcement, education and safety, and ground operations. 

Mt Madonna

Mt Madonna is one of the most majestic of Santa Clara County's regional park and recreation areas. This 4,605 acre park is dominated by the redwood forest so characteristic of the Santa Cruz Mountain range. To the east, the park overlooks the Santa Clara Valley, to the west, Monterey Bay. As the slopes of Mt. Madonna descend toward the valley, the landscape changes from redwood forest to oak woodland, dense chaparral and grassy meadows.

Penitencia Creek

This 163 acre linear park and regional trail incorporates parklands and open space from a number of agencies including Santa Clara County, the City of San Jose and the Santa Clara Valley Water District. This four-mile trail follows Penitencia Creek from the 700-acre Alum Rock Regional Park (City of San Jose) to its confluence with Coyote Creek. The trail is incomplete at this time, however, a majority of the trail is developed and is open to public use and enjoyment.

Rancho San Antonio

Rancho San Antonio County Park is leased by the County of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Department to Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD). This 165 acre County Park, combined with the adjacent 3,988 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space Preserve (MROSD), provides 24 acres of trails and other recreational features. Through a lease agreement, MROSD now manages the entire park. For information, please call (650) 691-1200.

Sanborn County Park

This lushly wooded park of over 3,453 acres, is nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains between Saratoga and Skyline Boulevard. This mountain park of redwoods and tan bark oak, offers hiking, camping, RV camping and picnicking opportunities year round. Enjoy your visit today and return often to experience the many features of Sanborn County Park.

Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa County Park is located in the Santa Teresa Hills ten miles south of downtown San Jose. This diverse 1,673 acre park, rich in history, offers spectacular views from its trails above the Almaden and Santa Clara Valleys. The secluded upland valleys of the park provide a quiet interlude for exploring the natural environment minutes away from the surrounding developed areas.

Stevens Creek

This beautiful 1,063 acre park offers diverse recreational amenities, including a reservoir. Visitors may enjoy exploring the remnants of the historic Villa Maria orchard. Stevens Creek Reservoir is an 86 acre, non-power boating reservoir popular with fisherman and boaters. Hikers, bikers and equestrians may enjoy a variety of over 9 miles of single track and multi-use trails. Picnic sites are available on a first-come, first- served basis or Group sites are available by reservation.

Sunnyvale Baylands

Operated by the City of Sunnyvale, this park has a unique blending of natural preserved wetland areas, with the picnic and playground features of a traditional community park. Adjacent to the park is the Twin Creeks Sports complex. Baylands Park provides over seventy acres of developed parkland offering active recreation, pathways and picnic areas for families and large groups. An additional 105 acres of seasonal wetlands is protected as a Wetlands Preserve providing habitat for plants and wildlife.

Uvas Canyon

Welcome to Uvas Canyon County Park. This lushly wooded park of 1,147 acres, is nestled in upper Uvas Canyon on the eastern side of the Santa Cruz Mountains. This mountain park offers hiking, camping and picnicking opportunities throughout most of the year. The park has 7.2 miles of hiking trails including a one mile Waterfall Loop that travels along Swanson Creek past many of the park's waterfalls.

Upper Stevens Creek

This 1,280 acre Santa Cruz mountain redwood park offers a wilderness experience for visitors interested in the park's mature stands of Douglas fir and redwoods. The park is also popular with mountain bicyclists and for its 12.6 miles of long hiking trails and valley vistas. This park offers lush, densely wooded trails for a variety of users. The unique combination of recreational resources and natural beauty make Upper Stevens Creek County Park a magnet for hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, and nature lovers.

Uvas Reservoir

This beautiful and scenic 430 acre park and reservoir is nestled below the Santa Cruz Mountains, just minutes from Morgan Hill and Gilroy. The park includes the 286 acre reservoir available for fishing from the shoreline. There are no designated trails within the park, but anglers may fish for trout, large mouth bass, catfish, crappie and other sunfish. Picnic facilities are limited and are located at the parking area. No boating is allowed.

Vasona Lake

The 152 acre park and connecting parkway are the most popular of Santa Clara County's regional park and recreation areas. Vasona Park includes 45 acres of lawn which can be used for informal play such as frisbee tossing, softball or soccer. There are several picnic areas available on a first-come, first-served basis. Eight reservable group areas are placed at scenic locations throughout the park. Paddle boats and row boats are available for rental from early spring through early fall. Check out Los Gatos Recreation for more information! Hikers, runners, bicyclists, and skaters enjoy the Los Gatos Creek multiple use trail which begins at Lexington Reservoir and follows the Los Gatos Creek for nearly 9.5 miles through the Town of Los Gatos, Vasona Lake County Park, Los Gatos Creek County Park, and the cities of Campbell and San Jose.

Villa Montalvo

Once the grand estate of Senator James Phelan, this 166 acre park offers a peaceful environment among formal gardens. The expansive lawn area is a favorite site for outdoor weddings. There are also miles of hiking trails within the park grounds. The Villa Montalvo Association manages all areas except the hiking trails above the Villa, managed by County Parks, and hosts a summer concert series.