The mission of the Santa Clara County Parks & Recreation Department is to provide, protect, and preserve regional parklands for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.
Santa Clara County Parks strives to provide all visitors a place where diversity and inclusivity is valued and makes every effort to provide access to outstanding recreational opportunities, a rich cultural historical legacy, and an expansive regional trail system for all to enjoy.
Featured Items
Parks Administration Office Move
Effective April 8, 2024, the Santa Clara County Parks Administration Office will be relocating from its current address at Vasona Lake County Park (298 Garden Hill Drive, Los Gatos, CA) to a brand-new location at 5965 Silver Creek Valley Road, San José, CA 95138. Learn More.
Earth Day Youth Art Contest
Calling all young artists pre-K to 12th grade! Celebrate Earth Day and Santa Clara County Parks by sharing your creative and original artwork. Let’s celebrate Earth Day by showing how you might save the planet by reducing the use of plastics or sharing what Earth Day means to you. Submissions accepted April 1-30.
Hike The Hundred has Begun!
Are you ready for the next Santa Clara County Parks challenge? Hike your way to 100 points in 100 days to celebrate Stevens Creek's 100 year milestone. Get your hiking boots and binoculars ready, the Hike The Hundred scavenger hunt has begun!
Earth Day and Arbor Day Volunteer Events
Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd each year, and Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April. Come join in on one of the many volunteering events occurring in Santa Clara County Parks in honor of these special occasions! Learn more.
SCC Parks by the Numbers
Since the first County parkland was acquired in 1924, the Santa Clara County Parks system has grown to include 28 regional parks encompassing over 52,000 acres of land. We at Santa Clara County Parks are committed to balancing the need for public use of parks and recreational lands with preserving the natural beauty of our area, including wildlife refuges and historic sites.
29,366
2022 Volunteer Hours
342
Miles of Trails
52,000+
Acres Protected
28
Regional Parks
5,482,718
Annual Visitors
Upcoming Events
Filter Events
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Have you noticed wildflowers in our parks? Though you can't take the living wildflowers home, you can do the next best thing and create your own using paper!
Help us celebrate the return of spring and wildflowers, by joining a Crafternoon at Almaden Quicksilver County Park's Mining Museum at Casa Grande!
Free drop in event, great for all ages. Questions? Email [email protected]
21350 Almaden Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States
 Explore the redwood forest of Mt Madonna with a Park Ranger. Gentle 1 mile loop, appropriate for all ages. $6 vehicle entry fee. Bring: Comfortable shoes, dress in layers, bring snacks and water. Meet at the Giant Twins Trailhead. Questions? [email protected] |
7850 Pole Line Rd
Watsonville, CA 95076
United States
Friday, May 3, 2024
Bernal Ranch is a historic site located in Santa Clara County Parks. The Muwekma Ohlone were the first inhabitants of the land and recognized the value of the natural fresh water spring of Santa Teresa Spring. The spring was also used during the Juan Bautista De Anza expedition in 1776. Jose Joaquin Bernal was thirteen years old when he first visited Santa Teresa Spring during the expedition. He eventually settled at Santa Teresa and 120 of his descendants lived on the same ranch land. Currently, the Santa Teresa community is home to a diverse population of families each with a unique history to the land.
Join us to volunteer and be part of the Santa Teresa community. Volunteer opportunities available include gardening, barn maintenance, and historical house upkeep. Hope to see you at the community volunteer days!
For families with children under 14, please be prepared to sign a release form for your child on the day of the event.
Minimum age: 8
372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States
Did you know that mercury was once used to make dye for Chinese lacquerware and the communities of New Almaden were amongst the first to celebrate Cinco de Mayo?
Learn more and help us celebrate the multicultural communities of New Almaden, by joining a Crafternoon at Almaden Quicksilver County Park's Mining Museum at Casa Grande! (Address: 21350 Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95120)
Free drop in event, great for all ages. Questions? Email [email protected]
21350 Almaden Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Help our Trail Crew staff maintain the more than 350 miles of trails in our Santa Clara County Parks trail system. Work will include some brushing and pruning, but will mostly focus on tread work to help reduce erosion. Tools and gloves will be provided. Bring a water bottle, snacks, and gloves if you have them. Wear long sleeves and long pants, and bring a hat.
Please also note that trail work can be physically challenging and so you should come prepared to work up a sweat!
Minimum age: 14
11401 Stevens Canyon Rd
Cupertino, CA 95014
United States
Interested in giving back to Santa Clara County Parks in a structured, meaningful, and fun way?
Join us for an upcoming Volunteer Open House to learn about what opportunities we are recruiting for, their requirements, and how to get started!
And if you can, bring a friend!
Click here to browse the current volunteer position openings.
All long term volunteers must complete a background check, COVID-19 vaccination verification, Outside Employment Form, and Sexual Harassment Training. Additional training and onboarding requirements vary by position.
Call 408-918-4930 or email [email protected] with questions.
Minimum age: 18
Advance registration is preferred but not required.
19245 Malaguerra Ave
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
United States
Did you know that mercury was once used to make dye for Chinese lacquerware and the communities of New Almaden were amongst the first to celebrate Cinco de Mayo?
Learn more and help us celebrate the multicultural communities of New Almaden, by joining a Crafternoon at Almaden Quicksilver County Park's Mining Museum at Casa Grande! (Address: 21350 Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95120)
Free drop in event, great for all ages. Questions? Email [email protected]
21350 Almaden Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States
Come tour the Joseph D Grant Ranch House and learn about the history of this pioneer family. Joseph D. Grant played an important role in shaping California in politics, industry and land preservation.
Meet at the Grant Ranch House. Questions? Call (408) 274-6121
Yerba Buena Trail
San Jose, CA 95127
United States
Sunday, May 5, 2024
| Learn the oldest and most powerful type of Tai Chi – Lao Jia. Develop greater physical strength, balance and coordination. These slow gentle movements are perfect for all ages and physical abilities. Meet at the parking lot near the restrooms with comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen and layers. Reservations online or contact Carrie Grisenti (408) 355-2240 |
21350 Almaden Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States
Did you know that mercury was once used to make dye for Chinese lacquerware and the communities of New Almaden were amongst the first to celebrate Cinco de Mayo?
Learn more and help us celebrate the multicultural communities of New Almaden, by joining a Crafternoon at Almaden Quicksilver County Park's Mining Museum at Casa Grande! (Address: 21350 Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95120)
Free drop in event, great for all ages. Questions? Email [email protected]
21350 Almaden Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States