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

Coyote Creek Habitat Day - FREE family fun!

Join us on Saturday, June 1 from 10am to 1pm at the Coyote Creek Visitor Center (19245 Malaguerra Ave, Morgan Hill, CA 95037) for a day of activities highlighting wildlife connected with Coyote Creek. Learn about the people and animals who have made their homes along this watershed both long ago and today.   Learn more.

 

Hike The Hundred Challenge!

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. 

 

Native Plant and Pollinator Day at Martial Cottle Park

Celebrate National Pollinator week at Martial Cottle Park on June 15  from 9am to 12 pm. Learn about the importance of pollinators and how native plants help them through our guided walks and activities. Join us at the Park Partner Lot to visit our Park Partners, exhibitor booths, while enjoying crafts and activities.  Event information

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. 

 

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.

Volunteer Hours Icon

29,366

2022 Volunteer Hours

Miles of Trails Icon

342

Miles of Trails

Acres Protected Icon

52,000+

Acres Protected

Regional Parks Icon

28

Regional Parks

Annual Visitors Icon

5,482,718

Annual Visitors

Upcoming Events

Filter Events

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Bernal Historic House Open | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Bernal ranch house and family in 1910

A visit to the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch historic area of Santa Teresa County Park immerses you in the realities of living and working on a family ranch more than 100 years ago.

The Bernal house was built c. 1860, and served as family home for the Bernals and their descendants for over a hundred years. It has been restored to its c. 1910 appearance, as in this historic photo. House museum rooms and exhibits inside tell the story of the Bernal family and the home.

Sunday, April 23, 2023
11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Learn to Shoot Your Handgun | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Come out and learn safety and the basics of shooting your handgun from a certified Rangemaster. Meet at the Park Office with your handgun in a locked case and 50 rounds of ammunition. We do have 9mm on site to purchase. Reservations (408)463-0652

Event Type:
Junior Rangers
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

9580 Malech Rd
San Jose, CA 95138
United States

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Join a Park Ranger on an 11-mile mountain bike ride. This trail features a flowing and undulating trail that showcases unique geographic features and outcroppings, including a 40-foot tall tafoni sandstone formation. A helmet and properly functioning mountain bike are required.  Reservations  and meeting location (408) 497-2943

Event Type:
Public Programs
Thursday, April 27, 2023
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

20409 Black Road
Los Gatos, CA 95033
United States

Friday, April 28, 2023

Join a Park Ranger on an 11-mile mountain bike ride. This trail features a flowing and undulating trail that showcases unique geographic features and outcroppings, including a 40-foot tall tafoni sandstone formation. A helmet and properly functioning mountain bike are required.  Reservations  and meeting location (408) 497-2943

Event Type:
Public Programs
Friday, April 28, 2023
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

20409 Black Road
Los Gatos, CA 95033
United States

Saturday, April 29, 2023

In-Parks Junior Rangers: Ed Levin | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Discover a new Santa Clara County Park each month while learning about the plants, animals, people, and places that make our parks special. These 1-hour Junior Ranger programs are best for ages 7-12. After completion of 3 park explorations, Junior Rangers can submit their completed logbooks and receive the Santa Clara County Parks Junior Ranger badge. All youth under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian and programs include opportunities for nature hikes and hands-on activities. 

Reservations required. Learn more here

Questions? Email: [email protected]  

Sign up

Event Type:
Junior Rangers
Saturday, April 29, 2023
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

3100 Calaveras Rd
Milpitas, CA 95035
United States

Bernal Historic House Open | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Bernal ranch house and family in 1910

A visit to the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch historic area of Santa Teresa County Park immerses you in the realities of living and working on a family ranch more than 100 years ago.

The Bernal house was built c. 1860, and served as family home for the Bernals and their descendants for over a hundred years. It has been restored to its c. 1910 appearance, as in this historic photo. House museum rooms and exhibits inside tell the story of the Bernal family and the home.

Saturday, April 29, 2023
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States

Sunday, April 30, 2023

Bernal Historic House Open | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Bernal ranch house and family in 1910

A visit to the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch historic area of Santa Teresa County Park immerses you in the realities of living and working on a family ranch more than 100 years ago.

The Bernal house was built c. 1860, and served as family home for the Bernals and their descendants for over a hundred years. It has been restored to its c. 1910 appearance, as in this historic photo. House museum rooms and exhibits inside tell the story of the Bernal family and the home.

Sunday, April 30, 2023
11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States

Friday, May 5, 2023

Join a Park Ranger on a night hike along the North Ridge Trail at Calero County Park and let the wonder of the full moon guide you along the trail. Meet at the Rancho San Vicente Parking lot. Reservations (669) 250-9428

Event Type:
Junior Rangers
Friday, May 5, 2023
8:00 PM to 9:00 PM

23205 McKean Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States

Saturday, May 6, 2023

Join a Park Ranger on an interpretive hike for self-identified people within marginalized gender and sexuality groups. Pets are welcome.  Meet at Villa Montalvo Great Lawn with water, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Reservations online. Questions (408) 483-1623

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, May 6, 2023
9:00 AM to 11:30 AM

15400 Montalvo Rd
Saratoga, CA 95070
United States

Mountain Lions on the Prowl | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Discover the unique characteristics and habits of our largest native cat, the mountain lion. Meet at the Campground Amphitheater. Questions? (408) 842-7800

Saturday, May 6, 2023
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Calaveras Trail
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States

©2024 County of Santa Clara. All rights reserved.