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 more.

 

Hike The Hundred 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.  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, June 4, 2023

What's "Shaking" in Parks? | 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Learn about our local geological landforms that has shaped the Diablo Mountain Range and Silicon Valley while roasting marshamallows. Bring marchamallows,chairs, blankets, flashlights. Questions? (408) 274-6121

Event Type:
School / Education
Sunday, June 4, 2023
8:30 PM to 9:30 PM

18405 Mt. Hamilton Rd.
San Jose, CA 95140
United States

Saturday, June 10, 2023

Junior Rifle Program | 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Youth ages 10-20 learn firearm safety and basic marksmanship skills under the supervision of qualified trainers from the San Jose Zouaves Rifle Club. All equipment is provided. Parent or guardian consent forms required. No reservations needed unless bringing groups of 10 or more. Wear long pants, long sleeve shirts and closed toed shoes. For more information email [email protected]

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, June 10, 2023
8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

9580 Malech Rd
San Jose, CA 95138
United States

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, June 10, 2023
9:00 AM to 11:30 AM

15400 Montalvo Rd
Saratoga, CA 95070
United States

Mountain Lions on the Prowl | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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

Event Type:
School / Education
Saturday, June 10, 2023
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Calaveras Trail
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States

Parallel Persistence | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Chitactac Path

Parallel Persistence of People and Plants (Chitactac-Adams Heritage County Park)

Saturday, June 10 | 10 am - 11am  

Join us for a guided walk as we discover how people and plants have resiliently adapted to challenging times. We’ll explore the utility of cellphone apps for plant identification and discuss drought resistant plant adaptations along the way.  Best for ages 8+.  Email [email protected] for more details.

Sign Up

 

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, June 10, 2023
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

10001 Watsonville Rd
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States

The Night Shift | 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

It's dark at night, but not lonely. Many creatures work the night shift at Calero. Come see or hear a couple of them! Meet at the Calero office parking lot with sturdy closed-toe shoes, snack, water, and a red light headlamp.  Questions? (408) 535-4070.

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, June 10, 2023
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

23205 McKean Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States

Enjoy Puss in Boots, The Last Wish, a FREE feature-length movie under the stars with family and friends. Come early to learn about the park and talk to a Ranger. Meet on the lawn with a chair or blanket, flashlight and snacks. No dogs, please. Questions? (408) 535-4060

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, June 10, 2023
8:30 PM to 10:00 PM

5283 Snell Ave
San Jose, CA 95136
United States

Sunday, June 11, 2023

Critters by the Creek | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Tour Coyote Creek's Nature Trail and learn how wildlife survives in nature.  Meet at the the Coyote Creek Visitor Center with comfortable shoes and water.  Questions? (669)219-4317

Event Type:
School / Education
Sunday, June 11, 2023
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

19245 Malaguerra Ave
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
United States

Are you a budding naturalist or just want to learn about the nature that surrounds you? Join us for an informative program to learn how to use phone apps such as iNaturalist and Seek to identify the natural world, and contribute to community science. Meet at the Bernal Ranch picnic tables. Reservations online

Event Type:
School / Education
Sunday, June 11, 2023
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States

Saturday, June 17, 2023

A Taste of Rock Climbing | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Are you interested in outdoor rock climbing but don't know where to get started? This program will teach you the basics of rock climbing. No experience necessary. Climb on! Meet at the Indian Rock parking lot with athletic wear, water, and sunscreen. Reservations online or (669)219-4335

Event Type:
School / Education
Saturday, June 17, 2023
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

16055 Sanborn Rd
Saratoga, CA 95070
United States

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