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.
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.
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.
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
Saturday, May 18, 2024
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
Learn essential wilderness survival and medical skills in the outdoors, where help may be anywhere from hours to days away. This program will provide information First Responders use in the event of an emergency in remote settings.
Meet at the Hidden Springs Trailhead Parking Lot. Questions (669)219-4335
260 Bernal Rd
San Jose, CA 95119
United States
Sunday, May 19, 2024
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
Thursday, May 23, 2024
Ever wonder how to prepare for a hike? Ask a Ranger and learn how to create a pre-hike checklist to get ready for your new adventures on the trails.
Meet at the Hellyer Visitor Center.
Questions? (669)308-6669
985 Hellyer Ave
San Jose, CA 95111
United States
Friday, May 24, 2024
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 25, 2024
Who were the people whose hard work in and around the mercury mines made the New Almaden mines a success? Drop in between 12-4pm to discover how citizens of Spanishtown, Englishtown and the Chinese communities toiled and thrived above and below the earth’s surface during the heyday of mercury mining in the late 1880s – early 1900s. $2/person suggested donation. For more information call 408-918-7770 or email [email protected]
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
At Martial Cottle Park, we create a space for birds of prey to find a home and habitat within a dense, urban area. Join us for an afternoon walk to learn more about barn owls and raptor boxes in Martial Cottle Park. This program will include a very short walk on paved paths. Families are encouraged to attend. Questions? Email [email protected] for more information. A $6 parking fee is required.
Reservations required. Learn more and sign up here.
Sunday, May 26, 2024
Join a Park Interpreter on a 3-4 mile hike in the Almaden Hills and discover how the processing of cinnabar into mercury was significant to the success of the California Gold Rush and the development of California. Best for ages 10+. Meet at the Wood Rd Entrance on Hicks Rd. Questions? Email [email protected]
Space is limited. Registration opens May 1st.
21785 Almaden Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States
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