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.

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

Saturday, June 15, 2024

Three Park Interpreters seated at a table displaying materials on oppossums

Join us at the Coyote Creek Visitor Center as we explore, learn and respect nature found at various parks. Our nature pop-ups will discover different wildlife connections and provide family-friendly themed crafts and more at our visitor centers!

No registration required. All ages welcome!

Email [email protected] for more information.

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, June 15, 2024
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

19245 Malaguerra Ave
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
United States

Junior Rangers Night Hike | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Fog rolling over hills at Joseph D. Grant County Park

Discover a new County Park each month, as we explore, learn, and respect nature in this 1-hour family program. After completion of 3 park explorations, Junior Rangers can submit their completed logbook and receive the Santa Clara County Junior Ranger badge.
Best for ages 7-12. Registration required.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Event Type:
Junior Rangers
Saturday, June 15, 2024
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

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

Saturday, June 22, 2024

Ranger pointing to a "Welcome to our Home" habitat poster while Junior Rangers look at the poster

Discover a new County Park on the last Saturday of each month as we explore, learn about, and respect nature in this 1-hour family program.
After completion of 3 park explorations, Junior Rangers can submit their completed logbook and receive the Santa Clara County Junior Ranger badge.
Best for ages 7-12. Registration required.

Questions? Email [email protected] 

Event Type:
Junior Rangers
Saturday, June 22, 2024
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

11401 Stevens Canyon Rd
Cupertino, CA 95014
United States

Saturday, June 29, 2024

Adults walking along a trail with hills in the background

Explore the flora, fauna, and local history of a new trail each month with a Park Interpreter.
Designed for adults 55+, these 2-hour excursions are a great way to meet fellow park enthusiasts and enjoy park trails in the comfort of a group. Bring water, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.
This stroll will meet at the Coyote Creek Visitor Center at Anderson Lake County Park and follow an easy 1-2 mile route along the Nature Trail.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, June 29, 2024
9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

19245 Malaguerra Ave
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
United States

Qigong and Tai Chi | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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 in between the two barns with comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen and layers. Reservations online or contact Carrie Grisenti (408) 355-2240
 

Saturday, June 29, 2024
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States

Saturday, July 6, 2024

Chitactac Adams Guided Hike | 10:00 AM - 10:00 AM
People standing on stairs leading down to view of Uvas Creek

Come to Chitactac Adams Heritage County Park on the first Saturday of July, August or September to discover evidence connected to the cultural and resource management traditions of the native people who resided along Uvas Creek for thousands of years.
Along the guided hike we’ll discuss and acknowledge how the past influences modern perspectives. Registration required.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, July 6, 2024
10:00 AM to 10:00 AM

10001 Watsonville Rd
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States

Qigong and Tai Chi | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, July 6, 2024
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

1195 Hope St
San Jose, CA 95002
United States

Grant Ranch House Tour | July 6 - September 7 2024

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

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, July 6, 2024, 1:00 PM - Saturday, September 7, 2024, 2:30 PM

Yerba Buena Trail
San Jose, CA 95127
United States

Evening Program at Coyote Lake | 7:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center staff holding bird in front of audience at Coyote Lake Campfire Center

Join Santa Clara County Parks staff and/or a partner organization for an evening program featuring our animal neighbors, especially those that go "bump" in the night. Programs may include hands-on activities, storytelling, and live animals. 

Questions? Email [email protected]

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, July 6, 2024
7:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Calaveras Trail
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Adults walking along a trail with hills in the background

Explore the flora, fauna, and local history of a new trail each month with a Park Interpreter.
Designed for adults 55+, these 2-hour excursions are a great way to meet fellow park enthusiasts and enjoy park trails in the comfort of a group. Bring water, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.
This stroll will begin at the Henry Miller trailhead and follow the 1.5-mile easy to moderate California Newt Trail.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Event Type:
Public Programs
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

7850 Pole Line Rd
Watsonville, CA 95076
United States

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