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

Saturday, May 6, 2023

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

Ranch House Tour | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Tour the refurbished Joseph D. Grant Ranch House and learn about the history of this pioneer family and Joseph Grant's role in redwood preservation and California's history. Questions (408) 274-6121

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, May 6, 2023
1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Yerba Buena Trail
San Jose, CA 95127
United States

Redwoods of Mt. Madonna | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Hike with a ranger and explore the redwood trees of Mt. Madonna County Park. Bring water, snacks, warm layers and comfortable walking shoes. Meet at the Azalea Knoll picnic area. Reservations (408)316-9869

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, May 6, 2023
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

7850 Pole Line Rd
Watsonville, CA 95076
United States

Friday, May 12, 2023

Draw From Nature | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Join a Ranger for a hike along the nature trail to sketch native species among the redwoods. Bring a sketch pad and pencil. Meet in the parking lot by the Sequoia group area. Questions? (408) 867-3654

Event Type:
Public Programs
Friday, May 12, 2023
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

16055 Sanborn Rd
Saratoga, CA 95070
United States

Saturday, May 13, 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, May 13, 2023
8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

9580 Malech Rd
San Jose, CA 95138
United States

Come explore the Coyote Creek and learn how to fish. Learn how humans impact the waterway and how to be a steward for our watersheds. Meet at the Visitor Center with your own fishing equipment or it will be provided. Reservations (408) 225-0225

Event Type:
School / Education
Saturday, May 13, 2023
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

985 Hellyer Ave
San Jose, CA 95111
United States

Join the Friends of Santa Teresa Park volunteers for a moderate 2.5-mile hike. View late spring wildflowers, look for wildlife, take in the gorgeous views, and learn about the rich history of the area.  Meet at the Fortini Trailhead with strudy shoes, sun protection, and water. Questions? (408) 355-2240

Event Type:
School / Education
Saturday, May 13, 2023
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

22581 San Vicente Ave
San Jose, CA 95120
United States

Tai Chi Qigong | 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 picnic benches behind the museum with comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen, and layers. Reservations online or (408) 355-2240

Event Type:
School / Education
Saturday, May 13, 2023
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

21785 Almaden Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States

Many Hats of a Ranger | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Take a peek into the lives of a Park Ranger while on a hike with one! Meet at the Mendoza Ranch parking lot with snacks, water and comfortable shoes.  Questions? (669) 219-4227

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, May 13, 2023
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

10840 Coyote Lake Road
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States

Sunday, May 14, 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, May 14, 2023
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

10840 Coyote Lake Road
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States

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