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
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.
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.
Hike The Hundred has Begun!
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!
Join a guided walk at Stevens Creek on challenge launch day! Learn more.
Boating Season Opens April 13
Recreational boating and water activities at Coyote Lake (power and non-power), Stevens Creek Reservoir (hand launch/non-power boating only) and Lexington Reservoir (hand launch/non-power boating only) open for the season on April 13, 2024. Calero (power and non-power) is the only body of water open year-round to boating. Learn more
Earth Day and Arbor Day Volunteer Events
Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd each year, and Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April. Come join in on one of the many volunteering events occurring in Santa Clara County Parks in honor of these special occasions! 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 6, 2023
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
Yerba Buena Trail
San Jose, CA 95127
United States
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
7850 Pole Line Rd
Watsonville, CA 95076
United States
Friday, May 12, 2023
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
16055 Sanborn Rd
Saratoga, CA 95070
United States
Saturday, May 13, 2023
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]
9580 Malech Rd
San Jose, CA 95138
United States
If you are looking to get outside and connect with new people right in your backyard, this is the opportunity for you! California native plants play an important role in the health of our parks. To help them thrive, we have to work together to remove non-native and invasive plants.
This event is in partnership with Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful.
Minimum age: 12
985 Hellyer Ave
San Jose, CA 95111
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
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
22581 San Vicente Ave
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 picnic benches behind the museum with comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen, and layers. Reservations online or (408) 355-2240
21785 Almaden Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States
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
10840 Coyote Lake Road
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States
Sunday, May 14, 2023
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
10840 Coyote Lake Road
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States