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

Sunday, May 14, 2023

The Sly Cat Program | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Join us for a guided hike to learn about the sly cat "Bobcat" of Coyote Lake. Meet at the Visitor Center with hiking shoes and water.  Questions? (669) 250-8640

Event Type:
School / Education
Sunday, May 14, 2023
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

10840 Coyote Lake Road
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States

Saturday, May 20, 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, May 20, 2023
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

16055 Sanborn Rd
Saratoga, CA 95070
United States

Hellyer Weeding Parties | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

 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

SIGN UP HERE

Father and son at Hellyer County Park weeding party
Event Type:
Volunteer Opportunity
Saturday, May 20, 2023
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

985 Hellyer Ave
San Jose, CA 95111
United States

Sunday, May 21, 2023

A Taste of Rowing | 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

First-time rowers are invited to learn all about this challenging yet fun water sport at the Los Gatos Rowing Club. All equipment provided.  Reservations online or (408) 355-2240

Event Type:
Public Programs
Sunday, May 21, 2023
9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

17770 Alma Bridge Rd
Los Gatos, CA 95032
United States

MicroHike - Spring at Sanborn | 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Miniature Park Interpreter stands at the base of a redwood tree.


Sunday, May 21st | 9:30 am - 10:30am

Location: Sanborn County Park

Shrink down to size of salamander and explore tiny habitats with a Park Interpreter on this nature stroll around Sanborn County Park. 

Space is limited. Reservations required. 

$6 parking fee.  Family friendly & best for kids ages 6+.

Questions? Email [email protected].  

Sign Up

Event Type:
Public Programs
Sunday, May 21, 2023
9:30 AM to 10:30 AM

16055 Sanborn Rd
Saratoga, CA 95070
United States

A Taste of Rowing | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

First-time rowers are invited to learn all about this challenging yet fun water sport at the Los Gatos Rowing Club. All equipment provided.  Reservations online or (408) 355-2240 

Event Type:
Public Programs
Sunday, May 21, 2023
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

17770 Alma Bridge Rd
Los Gatos, CA 95032
United States

A Taste of Rowing | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

First-time rowers are invited to learn all about this challenging yet fun water sport at the Los Gatos Rowing Club. All equipment provided.  Reservations online or (408) 355-2240 

Event Type:
Public Programs
Sunday, May 21, 2023
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

17770 Alma Bridge Rd
Los Gatos, CA 95032
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
Sunday, May 21, 2023
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

23205 McKean Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States

Friday, May 26, 2023

The Myths About Rattlesnakes | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Learn how to survive a rattlesnake encounter. It's easier than you think! Meet at the  Bernal Ranch picnic tables with  snacks and water. Questions (408)225-0225

Event Type:
School / Education
Friday, May 26, 2023
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

260 Bernal Rd
San Jose, CA 95119
United States

Saturday, May 27, 2023

Hellyer Weeding Parties | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

 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

SIGN UP HERE

Father and son at Hellyer County Park weeding party
Event Type:
Volunteer Opportunity
Saturday, May 27, 2023
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

985 Hellyer Ave
San Jose, CA 95111
United States

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