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.
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, July 13, 2024
When: Saturday, July 13th from 11am to 3pm
Where: Backyard of the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum (Casa Grande) located at 21350 Almaden Road, San Jose, CA 95120.
What: Imagine a day in the life of a mercury miner and other 19th century residents of New Almaden at this fun family event featuring games, crafts, live music, demonstrations, and mining-era activities for all ages. Explore a replica mine tunnel or try your hand at panning for precious gemstones. There's something for everyone at this free event. No registration required, just come on by between 11am and 3pm! Food will be available for purchase.
Please note that dogs are not allowed on the museum grounds (with the exception of service animals).
Questions? Email Colter Cook, [email protected]
21350 Almaden Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States
Monday, July 15, 2024
Mount Madonna County Park Ranger and Maintenance Staff need your help in beautifying various features throughout Mount Madonna Park. This event involves helping maintenance staff install clear plastic to eliminate invasive weed seeds in the Deer Pen.
All equipment will be provided! Please wear close-toed shoes and bring long sleeves, sunscreen, and a refillable water container.
Minimum age: 14
7850 Pole Line Rd
Watsonville, CA 95076
United States
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Join us at the Mt. Madonna 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.
7850 Pole Line Rd
Watsonville, CA 95076
United States
Saturday, July 27, 2024
There are many ways to keep your park beautiful! 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.
Locations include Hellyer Park's Velodrome, Dog Park, and east side of Cottonwood Lake. The Maintenance Crew has greatly appreciated the work that volunteers have done all around the main park over the past year, so keep it up!
Please bring a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and work gloves if you have them.
All ages welcome!
985 Hellyer Ave
San Jose, CA 95111
United States
Join a retired pharmacist and lead volunteer in the exploration of drugs on the farm in the days of old. How did use of these pharmaceutical drugs shape the course of how drugs are manufactured and marketed today?
Meet at the Martial Cottle Park Visitor Center. Leashed dogs, children, and families are welcome. $6 vehicle entrance fee required. Program is free!
5283 Snell Ave
San Jose, CA 95136
United States
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]
7850 Pole Line Rd
Watsonville, CA 95076
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
1195 Hope St
San Jose, CA 95002
United States
Friday, August 2, 2024
Bernal Ranch is a historic site located in Santa Clara County Parks. The Muwekma Ohlone were the first inhabitants of the land and recognized the value of the natural fresh water spring of Santa Teresa Spring. The spring was also used during the Juan Bautista De Anza expedition in 1776. Jose Joaquin Bernal was thirteen years old when he first visited Santa Teresa Spring during the expedition. He eventually settled at Santa Teresa and 120 of his descendants lived on the same ranch land. Currently, the Santa Teresa community is home to a diverse population of families each with a unique history to the land.
Join us to volunteer and be part of the Santa Teresa community. Volunteer opportunities available include gardening, weed abatement, barn maintanence, and historical house upkeep.
Please be prepared to work with tools in varying weather conditions. Best attire includes layered clothing, study closed-toe shoes, long pants and sleeves, hat and gloves. Some additional gloves and tools will be available for volunteer use.
For families with children under 14, please be prepared to sign a release form for your child on the day of the event. Minimum age: 8
Hope to see you at the next First Friday community volunteer day!
Please contact the volunteer office with questions: [email protected]
372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States
Saturday, August 3, 2024
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]
10001 Watsonville Rd
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States
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
Yerba Buena Trail
San Jose, CA 95127
United States