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 & Upcoming Events
Want to be a Park Ranger? Santa Clara County Parks is hiring!
Be part of a dedicated team that stewards over 52,000 acres of Santa Clara County’s finest natural resources and historic areas, along with a wide variety of recreational facilities like campgrounds, boating lakes, an OHV park, shooting range, and more. Learn more.
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Coyote Creek Habitat Day, Apr 1, 10am-2pm
Join us for a family day of activities and to view wildlife connected with Coyote Creek. Discover the people and animals who have made their homes along Coyote Creek and how we can protect it in today’s changing environment. Details.
#PixInParks Challenge has Begun!
Lace up your boots! It's time to get outside and connect with nature in the 7th and Final #PixInParks Challenge. Challenge ends December 15, 2023.
Provide Feedback on the Countywide Trails Map Update!
County Parks is working to update the Countywide Trails Master Plan Map to better reflect current planning and changes to the countywide trails network. Explore the Draft Map or attend an upcoming public meeting.
Let us know.
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Camp Hosts Wanted
Love to camp out in your RV or trailer? In exchange for 20 hours of volunteering a week, Camp Hosts can park their rig free of charge for terms up to 3 years. We are currently looking for dedicated ambassadors in our parks at Alviso Marina, Martial Cottle, Chitactac Adams, and Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Parks. Apply Here!
Volunteers Needed for South Bay Fishing in the City!
Love to fish? Help parks staff teach children ages 5-15 the joys of fishing and provide them the tools they need to fish on their own at lakes, ponds, and streams close to home. We are looking for one-time event volunteers as young as 14 years old, and Core Volunteers (18+) who would like to take a leadership role and attend multiple events throughout the season. Click here to sign up!
Let your voice be heard
County Parks submitted an application to the CA State Parks OHV Division for a grant to help fund Metcalf Motorcycle Park improvements and operations. We welcome your input March 7 - May 1. Details
Attn: Young Artists, Grades Pre-K - 12
Create and share the art that inspires you to explore your County Parks. This year’s theme is Earth Day 2023. Submit your original artwork by Sat, Apr 1 to receive a participation prize and a chance to win a grand prize.
Details
SCC Parks Milestones
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, October 7, 2023
Come celebrate our valley's rich agricultural history! The Fall Festival will have local arts, crafts and foods, kids activities, agricultural workshops, animal presentations, historical autos, antique farm equipment, live music, food trucks, exhibitors, entertainment, pumpkin patch - and more.
Join us on October 7, 2022 from 9 am to 2 pm
Free Admission
$6 Parking Fee - Parking is limited
5283 Snell Ave
San Jose, CA 95136
United States
Saturday, October 28, 2023
Discover a new Santa Clara County Park each month while learning about the plants, animals, people, and places that make our parks special. These 1-hour Junior Ranger programs are best for ages 7-12. After completion of 3 park explorations, Junior Rangers can submit their completed logbooks and receive the Santa Clara County Parks Junior Ranger badge. All youth under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian and programs include opportunities for nature hikes and hands-on activities.
Reservations required. Learn more here
Questions? Email: [email protected]
10001 Watsonville Rd
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States
Saturday, December 30, 2023
Discover a new Santa Clara County Park each month while learning about the plants, animals, people, and places that make our parks special. These 1-hour Junior Ranger programs are best for ages 7-12. After completion of 3 park explorations, Junior Rangers can submit their completed logbooks and receive the Santa Clara County Parks Junior Ranger badge. All youth under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian and programs include opportunities for nature hikes and hands-on activities.
Reservations required. Learn more here
Questions? Email: [email protected]
21785 Almaden Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States