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

Park Ranger Badge

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.

.

Junior Ranger Family Day participant receives certificate

Want to become a Virtual Junior Ranger?

Sessions run March 14th-23rd. We invite all Santa Clara County youth, ages 7-12, to join park staff after school via Zoom for Virtual Junior Rangers program. Reservations required. Learn more.

PixInParks Challenge 2023

#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.  

CWTMP Map Update Feedback Tool

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.

Do you like the Parks website?
What works? What doesn't? What's missing?
Click here to answer our brief survey.

RV with overhang and fresh flowers

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!

Scout volunteers with fishing poles at south bay fishing in the city

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!

motorcycle rider in air at metcalf motorcycle park with background of golden hills

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

 

hudson painted a deer with a butterfly perched on its back. trees and grasses in the background

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

 

Children participating in owl dissection activity at Habitat Day

Coyote Creek Habitat Day, Apr 1, 10a-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

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.

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, April 8, 2023

Bernal Historic House Open | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Bernal ranch house and family in 1910

A visit to the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch historic area of Santa Teresa County Park immerses you in the realities of living and working on a family ranch more than 100 years ago.

The Bernal house was built c. 1860, and served as family home for the Bernals and their descendants for over a hundred years. It has been restored to its c. 1910 appearance, as in this historic photo. House museum rooms and exhibits inside tell the story of the Bernal family and the home.

Saturday, April 8, 2023
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States

easter 2023 flyer with banner that reads old-fashioned easter celebration, date saturday, april 8, at grant county park

You're invited to join us at Grant County Park for an afternoon of Easter Bunny visits, crafts, our famous egg hunt with a chance to win a prize. We'll also feature tours of the Grant Ranch House. Remember to bring your Easter basket. Recommended for children ages 5-12.
$6 vehicle entrance fee
 

flyer that lists the details of the easter activities at grant ranch house courtyard, saturday, april 8, 2023. activities include a visit with the easter bunny, craft making, grant ranch house tours and our famous egg hunt.
Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, April 8, 2023
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Yerba Buena Trail
San Jose, CA 95127
United States

Sunday, April 9, 2023

Bernal Historic House Open | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Bernal ranch house and family in 1910

A visit to the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch historic area of Santa Teresa County Park immerses you in the realities of living and working on a family ranch more than 100 years ago.

The Bernal house was built c. 1860, and served as family home for the Bernals and their descendants for over a hundred years. It has been restored to its c. 1910 appearance, as in this historic photo. House museum rooms and exhibits inside tell the story of the Bernal family and the home.

Sunday, April 9, 2023
11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States

Saturday, April 15, 2023

Bernal Historic House Open | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Bernal ranch house and family in 1910

A visit to the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch historic area of Santa Teresa County Park immerses you in the realities of living and working on a family ranch more than 100 years ago.

The Bernal house was built c. 1860, and served as family home for the Bernals and their descendants for over a hundred years. It has been restored to its c. 1910 appearance, as in this historic photo. House museum rooms and exhibits inside tell the story of the Bernal family and the home.

Saturday, April 15, 2023
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States

Sunday, April 16, 2023

Bernal Historic House Open | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Bernal ranch house and family in 1910

A visit to the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch historic area of Santa Teresa County Park immerses you in the realities of living and working on a family ranch more than 100 years ago.

The Bernal house was built c. 1860, and served as family home for the Bernals and their descendants for over a hundred years. It has been restored to its c. 1910 appearance, as in this historic photo. House museum rooms and exhibits inside tell the story of the Bernal family and the home.

Sunday, April 16, 2023
11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States

Saturday, April 22, 2023

Bernal Historic House Open | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Bernal ranch house and family in 1910

A visit to the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch historic area of Santa Teresa County Park immerses you in the realities of living and working on a family ranch more than 100 years ago.

The Bernal house was built c. 1860, and served as family home for the Bernals and their descendants for over a hundred years. It has been restored to its c. 1910 appearance, as in this historic photo. House museum rooms and exhibits inside tell the story of the Bernal family and the home.

Saturday, April 22, 2023
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Bernal Historic House Open | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Bernal ranch house and family in 1910

A visit to the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch historic area of Santa Teresa County Park immerses you in the realities of living and working on a family ranch more than 100 years ago.

The Bernal house was built c. 1860, and served as family home for the Bernals and their descendants for over a hundred years. It has been restored to its c. 1910 appearance, as in this historic photo. House museum rooms and exhibits inside tell the story of the Bernal family and the home.

Sunday, April 23, 2023
11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Learn to Shoot Your Handgun | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Come out and learn safety and the basics of shooting your handgun from a certified Rangemaster. Meet at the Park Office with your handgun in a locked case and 50 rounds of ammunition. We do have 9mm on site to purchase. Reservations (408)463-0652

Event Type:
Junior Rangers
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

9580 Malech Rd
San Jose, CA 95138
United States

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Join a Park Ranger on an 11-mile mountain bike ride. This trail features a flowing and undulating trail that showcases unique geographic features and outcroppings, including a 40-foot tall tafoni sandstone formation. A helmet and properly functioning mountain bike are required.  Reservations  and meeting location (408) 497-2943

Event Type:
Public Programs
Thursday, April 27, 2023
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

20409 Black Road
Los Gatos, CA 95033
United States

Friday, April 28, 2023

Join a Park Ranger on an 11-mile mountain bike ride. This trail features a flowing and undulating trail that showcases unique geographic features and outcroppings, including a 40-foot tall tafoni sandstone formation. A helmet and properly functioning mountain bike are required.  Reservations  and meeting location (408) 497-2943

Event Type:
Public Programs
Friday, April 28, 2023
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

20409 Black Road
Los Gatos, CA 95033
United States

©2023 County of Santa Clara. All rights reserved.