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.
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
Sunday, May 21, 2023
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.
23205 McKean Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States
Friday, May 26, 2023
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
260 Bernal Rd
San Jose, CA 95119
United States
Saturday, May 27, 2023
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
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]
10840 Coyote Lake Road
Gilroy, CA 95020
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. Online link to register: Parks And Rec Shelton Qigong
21785 Almaden Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States
Join a Park Ranger for a "Bark" Ranger hike. Learn how to keep your dog and wildlife safe in the park. Meet at the Visitor Center with hiking shoes, water, and dogs are optional. Questions? (669) 250-8640
10840 Coyote Lake Road
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States
Enjoy a FREE feature-length movie under the stars with family and friends. Come early to learn about the park and talk to a Ranger. Meet at the Canada De Pala Group site with a chair or blanket, flashlight and snacks. No dogs please. Questions? (408) 274-6121
18405 Mt. Hamilton Rd.
San Jose, CA 95140
United States
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
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
9580 Malech Rd
San Jose, CA 95138
United States
Friday, June 2, 2023
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, barn maintenance, and historical house upkeep. Hope to see you at the community volunteer days!
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
372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States
(Currently FULL) Discover the natural and cultural history of the area on a paddle tour of the reservoir. Experienced paddlers only. No instruction or equipment is provided. Meet at launch ramp with your kayak/canoe, life jacket (PFD) and 2 glow sticks per person. $6 vehicle entrance fee and $4 vessel inspection fee collected at park. Reservations online or (408) 355-2240
11401 Stevens Canyon Rd
Cupertino, CA 95014
United States