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
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.
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.
Hike The Hundred has Begun!
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!
Join a guided walk at Stevens Creek on challenge launch day! Learn more.
Boating Season Opens April 13
Recreational boating and water activities at Coyote Lake (power and non-power), Stevens Creek Reservoir (hand launch/non-power boating only) and Lexington Reservoir (hand launch/non-power boating only) open for the season on April 13, 2024. Calero (power and non-power) is the only body of water open year-round to boating. Learn more
Earth Day and Arbor Day Volunteer Events
Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd each year, and Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April. Come join in on one of the many volunteering events occurring in Santa Clara County Parks in honor of these special occasions! 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
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Saturday, June 24, 2023
Looking to volunteer? Help us maintain Calero Reservoir! Volunteers will use non-powered tools to pull weeds/ cut and pile coyote brush, hemlock, and various other invasive plants at Calero Reservoir. Bring sturdy gloves, closed toe shoes (boots if possible), and your can-do attitudes! Prepare for the weather by wearing sunscreen, light moisture wicking clothing and a hat.
Minimum Age: 14
23205 McKean Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States
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
If you are looking to get outside and connect with the outdoors right in your backyard this is the opportunity for you!
Make a lasting impact on your local Santa Clara County Parks by helping maintain their natural beauty and preserving their habitat for the wildlife that depend on them.
Lakeside Trail Day will include: clearing trail pathways and removing overgrown vegetation.
10840 Coyote Lake Road
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States
Celebrate National Pollinator Week by joining us at Martial Cottle Park for a 1.5 mile Native Plant and Pollinator guided walk. Learn about the importance of pollinators and how native plants help them. Additional pollinator activities throughout the park. Families are encouraged to attend. Meet at the Visitor Center. Questions? Jacqueline Zizana (408) 535-4060.
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. Learn more here
Reservations required.
Sign up
Questions? Email [email protected]
11401 Stevens Canyon Rd
Cupertino, CA 95014
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 between the barns at Bernal Ranch with comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen and layers. Reservations online or call Carrie Grisenti (408) 355-2240
372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States
Some people say Batman is their favorite superhero, but what about the bats that inspired his costume? Join a Park Interpreter at the amphitheater to learn about the superpowers of our Parks' bats. Questions? Email Rob McDonnell at [email protected].
18405 Mt. Hamilton Rd.
San Jose, CA 95140
United States
Enjoy tonight's FREE feature-length movie, Luca, under the stars with family and friends. Come early to learn about the park and talk to a Ranger. Meet at the Railroad Meadow with a chair or blanket, flashlight and snacks. No dogs, please. Questions? Erick Perkins, (408) 842-2341
333 Blossom Hill Rd
Los Gatos, CA 95032
United States
Sunday, June 25, 2023
If you are looking to get outside and connect with the outdoors right in your backyard this is the opportunity for you!
Make a lasting impact on your local Santa Clara County Parks by helping maintain their natural beauty and preserving their habitat for the wildlife that depend on them.
Lakeside Trail Day will include: clearing trail pathways and removing overgrown vegetation.
10840 Coyote Lake Road
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States
Join a Park Ranger led hike and discover the life of nocturnal animals in our beautiful park system. Meet at the Pueblo Group area with layers, water, fully charged flashlight, and comfortable shoes. Questions? Ruben Suarez (408) 225-0225
260 Bernal Rd
San Jose, CA 95119
United States