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.

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, June 15, 2024

Three Park Interpreters seated at a table displaying materials on oppossums

Join us at the Coyote Creek 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.

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, June 15, 2024
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

19245 Malaguerra Ave
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
United States

Junior Rangers Night Hike | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Fog rolling over hills at Joseph D. Grant County Park

Discover a new County Park each month, as we explore, learn, 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]

Event Type:
Junior Rangers
Saturday, June 15, 2024
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

18405 Mt. Hamilton Rd.
San Jose, CA 95140
United States

Saturday, June 22, 2024

A Taste of Archery | 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Join the Black Mountain Bowmen to learn how to shoot a compound or recurve bow. Ages 7 and up with parent. A mandatory safety class and equipment.

Ages 7 - adult (Families welcome) Please bring a snack, water and sunscreen. Dress in layers. Black Mountain bowman will provide the equipment which has been donated by Predator's Archery in Gilroy.

Reservations online 

A Taste of Archery Image
Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, June 22, 2024
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM

317 Bayliss Dr
San Jose, CA 95139
United States

Volunteers cleaning up weeds at Hellyer Park

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!

SIGN UP HERE

Event Type:
Volunteer Opportunity
Saturday, June 22, 2024
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

985 Hellyer Ave
San Jose, CA 95111
United States

A Taste of Archery | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Join the Black Mountain Bowmen to learn how to shoot a compound or recurve bow. Ages 7 and up with parent. A mandatory safety class and equipment.

Ages 7 - adult (Families welcome) Please bring a snack, water and sunscreen. Dress in layers. Black Mountain bowman will provide the equipment.

Reservations online

A Taste of Archery Image
Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, June 22, 2024
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

317 Bayliss Dr
San Jose, CA 95139
United States

Ranger pointing to a "Welcome to our Home" habitat poster while Junior Rangers look at the poster

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] 

Event Type:
Junior Rangers
Saturday, June 22, 2024
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

11401 Stevens Canyon Rd
Cupertino, CA 95014
United States

Saturday, June 29, 2024

Adults walking along a trail with hills in the background

Explore the flora, fauna, and local history of a new trail each month with a Park Interpreter.
Designed for adults 55+, these 2-hour excursions are a great way to meet fellow park enthusiasts and enjoy park trails in the comfort of a group. Bring water, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.
This stroll will meet at the Coyote Creek Visitor Center at Anderson Lake County Park and follow an easy 1-2 mile route along the Nature Trail.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, June 29, 2024
9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

19245 Malaguerra Ave
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
United States

Qigong and Tai Chi | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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 in between the two barns with comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen and layers. Reservations online or contact Carrie Grisenti (408) 355-2240
 

Saturday, June 29, 2024
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States

Friday, July 5, 2024

three male raking in front of a white house

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]

SIGN UP HERE

Event Type:
Volunteer Opportunity
Friday, July 5, 2024
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States

Saturday, July 6, 2024

Chitactac Adams Guided Hike | 10:00 AM - 10:00 AM
People standing on stairs leading down to view of Uvas Creek

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]

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, July 6, 2024
10:00 AM to 10:00 AM

10001 Watsonville Rd
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States

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