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
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Anderson Nature Trail
Length: 1-2 miles
Difficulty: Easy hike
Ages: 55+
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.
Explore the flora, fauna, and local history of a new trail each month on these weekday walks with Park Interpreter, Jan Shriner.
Bring water, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. No advanced registration is required.
19245 Malaguerra Ave
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
United States
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 Joanna Piedmont (408)463-0652
9580 Malech Rd
San Jose, CA 95138
United States
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 30, 2023
The Sly Cats! Nature Pop up Coyote Creek Visitor Center-Anderson Lake
Friday, June 30 | 10 am – 2pm
Discover how bobcats and mountain lions share similar features that improve their survival in the wild. Drop in to tap into your creative side and learn more about these sly cats! Email [email protected] for more information. No registration required. All ages welcome!
19245 Malaguerra Ave
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
United States
Are you interested in learning about the history of cattle ranching in Santa Clara County? Do you feel bullish about your chances to win some games as you learn? Bring your family to the Visitor Center on a Friday afternoon to join in and win a prize. Questions? Rob McDonnell [email protected].
5283 Snell Ave
San Jose, CA 95136
United States
Saturday, July 1, 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
Come tour the refurbished Joseph D Grant Ranch House and learn about the history of this pioneer family. Learn about Joseph Grant's role in redwood preservation and California's history. Questions (408) 274-6121
Yerba Buena Trail
San Jose, CA 95127
United States
Join a Park Interpreter for an afternoon nature walk to the Santa Teresa Spring where you can learn some techniques for field notes, drawing, and nature journaling. Program best for age 5 and up. Families are encouraged to attend. Meet at the Bernal Ranch picnic benches with a notebook, pens/pencils/markers. Questions? Contact Rob McDonnell at [email protected].
260 Bernal Rd
San Jose, CA 95119
United States
Enjoy The Incredibles 2, tonight's 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 Cottonwood lawn with a chair or blanket, flashlight and snacks. No dogs, please. Questions? (408) 225-0225
985 Hellyer Ave
San Jose, CA 95111
United States
Sunday, July 2, 2023
Registration is full. We are no longer taking registrations. 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 contact Carrie Grisenti (408) 355-2240
17770 Alma Bridge Rd
Los Gatos, CA 95032
United States