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

Sunday, July 9, 2023

Basic First Aid | 10:00 AM - 10:25 AM

Basic First Aid - What's in your first aid kit? Meet a Ranger online to show and tell whats in my first aid kit. We will also cover a basic scenario regarding how to control bleeding. Questions (669) 219-4317

Event Type:
Public Programs
Sunday, July 9, 2023
10:00 AM to 10:25 AM

19245 Malaguerra Ave
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
United States

Calero Water and Wags Festival | 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Come find out how fun protecting our waters can be and meet our "Mussel Dogs!" Learn water safety and how to "Clean, Drain, and Dry" your vessel. Join us at Calero Reservoir for this family and pet-friendly event with live music. Learn about boating and aquatic safety, focusing on conservation, community, and the value of companion animals. Food and ice cream are available for purchase. If you would like to volunteer, sign-up here.

Water & Wags Image July 2023
Event Type:
Special Events
Sunday, July 9, 2023
10:30 AM to 2:00 PM

23205 McKean Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Family Twilight Oaks Stroll | 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Trail, oaks and green grass in late afternoon

Take your family out on a free guided nature walk in the late-afternoon light and explore an Oak Woodland ecosystem along the historic trails around Bernal Ranch. Learn about the value of this protected land for both animals and the people of the Santa Clara Valley. Recommended for groups of all ages.

Space is limited. Reservations required.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Sign up

Event Type:
Public Programs
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
7:30 PM to 8:30 PM

372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States

Saturday, July 15, 2023

A Taste of Rock Climbing | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Are you interested in outdoor rock climbing but don't know where to get started? This program will teach you the basics of rock climbing. No experience necessary. Climb on! Meet at the Indian Rock parking lot with athletic wear, water, and sunscreen. Reservations online or contact Josh Sanghvi (669)219-4335

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, July 15, 2023
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

16055 Sanborn Rd
Saratoga, CA 95070
United States

Calero Weeding Parties | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Volunteers clearing weeds

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

SIGN UP HERE

Event Type:
Volunteer Opportunity
Saturday, July 15, 2023
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

23205 McKean Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States

Join a Park Ranger on an interpretive hike for self-identified people within marginalized gender and sexuality groups. Pets are welcome. Meet at Villa Montalvo Great Lawn with water, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Reservations online. Questions (408) 483-1623

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, July 15, 2023
9:00 AM to 11:30 AM

15400 Montalvo Rd
Saratoga, CA 95070
United States

Vintage Smelling Salts Bottle

Join a volunteer docent for a fun review of vintage over the counter drugs from the Cottle Estate. See how availability and marketing for these items has changed over time. Best for adults and older teens. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Reservations required. Please sign up at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drugs-on-the-farm-good-for-what-ails-you-tickets-629618043517

Questions? Contact Jacqueline Zizana (669) 288-9125.

$6 Parking Fee

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, July 15, 2023
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

5283 Snell Ave
San Jose, CA 95136
United States

Tai Chi Qigong | 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 at the parking lot near the restrooms with comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen and layers. Reservations online or contact Carrie Grisenti (408) 355-2240

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, July 15, 2023
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

1195 Hope St
San Jose, CA 95002
United States

Ever wondered how wildlife live and survive in the dark? Join a Park Interprerter for an hour of fun activities and get to know your evening wildlife neighbors better. Meet at the campfire area with warm clothes, snack or warm drink. Questions Lynda Will (408) 918-7770

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, July 15, 2023
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

16055 Sanborn Rd
Saratoga, CA 95070
United States

Full Moon Hike | 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Enjoy Grant Park at night with a full moon overhead, while we explore the park in search of history and night time animals. Meet at the Stockman's parking lot with sturdy shoes. If you bring your own flashlight we will place a red lens on it. Questions? Bryan Lue  (408) 274-6121

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, July 15, 2023
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Yerba Buena Trail
San Jose, CA 95127
United States

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