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.

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, August 24, 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 Mendoza Entrance to Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park and follow the 1.5 easy to moderate Rancho La Polka Trail.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, August 24, 2024
9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Calaveras Trail
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States

Wednesday, September 4, 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 Harvey Bear entrance to Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park and follow the 2-mile easy paved Martin Murphy Trail.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Event Type:
Public Programs
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Calaveras Trail
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States

Saturday, September 7, 2024

Chitactac Adams Guided Hike | 10:00 AM - 11:00 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, September 7, 2024
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

10001 Watsonville Rd
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States

Grant Ranch House Tour | September 7 - November 8 2024

Come tour the Joseph D Grant Ranch House and learn about the history of this pioneer family. Joseph D. Grant played an important role in shaping California in politics, industry and land preservation.

Meet at the Grant Ranch House. Questions? Call (408) 274-6121

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, September 7, 2024, 1:00 PM - Friday, November 8, 2024, 2:30 PM

Yerba Buena Trail
San Jose, CA 95127
United States

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

ADA Roll/Walk/Stroll | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
People walking along the paved Martin Murphy trail

Join a Park Interpreter for a guided stroll on the Martin Murphy paved trail at Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear County Park.
The program and the trail are ADA-friendly, and visual and tactile aids will be provided. Together we’ll explore the local habitat, including why the two mountain ranges within Santa Clara County have so many differences between their ecosystems.
Registration required.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Event Type:
Public Programs
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Calaveras Trail
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States

Saturday, September 28, 2024

Family standing on red bridge at Vasona, looking and pointing into distance

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, September 28, 2024
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Saturday, October 5, 2024

Fall Festival | 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

 

Come celebrate our valley's rich agricultural history! The 8th Annual Fall Festival will have local arts, crafts and foods, kids activities, agricultural workshops, animal presentations, historical autos, antique farm equipment, live music, food trucks, exhibitors, entertainment, pumpkin patch - and more.

Join us on October 5, 2024 from 9 am to 2 pm

Free Admission- $6 Parking Fee

Check back in soon for details...

Take a look back at Fall Festival 2023 

If you are interested in becoming a vendor, concessionaire, or exhibitor for an event hosted by Santa Clara County Parks, click here to complete the request form. 

Event Type:
Special Events
Saturday, October 5, 2024
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

5283 Snell Ave
San Jose, CA 95136
United States

Sunday, October 13, 2024

Day on the Bay 2024 | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

FREE EVENT - 免费活动 - EVENTO GRATIS - CHƯƠNG TRÌNH MIỄN PH

Celebrating Wellness of Communities and Wetlands
Presented by
Santa Clara County Parks & Recreation
in partnership with
Supervisor Otto Lee, District 3

Sunday, October 13
10am-3pm
Alviso Marina County Park
1195 Hope Street, Alviso, CA

Wellness Resources -  Kayak Rides - Pumpkins for Kids 

Multicultural Entertainment -  Flu Vaccinations

Kayak and Schooner DOB
Event Type:
Special Events
Sunday, October 13, 2024
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

1195 Hope St
San Jose, CA 95002
United States

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