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
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Saturday, May 11, 2024
Join Santa Teresa Land Steward Volunteers on the second Saturday of every month to care for and improve Santa Teresa County Park.
Projects are focused on improving native habitat for plants and animals as well as keeping the park safe and enjoyable for visitors. Work may include weeding, pruning, watering, planting and litter pickup.
Bring a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and work gloves if you have them. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and closed-toe shoes for protection. Tools will be provided.
Minimum age: 14
260 Bernal Rd
San Jose, CA 95119
United States
Join the Friends of Santa Teresa Park for a moderate 2.5-mile hike on the Stile Ranch, Mine, and Fortini Trails. You’ll hear stories about mothers who were important to the area’s history and see colorful late-spring wildflowers.
Meet at the Fortini Trailhead on San Vicente Avenue off Fortini Road with sturdy shoes, snacks, and water.
Leashed dogs, children, and families welcome. Register online. For more information, call (408) 355-2240.
22581 San Vicente Ave
San Jose, CA 95120
United States
Discover the unique characteristics and habits of our largest native cat, the Mountain Lion.
Meet at the Campground Amphitheater.
Questions? (408) 842-7800
10840 Coyote Lake Road
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States
Did you know that mercury was once used to make dye for Chinese lacquerware and the communities of New Almaden were amongst the first to celebrate Cinco de Mayo?
Learn more and help us celebrate the multicultural communities of New Almaden, by joining a Crafternoon at Almaden Quicksilver County Park's Mining Museum at Casa Grande! (Address: 21350 Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95120)
Free drop in event, great for all ages. Questions? Email [email protected]
21350 Almaden Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States
Discover how to enhance your outdoor experiences through our Yoga with Yogi Bear program. Learn essential flexibility, strength, and endurance techniques in Ranger-led sessions designed to elevate your adventures and safeguard against injuries.
Bring: A blanket and a water bottle
Meet: Corral Lot, using Pueblo Entrance
Questions? Questions? (669) 219-4335
260 Bernal Rd
San Jose, CA 95119
United States
Enjoy hiking Santa Teresa park at dusk with a Park Ranger. See the sunset and spend some time enjoying the night sky and local flora and fauna at a time when the park is not normally open to visitors. Each of the night hikes of 2024 at Santa Teresa will be on a different trail with varying levels of difficulty.
This month's hike is rated as moderate. 2.4 miles total, with approximately 360ft of elevation change over 1.2 miles. Meet at the Corral Parking lot at the Pueblo Day Use Area.
Questions? 669-210-6518
260 Bernal Rd
San Jose, CA 95119
United States
Sunday, May 12, 2024
Did you know that mercury was once used to make dye for Chinese lacquerware and the communities of New Almaden were amongst the first to celebrate Cinco de Mayo?
Learn more and help us celebrate the multicultural communities of New Almaden, by joining a Crafternoon at Almaden Quicksilver County Park's Mining Museum at Casa Grande! (Address: 21350 Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95120)
Free drop in event, great for all ages. Questions? Email [email protected]
21350 Almaden Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Join a park ranger on an 11-mile mountain bike ride through history. We will ride the scenic Los Gatos Creek Trail, continue to Lexington Reservoir and climb St. Joseph's Hill, a 900 foot climb.
Helmet and properly functioning mountain bike required.
Meet at the Pier Parking Lot at Vasona County Park. Questions? (408) 497-2943
15294-15298 Garden Hill Dr
Los Gatos, CA 95032
United States
Friday, May 17, 2024
Did you know that mercury was once used to make dye for Chinese lacquerware and the communities of New Almaden were amongst the first to celebrate Cinco de Mayo?
Learn more and help us celebrate the multicultural communities of New Almaden, by joining a Crafternoon at Almaden Quicksilver County Park's Mining Museum at Casa Grande! (Address: 21350 Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95120)
Free drop in event, great for all ages. Questions? Email [email protected]
21350 Almaden Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States
Join a park ranger on an 11-mile mountain bike ride through history. We will ride the scenic Los Gatos Creek Trail, continue to Lexington Reservoir and climb St. Joseph's Hill, a 900 foot climb.
Helmet and properly functioning mountain bike required.
Meet at the Pier Parking Lot at Vasona County Park. Questions? (408) 497-2943
15294-15298 Garden Hill Dr
Los Gatos, CA 95032
United States