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
Sunday, May 26, 2024
Join a Park Interpreter on a 3-4 mile hike in the Almaden Hills and discover how the processing of cinnabar into mercury was significant to the success of the California Gold Rush and the development of California. Best for ages 10+. Meet at the Wood Rd Entrance on Hicks Rd. Questions? Email [email protected]
Space is limited. Registration opens May 1st.
21785 Almaden Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States
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
21350 Almaden Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
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
Explore the redwood forest of Mt Madonna with a park ranger. Gentle 1 mile loop, appropriate for all ages. Meet at the Giant Twins Trailhead with wearing comfortable shoes, dress in layers, bring snacks and water.
Questions? (408) 842-2341
7850 Pole Line Rd
Watsonville, CA 95076
United States
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Join us 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.
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Discover history and science through hands-on family activity stations
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Connect with the Coyote Creek habitat by taking a guided walk or ride
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Participate in a community science exploration along the creek
The event will take place at Coyote Creek Visitor Center at Anderson Lake County Park (19245 Malaguerra Ave., Morgan Hill, CA 95037). Admission is free.
Please consider walking, biking, or carpooling as parking is limited.
Questions? Email [email protected] for more information.
Event partners include:
Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful (For KCCB events and volunteer opportunities, visit kccb.eventbrite.com)
Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center
CA State Parks - Henry Coe
Santa Clara County Libraries - Morgan Hill
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
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
372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States
Join Santa Clara County Parks staff and/or a partner organization for an evening program featuring our animal neighbors, especially those that go "bump" in the night. Programs may include hands-on activities, storytelling, and live animals.
Questions? Email [email protected]
Calaveras Trail
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States
Saturday, June 8, 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
This FREE special event at beautiful Stevens Creek Reservoir will include community resources focused on protecting our water systems, fun water-related activities, and boater and water safety. All ages and leashed pets welcome. Event is at the Lakeshore Picnic Area.
- Sign-up for a mini fishing clinic at the shoreline (ages 5-15 only, all equipment provided)
- 50% off kayaking and standup paddle boarding at the boat dock
- Food for purchase
- Free parking along Stevens Creek Road
11401 Stevens Canyon Rd
Cupertino, CA 95014
United States
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
Yerba Buena Trail
San Jose, CA 95127
United States