Hellyer County Park

CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING - Parts of Hellyer County Park: Vehicle access to Velodrome, Sylvandale, or Yerba Buena group sites is closed due to flooding. The Off-Leash Dog Park can still be accessed from 985 Hellyer Ave. Coyote Creek Trail from Hellyer Park to Embedded way is flooded and closed. When approaching Hellyer from the south, detour begins at Shady Oaks Park and directional signs are posted on site. During rain events, there will be higher flows in Coyote Creek, causing flooding.

Welcome to Hellyer County Park and the Coyote Creek Parkway. This 178-acre urban park is located in the heart of Santa Clara County's regional park system. The Coyote Creek, which meanders through the center of the park, is the focus of the park's natural environment. A thick undergrowth and tall trees characterize the well defined creek channel which is home to many different species of wildlife. Visitors to the park can escape from the nearby hustle of city life and enjoy the quiet solitude of Hellyer County Park and the Coyote Creek Parkway.

How to Get There

Hellyer County Park is located at:

985 Hellyer Ave San Jose, CA 95111

Park Office: (408) 225-0225

The park is located west of the Hellyer Avenue exit along Highway 101. The Coyote Creek Parkway multiple use trail can be accessed at both the Blossom Hill Road and Bernal Road exits off Highway 101. Both trailheads are approximately 0.25 miles from the highway. The multiple use trail can also be accessed near the intersection of Monterey Highway and Metcalf Road. Public transit is available to Hellyer County Park.

Activities

Hikers, runners, bicyclists and skaters can enjoy the multiple use paved trail which follows the Coyote Creek south for fifteen miles to Anderson Lake County Park. This asphalt path is relatively flat and meanders along the creek underneath Oak, Cottonwood and Sycamore trees. This is a popular trail, frequented by visitors of all ages. Rest areas are provided, but water is not available. Children can enjoy the improved playground featuring a splash pad for those warm days at the park! The splash pad is open for outdoor fun! Any time the outdoor temperature reaches 70 degrees the splash pad is on!

A one mile self-guided nature trail is also located along the Coyote Creek and provides insight on the local flora, fauna and wildlife. A visitor center/ranger office with natural history displays is located near the entrance to the park. Hours vary but you can call (408) 225-0225 for more information.

Fishing is permitted year-round at Cottonwood Lake and during fishing season in the Coyote Creek. There is a new playground that features a 30-foot-high play structure with an enclosed slide, bridges, swings, cargo-net climbing course and a rock-formation splash pad featuring jets, waterfalls and sprinklers. Also, there is a designated area for toddlers to play with sand, climb, slide, swing and jump to create music.

First-come, first-served family picnic areas are available year-round and are limited by ordinance.

Also located within the park is an Olympic-size velodrome. This is an open air, banked, concrete bicycle racing track is used to stage professional and amateur bicycle events. Information for the velodrome can be found at hellyervelodrome.com. Beginners practice sessions are held from 8:00am-10:00am each Saturday. Equipment and instruction is provided for a $20 fee. Calendar events are updated regularly on the website.

Check our Events Calendar for public programs and events at Hellyer and other Santa Clara County Parks.

Agents of Discovery

Agents of Discovery is a free educational mobile game you can play while walking along the paved pathways at Hellyer County Park. This activity may take you 30 - 45 min to complete and you can start near the playground. As you walk, you will use your smart phone or tablet to answer questions and learn about the park’s history, wildlife, and habitat conservation. We recommend you download the Agents of Discovery app from the Google Play or App Store, as well as the Hellyer mission within the app, before you head out to the park. A prize is available if you complete the mission - further details on how to receive your prize are listed within the app, once you complete all the questions. It is available to play in English and Spanish. Questions? Email [email protected].

Hours and Fees

The park is open year-round from 8 a.m. until sunset. Vehicle entry fees are collected year-round. Fees are required for vehicle entrance, and for use of group picnic areas. Fees are posted at the entrance station.

Access fees information here: Park Fees

Accessibility

In compliance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ('ADA'),the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its programs, services, or activities. The Department will make reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that people with disability have an equal opportunity to enjoy our programs, services, facilities, and activities. If you need assistance with an ADA request, please contact our ADA Coordinator.