Anderson Lake County Park

Starting Oct. 1, 2020, the following recreation areas will be closed:
- Toyon Group Picnic Site and Parking Areas; Serpentine Trail; Dam Crest Woodchoppers Flat
- Anderson Lake Park's boating and fishing, boat and vehicle parking areas, and boat ramp.
- Coyote Road from the toe of the dam to the boat and vehicle parking areas; and Lakeview Trail is closed from the Anderson Launch Ramp parking lot trailhead to the westernmost junction with the Rancho Laguna Seca Trail.
- Fishing will be closed along the entire reservoir shoreline.
- Live Oak Group Picnic Site 
- Bridge nearest Live Oak Group Picnic Site and all areas north of it

​​For project updates and to learn more about the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project: Valley Water Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit 

Welcome to Anderson Lake County Park, Santa Clara County's largest reservoir. This 4,275 acre park features the Coyote Creek Parkway multiple use trails, the Jackson Ranch historic park site, the Moses L. Rosendin Park, and the Burnett Park area. This unique combination of recreational resources makes Anderson Lake County Park a magnet for power boat enthusiasts, bicyclists, equestrians, picnickers, and nature lovers. Plan your visit today!

About Anderson Lake

In January 2009, the water district hired a consultant to evaluate the seismic stability of Anderson Dam. Preliminary findings of the study indicate that part of the dam would be seismically unstable during a very large, 7.25-magnitude earthquake occurring on the Calaveras Fault approximately two kilometers of the dam. Other large earthquakes occurring close to the dam could also cause considerable damage to it. View here for more information.

How to Get There

Anderson Lake County Park is located at:

19245 Malaguerra Ave Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Park Office: (408) 918-7980

Anderson Lake and the picnic areas along the Coyote Creek are located on Cochrane Road in Morgan Hill, east of Highway 101. To reach the Woodchopper's picnic area or the Jackson Ranch, follow Dunne Avenue east from Highway 101. The Coyote Creek Parkway multiple use trails can be reached by following Cochrane Road.

Anderson Lake Visitors Center access to Coyote Creek Parkway is at 19245 Malaguerra Avenue. Access to the reservoir is 18295 Coyote Road.

Activities

Anderson Reservoir, a seven-mile long, 953 surface acre lake, is under construction until 2032.

First-come, first-served family picnic areas are available year round along Coyote Creek. One group picnic area is available by reservation.

Fishing is not permitted on Anderson Lake while under construction. Fishing is also allowed in Coyote Creek during fishing season (April - November), special fishing regulations apply.

Hikers, runners, bicyclists, equestrians, and skaters can enjoy the multiple use paved trail which follows Coyote Creek north for fifteen miles to Hellyer County Park. This asphalt path is relatively flat and meanders along the creek underneath Oak, Cottonwood, and Sycamore trees. An equestrian staging area with trailer parking, rest areas are provided, but water is not available.  

Events

Each year, Santa Clara County Parks celebrates the role of Coyote Creek in the watershed and wildlife habitat of Santa Clara County with an event called Coyote Creek Habitat Day. The event takes place at the Coyote Creek Visitor Center at Anderson Lake County Park. You can find out more about Coyote Creek Habitat Day here.

Field Trips

Guided educational programs are available by reservation for groups of up to 35 students. Programs are offered weekday mornings during the school year and allow students to explore a riparian habitat and learn about how animals stay safe and survive in their environment.
The school program meets Next Generation Science Standards for students in grades 1 and 2.

For additional information about our educational programs and teaching resources, visit our Education Programs  page or email [email protected].    

Groups of 10 or more who wish to visit the park on weekday mornings are advised to call (408) 846-5632 in advance to find out if their group's activities may be impacted by previously scheduled event in the park.

Hours and Fees

The park is open year-round from 8 a.m. until sunset. Vehicle entry fees are collected at Anderson year-round. Fees are also required for group picnic reservations.

Access fees information here: Park Fees

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.​​​​

​​​​​​​Attachments

• Anderson Lake County Guide Map (Public Access Areas)

• Coyote Creek Parkway Nature Trail

• Anderson Lake Brochure