Santa Teresa County Park

Bernal Entrance Alert: The restrooms and water fountain are currently out of order at the Bernal-Gulnac Joice Ranch Entrance. Portable toilets and sink are available for use. There is no potable water available.

A gorgeous view in the Santa Teresa Park

Welcome to Santa Teresa County Park located in the Santa Teresa Hills ten miles south of downtown San Jose. This diverse 1,673 acre park, rich in history, offers spectacular views from its trails above the Almaden and Santa Clara Valleys. The secluded upland valleys of the park provide a quiet interlude for exploring the natural environment minutes away from the surrounding developed areas.

How to Get There

Santa Teresa County Park is located at:

260 Bernal Rd San Jose, CA 95119

Park Office: (408) 225-0225

The Ranger Station for Santa Teresa County Park is located at Hellyer County Park.

Santa Teresa County Park is located at the southern end of the Santa Teresa Hills. The park may be accessed from either Almaden Valley or Santa Clara Valley. From Santa Clara Valley, take US 101 or Highway 85 to the Bernal Road exit. Proceed west 1.3 miles on Bernal Road and cross Santa Teresa Boulevard toward the Santa Teresa Hills. Bernal Road continues past the park's Santa Teresa Golf Club, winding up into the hills. The Pueblo Day Use Area is located off Bernal Road in a small open valley in the hills. Limited parking and trailhead access are available from Almaden Valley. From San Jose, follow Almaden Expressway until it ends. Turn right onto Harry Road, then turn left onto McKean Road. Travel approximately 1.3 miles to Fortini Road. Turn left onto Fortini Road toward the Santa Teresa Hills. At the end of Fortini Road, turn left onto San Vicente Avenue. A ten car parking area is located on the right about 500 feet from Fortini Road. Public transit is available to Santa Teresa County Park.

Activities

Santa Teresa County Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities. The Santa Teresa Golf Club, operated by a concessionnaire, offers an 18 hole championship course and a 9 hole/par three course. The clubhouse includes a restaurant and pro shop. Electric carts are available for a fee. Also located in the golf course is a banquet facility, available by reservation. For green fee rates, reservations and more information about the golf course, call (408) 225-2650 or visit Santa Teresa Golf Club.

The Pueblo Day Use Area includes parking for over 170 vehicles and an equestrian staging area. A reservable group picnic area for up to 100 people with a large barbeque pit is sited near a restroom facility and potable water source. Other individual picnic tables and barbeques are scattered throughout the day use area.

Gorgeous view of a cloudy day at Santa Teresa Bernal Ranch

The historic Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch and Santa Teresa Springs are open to the public and available for school tours. For more information on school tours, please visit our education page.

An archery range, operated and maintained by the Black Mountain Bowmen Archery Club, is open for public use except when tournaments are scheduled.

The park offers over 17 miles of unpaved trails for equestrian, hiking and bicycle use. Some of the trails are steep, namely around Coyote Peak. The Coyote Alamitos Canal is a Santa Clara Valley Water District facility. The canal includes a maintenance road which is not part of the park's trail system. Spectacular wildflower displays may be found from March through June on the Stile Ranch Trail as well as many other trails in the park.

The park also features an annual event at Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch called La Fuente. This year it is scheduled for Saturday, September 23rd, and will feature dancing, music, community tables, and history walks.

Picnicking

Picnicking by groups and families is a popular activity in Santa Teresa County Park, namely in the Pueblo Day Use area. Please help make this experience enjoyable for everyone by adhering to the following rules and any posted regulations:

Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Pueblo Group Area is available for groups up to 100 persons. To reserve this facility, please call (408) 355-2201, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Reservations at group area does not include reserved parking.
Do not drive into picnic areas or onto lawns or paths.
Twenty minutes is the maximum time allowed for parking in the yellow zone for unloading and loading of picnic supplies.
No tacks, nails, or staples on park signs, tables, or trees.
Allow fires in barbecue pits to burn out. Water will damage the grill and pit.
Amplified music is allowed.

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 to reserve the Pueblo Group Picnic Area. For green fees and other information regarding the golf club, call (408) 225-2650 or visit their website.

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.