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.
Native Plant and Pollinator Day at Martial Cottle Park
Celebrate National Pollinator week at Martial Cottle Park on June 15 from 9am to 12 pm. Learn about the importance of pollinators and how native plants help them through our guided walks and activities. Join us at the Park Partner Lot to visit our Park Partners, exhibitor booths, while enjoying crafts and activities. Event information
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
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
Visit beautiful Stevens Creek Reservoir to learn about protecting our water systems at the Quagga Mussel Inspection Station at the launch ramp. Bring layers, snacks, and water.
11401 Stevens Canyon Rd
Cupertino, CA 95014
United States
Mount Madonna County Park Ranger and Maintenance Staff need your help in beautifying various features throughout Mount Madonna Park. This event involves weeding, trimming brush, sweeping, and removing graffiti at the Miller ruins.
All equipment will be provided! Please wear close-toed shoes and bring long sleeves, sunscreen, and a refillable water container.
Minimum age: 14
7850 Pole Line Rd
Watsonville, CA 95076
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
Saturday, June 15, 2024
We invite you to join Santa Clara County Parks Natural Resource Management team, in partnership with San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory, in their efforts to restore the coastal habitat of Alviso Marina County Park.
Volunteers will assist in the removal of invasive plants and the spreading of mulch in preparation for the planting of native plants.
Please bring sturdy gloves, closed toe shoes (boots if possible), proof of vaccination, and your can-do attitudes!
Minimum age: 12
1195 Hope St
San Jose, CA 95002
United States
Celebrate National Pollinator Week by joining Martial Cottle Park at our 3rd Annual Native Plant and Pollinator Day event. Learn about the importance of pollinators and how native plants help them.
Native Plant and Pollinator Guided Walk
The 30-minute guided walk will be about .5 a mile round trip on paved paths. Families are encouraged to attend. Meet at the Martial Cottle Park Partner Lot at 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM to join.
Space is limited on the guided walk. Registration Recommended. Sign Up Here
Registration recommended for walk only
Pollinator Related Activities
Additional pollinator activities will take place from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Park Partner Lot as well as our park partner’s parcels.
Admission is free. $6 parking fee
Interested in Volunteering?
Sign up here!
Check out what will be happening at the Our City Forest Partner Parcel
5283 Snell Ave
San Jose, CA 95136
United States
Join us at the Coyote Creek Visitor Center as we explore, learn and respect nature found at various parks. Our nature pop-ups will discover different wildlife connections and provide family-friendly themed crafts and more at our visitor centers!
No registration required. All ages welcome!
Email [email protected] for more information.
19245 Malaguerra Ave
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
United States
Discover a new County Park each month, as we explore, learn, and respect nature in this 1-hour family program. After completion of 3 park explorations, Junior Rangers can submit their completed logbook and receive the Santa Clara County Junior Ranger badge.
Best for ages 7-12. Registration required.
Questions? Email [email protected].
18405 Mt. Hamilton Rd.
San Jose, CA 95140
United States
Saturday, June 22, 2024
Join the Black Mountain Bowmen to learn how to shoot a compound or recurve bow. Ages 7 and up with parent. A mandatory safety class and equipment.
Ages 7 - adult (Families welcome) Please bring a snack, water and sunscreen. Dress in layers. Black Mountain bowman will provide the equipment which has been donated by Predator's Archery in Gilroy.
317 Bayliss Dr
San Jose, CA 95139
United States
There are many ways to keep your park beautiful! If you are looking to get outside and connect with new people right in your backyard, this is the opportunity for you! California native plants play an important role in the health of our parks. To help them thrive, we have to work together to remove non-native and invasive plants.
Locations include Hellyer Park's Velodrome, Dog Park, and east side of Cottonwood Lake. The Maintenance Crew has greatly appreciated the work that volunteers have done all around the main park over the past year, so keep it up!
Please bring a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and work gloves if you have them.
All ages welcome!
985 Hellyer Ave
San Jose, CA 95111
United States