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 through May 15.

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.

Volunteer Hours Icon

29,366

2022 Volunteer Hours

Miles of Trails Icon

342

Miles of Trails

Acres Protected Icon

52,000+

Acres Protected

Regional Parks Icon

28

Regional Parks

Annual Visitors Icon

5,482,718

Annual Visitors

Upcoming Events

Filter Events

Sunday, May 26, 2024

Redwood Hike with a Ranger | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Redwood trail

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

Event Type:
Public Programs
Sunday, May 26, 2024
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

7850 Pole Line Rd
Watsonville, CA 95076
United States

Saturday, June 1, 2024

Coyote Creek Habitat Day 2024 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Park Staff showing junior archeology activity instructions to parent and child

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.   

  • Discover history and science through hands-on family activity stations

  • Connect with the Coyote Creek habitat by taking a guided walk or ride

  • 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)

Grassroots Ecology 

Valley Water 

Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center

CA State Parks - Henry Coe

Tamien Nation

Santa Clara County Libraries - Morgan Hill 

Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society 

Felidae Conservation Fund


VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

If you are interested in volunteering, we are looking for volunteers to:
-Assist with family-friendly activity stations (owl pellet dissection, bird beaks, build a park, welcome table)
-Assist with parking (must be 18 or older)
-Provide extra guidance on hikes and at story time
-Take turns with other volunteers at various spots to facilitate breaks

Minimum age: 16

SIGN UP

Event Type:
Special Events
Saturday, June 1, 2024
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Qigong and Tai Chi | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, June 1, 2024
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States

Evening Program at Coyote Lake | 7:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center staff holding bird in front of audience at Coyote Lake Campfire Center

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]

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, June 1, 2024
7:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Calaveras Trail
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States

Friday, June 7, 2024

three male raking in front of a white house

Bernal Ranch is a historic site located in Santa Clara County Parks. The Muwekma Ohlone were the first inhabitants of the land and recognized the value of the natural fresh water spring of Santa Teresa Spring. The spring was also used during the Juan Bautista De Anza expedition in 1776. Jose Joaquin Bernal was thirteen years old when he first visited Santa Teresa Spring during the expedition. He eventually settled at Santa Teresa and 120 of his descendants lived on the same ranch land. Currently, the Santa Teresa community is home to a diverse population of families each with a unique history to the land.

Join us to volunteer and be part of the Santa Teresa community. Volunteer opportunities available include gardening, weed abatement, barn maintanence, and historical house upkeep.

Please be prepared to work with tools in varying weather conditions. Best attire includes layered clothing, study closed-toe shoes, long pants and sleeves, hat and gloves. Some additional gloves and tools will be available for volunteer use.

For families with children under 14, please be prepared to sign a release form for your child on the day of the event. Minimum age: 8

Hope to see you at the next First Friday community volunteer day!

Please contact the volunteer office with questions: [email protected]

SIGN UP HERE

Event Type:
Volunteer Opportunity
Friday, June 7, 2024
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States

Saturday, June 8, 2024

View of San Jose from Coyote Peak

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

SIGN UP

Event Type:
Volunteer Opportunity
Saturday, June 8, 2024
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

260 Bernal Rd
San Jose, CA 95119
United States

Something's in the Water | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

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.

Event Type:
Special Events
Saturday, June 8, 2024
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

11401 Stevens Canyon Rd
Cupertino, CA 95014
United States

Volunteers posing for a photo in front of the tool trailer

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

SIGN UP

 

Event Type:
Volunteer Opportunity
Saturday, June 8, 2024
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

7850 Pole Line Rd
Watsonville, CA 95076
United States

Grant Ranch House Tour | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

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

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, June 8, 2024
1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Yerba Buena Trail
San Jose, CA 95127
United States

Evening Program at Mt. Madonna | 7:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center staff holding bird in center of audience at Azalea Knoll

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. 
This program will take place at the Azalea Knoll near Valley View 2.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, June 8, 2024
7:00 PM to 7:00 PM

7850 Pole Line Rd
Watsonville, CA 95076
United States

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