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 April 1-30.

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

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Sunday, May 5, 2024

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 at the parking lot near the restrooms with comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen and layers. Reservations online or contact Carrie Grisenti (408) 355-2240
Event Type:
Public Programs
Sunday, May 5, 2024
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

21350 Almaden Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States

Craft Projects at Almaden Quicksliver

Did you know that mercury was once used to make dye for Chinese lacquerware and the communities of New Almaden were amongst the first to celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

Learn more and help us celebrate the multicultural communities of New Almaden, by joining a Crafternoon at Almaden Quicksilver County Park's Mining Museum at Casa Grande! (Address: 21350 Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95120)

Free drop in event, great for all ages.  Questions? Email [email protected]

Event Type:
Public Programs
Sunday, May 5, 2024
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

21350 Almaden Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States

Friday, May 10, 2024

Craft Projects at Almaden Quicksliver

Did you know that mercury was once used to make dye for Chinese lacquerware and the communities of New Almaden were amongst the first to celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

Learn more and help us celebrate the multicultural communities of New Almaden, by joining a Crafternoon at Almaden Quicksilver County Park's Mining Museum at Casa Grande! (Address: 21350 Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95120)

Free drop in event, great for all ages.  Questions? Email [email protected]

Event Type:
Public Programs
Friday, May 10, 2024
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

21350 Almaden Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States

Saturday, May 11, 2024

Alviso Marina Weeding Parties | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Volunteers clearing weed at Alviso

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

SIGN UP HERE

Event Type:
Volunteer Opportunity
Saturday, May 11, 2024
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

1195 Hope St
San Jose, CA 95002
United States

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, May 11, 2024
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

260 Bernal Rd
San Jose, CA 95119
United States

Join the Friends of Santa Teresa Park for a moderate 2.5-mile hike on the Stile Ranch, Mine, and Fortini Trails. You’ll hear stories about mothers who were important to the area’s history and see colorful late-spring wildflowers.

Meet at the Fortini Trailhead on San Vicente Avenue off Fortini Road with sturdy shoes, snacks, and water.

Leashed dogs, children, and families welcome. Register online.  For more information, call (408) 355-2240.

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, May 11, 2024
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

22581 San Vicente Ave
San Jose, CA 95120
United States

Mountain Lions on the Prowl | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
mountain lion standing on mossy boulders

Discover the unique characteristics and habits of our largest native cat, the Mountain Lion.

Meet at the Campground Amphitheater.

Questions? (408) 842-7800

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

10840 Coyote Lake Road
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States

Craft Projects at Almaden Quicksliver

Did you know that mercury was once used to make dye for Chinese lacquerware and the communities of New Almaden were amongst the first to celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

Learn more and help us celebrate the multicultural communities of New Almaden, by joining a Crafternoon at Almaden Quicksilver County Park's Mining Museum at Casa Grande! (Address: 21350 Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95120)

Free drop in event, great for all ages.  Questions? Email [email protected]

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, May 11, 2024
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

21350 Almaden Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States

Yoga with Yogi Bear | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Yoga icon

Discover how to enhance your outdoor experiences through our Yoga with Yogi Bear program. Learn essential flexibility, strength, and endurance techniques in Ranger-led sessions designed to elevate your adventures and safeguard against injuries.

Bring: A blanket and a water bottle

Meet: Corral Lot, using Pueblo Entrance

Questions? Questions? (669) 219-4335

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, May 11, 2024
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM

260 Bernal Rd
San Jose, CA 95119
United States

Santa Teresa Night Hike | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Moderate Hike Icon

Enjoy hiking Santa Teresa park at dusk with a Park Ranger. See the sunset and spend some time enjoying the night sky and local flora and fauna at a time when the park is not normally open to visitors. Each of the night hikes of 2024 at Santa Teresa will be on a different trail with varying levels of difficulty.

This month's hike is rated as moderate. 2.4 miles total, with approximately 360ft of elevation change over 1.2 miles.  Meet at the Corral Parking lot at the Pueblo Day Use Area.

Questions? 669-210-6518

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, May 11, 2024
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

260 Bernal Rd
San Jose, CA 95119
United States

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