Click here for NEW Boating Inspection Procedures

Welcome

Welcome to Calero County Park, one of Santa Clara County's most diverse regional park and recreation areas. Once part of the Pueblo lands of San Jose, and Rancho San Vincente land grant, this 3,493-acre park is nestled in the eastern foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Two distinct areas define this park: the reservoir, which offers a host of water-oriented recreational activities, and the adjoining "back country" which reveals to the visitor California Oak woodland, chapparal riparian plant communities and associated wildlife habitats. During the months of March, April and May the "back country" offers a spectacular display of wildflowers. In addition, the park offers breathtaking views of southern Santa Clara County and the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountain Range. Enjoy your visit today, and return again to experience the diversity of Calero County Park.

How to get there

The boat launch area and the park entrance/trail head are located off McKean Road. Traveling to the boat launch area from Central San Jose, take Almaden Expressway south to Harry Road. Turn right onto Harry Road, then left onto McKean Road. The reservoir is on the right, about three miles south of Harry Road. Traveling to the park on southbound Highway 101, use the Bernal Road exit in San Jose and turn right. Turn left onto Santa Teresa Boulevard, and right onto Bailey Road. Traveling on northbound Highway 101, take the Cochrane Road exit west in Morgan Hill, turn right onto Monterey Highway, then left onto Bailey Road and right on McKean Road. The boat launch ramp area is on your left.

To reach the park entrance and to access to the 7-mile trail system, follow the directions above. Continue south on McKean Road, past the reservoir,1.5 miles to the park entrance.

Activities

The reservoir is open year-round to both power and non-power vessels. Power boating, sailing, fishing, water-skiing and jet-skiing are all activities for which Calero Reservoir is ideally suited. Two sites near the water's edge include picnic tables and barbecues, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A reservable group picnic area is also available. Group picnic and boating reservations can be made on-line at https://gooutsideandplay.org or call (408)355-2201.

The back country offers 18.6 miles of trails available to hikers and equestrians. A large staging area is adjacent to the park office and may be reserved for organized events and gatherings.  Arrangements can be made with park staff for a wide range of interpretive programs and outdoor projects.

Calero Ranch Stables offers horse rentals, a summer equestrian camp, as well as boarding and trail rides. For more information call (408) 268-2567.

Hours and Fees

The park is open year-round from 8 a.m. until sunset. The lake use hours are 8 a.m. until one half hour before sunset. Lake use fees are collected daily. Vehicle entry fees are collected year-round. Launch and entry fees are posted at the kiosk.

Accessibility

The majority of the park''s facilities meet those standards established by the Americans with Disabilities Act. For specific information or special accommodation contact the park office.

CATCH AND RELEASE... PLEASE DON''T EAT THE FISH

Mercury has been found to accumulate in Calero Reservoir at levels that make the fish from Calero Reservoir unsafe to eat.

The nearby Almaden Valley area of Santa Clara County was once the site of quicksilver (mercury) mining. Sediments containing mercury have been deposited in some of the local reservoirs. Over time, the mercury in the sediment may have been converted to methyl mercury by naturally occurring bacteria. Methyl mercury is absorbed by aquatic plants and fish, and subsequently by humans who may eat the contaminated fish. If you have any questions regarding mercury and its effects, please contact the County''s Environmental Health Services, 918-3400.