Trails are one of the most important features in any park system. The construction and maintenance of a sustainable trail system provides quality recreational experiences in the form of hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and more, as well as access to the Park's points of interest with minimal impact to the natural and cultural resources of the Park or effecting future generations' ability to utilize these resources. There are five major objectives in maintaining Santa Clara County Park trails (in priority order): Visitor and Employee Safety, Resource Protection (natural and cultural), Public Access, Long-term Maintenance-ability of the trail and Visitor Convenience.
 
Santa Clara County Parks Trail Program has developed programs to meet this challenge. These programs include: Trail Management (trail assessment, trail planning, trail classifications, trail closures); Trail Construction and Rehabilitation; and Volunteer Trail Programs.