Parks in the South Bay

The park is the site of over 135 years of mining activities with remnants of mining structures throughout the park. All mines and adits have been sealed except for the San Cristobal mine that can be viewed from behind a locked gate. The park covers a total of 4,152 acres with over 34 miles of hiking trails, some of which are shared with equestrians and bicycles.  Wildflowers are abundant in the park in early spring. There is drinkable water at the Hacienda and Mockingbird Hill entrances.  For a map of the park, please click here

Please click on GET FULL REVIEW to view photos and learn more about the Bay Area Older Adults Almaden Quicksilver County Park trip attended by BAO members.

This is one of the oldest city of San Jose parks and hosts covers 13 miles of trails open to hikers including six miles of horse trails and three miles of dirt bicycle trails.  The park is located within Alum Rock Canyon and covers both shaded trails and trails more open to the sun.  Plant and animal life include holly leaf cherry tree, sagebrush, sycamore, maple, white alder, red willow, different types of oak trees, Madrone, California buckeye, toyon, wild rose, sticky monkey flower, wild blackberries, black tailed deer, brush rabbits, quail, red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, Stellar jays and bobcats.  There is water and restrooms throughout the park including trail entrances (but not along the trails).  For a map of the park, please click here

This bayside park is 18.9 acres and is part of the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.  It is home to many birds so it is perfect for birdwatching.  The trails are available to hikers and mountain bikers.  For a map, please click here Be sure to check for area closures before you go.

This is a 3,144 acre park is the site of Santa Clara County's largest reservoir. The park has a multiple use relatively flat paved trail that follows Coyote Creek north for fifteen miles to Coyote Hellyer County Park. This trail is open to hikers, bicyclists, skaters and equestrians. There is also a one mile self-guided nature trail located along Coyote Creek that is rich with a riparian habitat that is home to abundant regional wildlife.

Arastradero Preserve has 10 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding in rolling hills of savanna grassland and broadleaf evergreen forest.  Elevation spans from 275 feet to 775 feet. There is plenty of wildlife including deer, bobcats, coyotes, and many varieties of birds. There is a lake in the park called Arastradero Lake that is a twenty minute hike from the parking lot.  For a map, please click here

The park encompasses 1,940 acres that are the largest tract of undisturbed marshland remaining in the San Francisco Bay.  There are 15 miles of paved and dirt hiking and biking trails that access both salt and fresh water habitats.  There are three sloughs, three ponds and two creeks in the area.  The preserve has a large resident population of birds and is a major migratory stopover on the Pacific Flyway.  For a map of the park, please click here

Bear Creek Redwoods is a 1,345 acre park with 10.3 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding.  There are no facilities available at this open space.  For a  trail map, please click here

The park has a creek, picnic area, pedestrian/bike trail, two pools, and volleyball nets.  There is a large parking area by the park.

This is a 3,493 acre park hosting California oak woodland, chapparal and riparian plant life and wildlife as well as a reservoir. There are 18.6 miles of trails that are available to hikers and equestrians with elevation changes from 500 to 1500 feet. There are restrooms.  

There is a paved multi-use trail moves along Coyote Creek for 15 miles. It is used by hikers, bicyclists and rollerbladers,  For a map, please click here

Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park is a 4,595-acre park with a 635-acre lake. It has 22 miles of multi-use trails for hikers, horses and bicycles.  The Bear and Mendoza Ranch sections of the park have over 15 miles of trails that pass through oak studded canyons, grassy ridgelines, and views of Santa Clara Valley. There are restrooms available. For a map, please click here

Deer Hollow Farm is an educational farm located in the Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve.  There is a one mile paved and alternate dirt paths leading to the farm that is flat, partly exposed with some shaded areas.   In the Spring and Summer, there are farm tours where baby farm animals can be seen.  There is also a nature center and vegetable and herb garden.  For a map of the area, please click here

The Wildlife refuge hosts over 280 species of shorebirds and waterfowl as well as other wildlife.  It covers 30,000 acres and a variety of habitats including open bay, salt pond, salt marsh, mudflat, upland and vernal pool.  There many miles of dirt trails throughout the refuge.  Trails are open to hikers and bicycles.  For a map of the park, please click here

This 1,541 acre park is a great place for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, picnicking and hang gliding. It has a 19 mile trail system that is part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail alignment.  For a trail map, please click here

This preserve is over 1400 acres with over seven miles of dirt trails that are open to hikers, bicycles and horses but not dogs.  The land is primarily chaparral with some wooded areas near the creeks.  Wildlife includes deer, coyote, and brush rabbits.

This preserve is over 730 acres with over 14 miles of dirt trails that are open to hikers, bicycles and horses and dogs that must be on leash. At the top of the trails, there are views of the Santa Clara Valley.

This preserve is over 730 acres with over 14 miles of dirt trails that are open to hikers, bicycles and horses and dogs that must be on leash.  At the top of the trails, there are views of the Santa Clara Valley.  Preserves are open one half hour before sunrise until one half hour after sunset.  There is a dirt parking for about 15 cars. Park as far as you can from the golf course fence.

Guadalupe Gardens features a renowned Heritage Rose Garden with over 3,700 varieties of roses. Guadalupe River Park is a three mile ribbon of park land that runs along the banks of the Guadalupe River in the heart of downtown San Jose.

Hellyer County Park is 354 acres with Coyote Creek running through the middle of the park. The visitor center has natural history displays. The creek channel is home to many different species of wildlife. There is also a one mile self guided nature trail located along the Coyote Creek that offers information about the local flora, fauna and wildlife. There are multiple restrooms throughout the park. Water is not available so please bring your own. For a park map, please click here

Joseph D. Grant County Park, is a  9,560 acre park with 52 miles of trails for hikers and equestrians. Mountain bikes are permitted on about half of the park's trails as designated. The trails cover the east foothills of the Santa Clara Valley with grasslands and oak trees.  There are multiple restroom facilities.  For a park map, please click here

Lexington Reservoir County Park is 914 acres and includes a 475 acre man made reservoir  There are many multi-use trails alongside the reservoir.  Portable toilets are available. For a park map, please click here

The Los Gatos Creek Trail is open to pedestrians, bicyclists, roller skaters and non-motorized scooters. The trail runs alongside the creek that is home to plants and wildlife.  Drinking water and restrooms are available. For a park map, please click here

The Los Gatos Creek Trail is shared by pedestrians, bicyclists, roller skaters and non-motorized scooters. For a trail map, please click here

The Los Gatos Creek Trail is shared by pedestrians, bicyclists, roller skaters and non-motorized scooters.  For a trail map, please click here

The Los Gatos Creek Trail is shared by pedestrians, bicyclists, roller skaters and non-motorized scooters.  For a park map, please click here

Los Trancos Open Space Preserve is a 274 acre area located in the Santa Cruz Mountains at an elevation of about 2000 feet. It has about 5 miles of mainly shaded, dirt trails for hikers and equestrians. The terrain is rolling grassland, oak woodland and shaded forest. Learn about earthquake geology on the self-guided San Andreas Fault trail.  Restroom facilities are available at the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve parking area, located directly across Page Mill Road.  There is no drinking water. For a park map, please click here

This is an 18 acre historical preserve with 1930s ranch house, milk and livestock barn, Baer's Blacksmith Shop and old water tower on site. The park hosts a nature museum and community garden. There are trails for hiking and viewing deer, coyote, bobcats and more than 100 species of birds.

This is an approximately 3,100 acre preserve that has a rich diversity of wildlife such as bobcats, deer and rabbits and plant life within a canyon, along streams, grassland, including wildflowers in season.  There are about 15 miles of dirt trails for hikers, bicyclists and equestrians that cover shady and exposed areas and views of Santa Clara Valley and over to the Mt. Hamilton range. The Stevens Creek Nature InterpretiveTrail is a self guided 3 mile loop that descends into the forested canyon, continues along the creek, and heads back up through grasslands. Parking is available for 45 cars. Additional parking is available at the Los Trancos Open Space Preserve parking area, located directly across Page Mill Road.  Restrooms are available but no drinking water. For a trail map, please click here

This is a four mile relatively easy loop on a wide dirt trail that is used by hikers and equestrians.  The only parking is on the road (it is free) and the trail head is at a bridge.  The trail goes uphill toward Fremont Older so there are views.  Peak elevation is about 700 feet.  The trail winds through the open spaces between the houses of the neighborhoods.  For a trail map, please click here

Penitencia Creek County Park is a 78 acre park with a four-mile trail that follows Penitencia Creek The trails are used by hikers, bikers and equestrians. There is a pond that is a stop on the migratory flyway.  There are multiple restrooms along the trail.  For a trail map, please click here

This 308 acre preserve is located above the Stevens Creek Reservoir.  It about four miles of dirt trails with sunny exposed orchards on the hill and shady wooded areas.. The trails are open to hikers and equestrians. The historic site is home to the Picchetti Winery and the surrounding farm. Restrooms are available. For a park map, please click Picchetti Ranch Map

This is a 3900 acre preserve that has over 8 miles of multi-use trails with spectacular views of the Diablo Range and Mt. Hamilton.  The trails cover native grasslands, live and valley oak woodlands, sage-chaparral scrub, and creekside habitats. There is no potable water for human consumption.  For a park map, please click here

This is a 165 acre County Park with mainly dirt trails a few of which are shared with equestrians and the rest are limited to hikers.  The park also has paved trails that are shared between hikers and cyclists.  There are about twenty three miles of trails.  At the north end of the park, there are restrooms and water fountains.  At the south end of the park, there is a water fountain.  For a park map, please click here

Sanborn County Park is within Santa Cruz mountains and has over 3,688 highly forested acres. There is a one mile nature trail that offers examples of the flora and fauna diversity in the park. There are over 15 miles of trails for hikers including the Lake Ranch Trail that offers a shaded, easy hike.  Other trails are shared with bicyclists and horses.  There are multiple restrooms available.  For a park map, please click here

Santa Teresa County Park offers over 18 miles of unpaved trails for equestrian, hiking and bicycle use. Wildflowers are abundant from March through June on the Stile Ranch and other trails.  A restroom facility and drinkable water are available. For a park map, please click here

Shoreline Park is a 750 acres wildlife and recreation area with more than eight miles of paved and dirt trails for bicycles, rollerbladers and pedestrians. The area contains two tidal marshes, two sloughs, two creeks and a seasonal marsh so is perfect for birdwatching.  There are restrooms and drinking fountains near the lake as well as two places to eat snacks or a meal. For a park map, please click here

The entire preserve covers 24 miles of trails.  The Mt. Umunhum Area hosts twelve thousand acre areas that are home to abundant wildlife including mountain lions, deer, bobcats, coyotes, and and fauna includes serpentine grasslands, chaparral, bay trees and oak woodland forests. Mt. Umunhum is a 3,486-foot mountain that is not accessible by trails.  Instead, the 6.2-mile Woods Trail that starts at the Jaques Ridge parking area, takes you to the 3,000-foot Mt. El Sombroso.  There are restrooms but no water availability so bring water and sun protection with you.  For a trail map, please click here

This is a 1700 acre park containing a diversity of flora including grasslands, oak woodlands and oak savannas. There is only one trail, the three mile, multi-use Boccardo Loop Trail that is open to hikers, bicyclists and equestrians. This trail is a 1100 foot steep climb and can only be reached through Alum Rock Park via the North Rim and then Todd Quick trails. There is no potable water available.  For a park map, please click here

This preserve is 270 acres and has about four miles of multi-use wide dirt trails for equestrians, hikers and bicyclists. Most trails are exposed and elevation ranges from about 600 to 1200 feet. The top of St Josephs Hill is 1250 feet and offers a panoramic views of Santa Clara Valley, Lexington Reservoir and the Sierra Azul mountain range. There are portable toilets in parking lot. For a park map, please click here

Stevens Creek County Park is 1,077 acres with a 92 acre reservoir. There are multi-use and hiker only trails that span up to six miles.  This park is one of the most popular birding parks in the Bay Area where over 125 species have been sighted. There are multiple restrooms available in the park.  For a park map, please click here

The park is 105 acres of protected seasonal wetlands with dirt trails along the marshes for hiking. At the east end of the park, the road is closed to vehicles and the road continues for biking and walking.  If you walk far enough, you will see a dirt path that leads to more wetland and many more miles of dirt trails that take you by the bay.  There are many parking lots and restrooms throughout the park. There are two huge pond complexes around Moffett channel that are perfect for birdwatching.  For a park map, please click here

Upper Stevens Creek Park is 1,276 acres of douglas fir and redwoods that provide shaded trails.  Hikers share the 11 miles of trails with mountain bicyclists and horses. The trails can be steep.  For a park map, please click here

Uvas Canyon County Park is 1,133 acres of wooded land that is home to two reservoirs, Uvas and Chesbro. The park has six miles of hiking only trails including a one mile Waterfall Loop that travels along Swanson Creek past many  waterfalls.  You can get a self-guided interpretive trail brochure that highlights the flora in the canyon at the trailhead or ranger's office.  There are two restroom facilities.  For a park map, please click here

Vasona Park is 150 acres and includes the Viola Anderson Native Plant Trail. The flat paved trail around the lake is used by pedestrians, bicyclists, and roller skaters.  The trail runs for about 14 miles through the Town of Los Gatos, Vasona Lake County Park, Los Gatos Creek County Park, and the cities. There are multiple restroom facilities. 

Villa Montalvo County Park is 137 acres that features an arboretum and gardens.  There are miles of hiking trails within the park grounds that take you past a carriage house, and lookout point, villa. For a map, please click here Villa Montalvo County Park Map