What you need to know
Location Activities
Park Information
The cascading waterfalls and lush forest of Uvas Canyon make it one of the most sought-after hiking destinations in the South Bay. This local treasure is yours to enjoy thanks to Santa Clara County Parks. POST works closely with our partners, providing ongoing support in the form of land acquisition, scientific research, regional planning and garnering support for public funding.
Make your required parking reservations today (see below) to explore this park's seven miles of trails.
Watch for:
Quail, deer, vultures, woodpeckers, a variety of hawks and flocks of wild turkeys.
Our Favorite Hike at Uvas Canyon County Park
Distance: 3.5 miles
Elevation change: 800 feet
Hiking time: 2 – 3 hours
Trail surface: Packed dirt
Best Season: All year, but spring is best for the falls
Parking lot address: Click here for directions
Though we try to keep this page accurate, please see the Santa Clara County Parks website before visiting for the latest information.
Overview:
From the day use area, head to the Waterfall Loop Trail, Contour Trail, and then veer left on the Alec Canyon Trail to finish the loop. You’ll pass three falls along the way — Black Rock Falls, Basin Falls and Upper Falls, before returning the the visitor’s center.
For a shorter hike and to still see all the waterfalls, stick to the Waterfall Loop Trail. It meanders along Swanson Creek for a mile and through the most popular and scenic section of this park.
Because parking is limited, prepaid parking reservations *must* be made for weekends and holidays. To make a reservation during normal business hours, call (408) 355-2201. You can also use the online reservation system at any time: www.gooutsideandplay.org.
Recent Photos
The Backstory
Uvas Canyon Park contains 7.2 miles of hiking trails among its 1,147 acres, located on the eastern side of the Santa Cruz Mountains. It is an integral part of our regional wildlife habitat, something we are actively working to protect more of in the South Bay.