Located in the eastern foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains in San José,
Calero County Park offers 4,469 acres of diverse recreation, from high-speed boating on the reservoir to tranquil backcountry hiking.
Outdoor Activities & Trails
The park is a premier destination for trail enthusiasts, with nearly 19 miles of paths for hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers.
- Hiking & Wildlife: The backcountry features California oak woodlands and chaparral. Popular routes include the Lisa Killough Trail, a 5-mile intermediate path offering sweeping views from “Lisa’s Lookout”.
- Wildflowers: Visiting in March or April is highly recommended, as the serpentine soils of the Rancho San Vicente area produce spectacular displays of native poppies and other wildflowers.
- Equestrian & Biking: Large staging areas are available for horse trailers. Cyclists can access the Serpentine Loop Trail, which connects to the adjacent Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve.
Current 2026 Status & Alerts
- Seasonal Closures: As of January 2026, many trails are temporarily closed to equestrians and bicyclists due to poor conditions from winter weather.
- Prescribed Burns: Scheduled burn piles for fire management are planned throughout the winter of 2026.
- Events: A South Hills Single Track Trail Run is scheduled for March 21, 2026, starting at the Rancho San Vicente entrance.
Visitor Essentials
- Hours: Open year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset; trails open at sunrise.
- Fees: Parking is free at the main trailheads (McKean Road), but fees apply for vehicle entry to the reservoir area and for boat launches.
- Safety: The park has significant poison oak and minimal shade on many trails; visitors should bring ample water and sun protection.
For real-time trail updates, you can call the Santa Clara County Parks Trail Hotline at (408) 355-2200.
