• Website:http://www.sccgov.org/portal/site/parks

In brief:
3.2 mile loop visits a series of waterfalls in this secluded canyon park.

Getting there:
From Interstate 280 in Santa Clara County, take CA 85 south (exit 12b, toward Gilroy). After about 12 miles, exit at Almaden Expressway (exit 6), make the first left, then the next right onto Almaden Expressway. Drive about 5 miles to the end of Almaden Expressway, and turn right onto Harry. Almost immediately, turn left onto McKean. McKean turns into Uvas Road after about 6.5 miles. Continue on Uvas for another 3.7 miles, then turn right onto Croy (there's a brown county park sign before the turnoff). Drive about 3.8 miles to the park entrance at the end of the road. NOTE: the last 0.4 mile or so of Croy passes through the Swedish private community of Sveadal. That stretch of road is very narrow, so drive slowly.

Trailhead details:
$5 entrance fee (self register at automated kiosk). Continue past the entrance station to the signed day use parking lot, just up the road and around the corner, on the right. Parking for about 34 cars. There are a few designated handicapped spots. Restrooms and drinking water just past the west edge of the lot. Maps at the entrance station, and at the beginning of the waterfall loop. Pay phone near entrance station. There is no direct public transportation to the park.

Gas, food, and lodging:
Gas, stores, and restaurants along Almaden Expressway. Camping info from SCCP: "The campground has twenty-five individual campsites available by reservation only. The Upper Bench Youth Group Camping Area is reservable for non-profit youth groups for up to 40 people."

Distance, category, and difficulty:
This 3.2 mile loop hike is easy, although there are a few short moderately steep sections. Trailhead elevation is about 1100 feet. This hike's highest point is about 1800 feet. Total elevation change is about 700 feet.

Rules:
Hikers only. Dogs are permitted, on leash only. Park hours for day use are 8 a.m. to sunset.

The website (http://www.sccgov.org/portal/site/parks) provides info on ALL of the county parks in Santa Clara County!

Our favorite park! My husband grew up near it and we go more than once a month. Very beautiful, well-maintained trails with water and waterfalls. Great for kids!

So, I used to work for Santa Clara County parks, in that area actually and wanted to point out a few tips to anyone looking to go to Uvas. While some of the trails are easy there are several that are much more challenging and anyone looking to go should be prepared for that. Also, in that park it gets wicked hot in the summer with bugs of the flying variety. Plenty of water and some bug spray are not a bad idea. It's beautiful up there especially in the fall and in the spring.
Also, "normal" size vehicles are probably the best idea as entering the park requires one to drive through a small resort with a very narrow road. Enjoy if you go!