Trails Program

Trails are a key part of Santa Clara County Parks lands. Over half of all park visitors come to hike, bike, or jog on County Park trails. Our dedicated Trails Crew builds new trails and partners with park maintenance staff, park rangers, and hundreds of volunteers to maintain an extensive natural surface trail system that connects local communities with nature nearby.

County Parks’ Trails Program is integrated with the Natural Resources Management Program to ensure access and recreation goals are balanced with natural resources preservation and protection policies. New trails are planned and built with a minimal environmental footprint to blend with their natural surroundings. Trails weave between trees and around creeks at mild grades, following the contours of the land. Visit the John Nicholas Trail at Sanborn Park, the Oak Cove and Lisa Killough trails at Calero Park or the Mummy Mountain Trail at Coyote Lake to experience some of our exceptional trail design and construction.

Loving our trails and want to help keep them beautiful?

County Parks provides opportunities throughout the year to help keep our trails safe, clean, and ready for visitor enjoyment. Volunteers can help keep trails clean and green as Land Stewards, relay information about the trails to park staff as Trail Watch Patrol members, or work hand-in-hand with staff to maintain trails on our Monthly Trail Days. Find out more about ways to support our trails here!

Share the trail

If you’re headed out on one of County Parks’ many shared-use trails, it’s important that you understand trail etiquette and share this knowledge with your fellow trail users. Good trail etiquette protects your Parks’ trails and keeps you safe on your visit to a County Park, making for a more enjoyable experience for all. Pass these guidelines forward, so all can have an enjoyable experience to these special, natural areas.

Follow these simple steps when using shared-use trails

Important: Bicyclists should yield the right of the way to those on horseback.

1. Respect and expect other users. Anticipate other trail users around corners and blind curves. If you’re in a group, avoid blocking the trail. Respect wildlife - you’re traveling through their home. Respect public and private property. Leave no trace and pack out litter.
2. Keep dogs leashed and under control at all times—it’s the law! Other trail users don't know your dog is friendly, and you may not know how other dogs will respond to your dog when they approach on a trail. Off-leash dogs are also destructive to wildlife and their natural habitat. 
3. Be friendly and courteous. Greet other users with a friendly “Hello!” or “Nice day!”
4. Runners and hikers should yield to equestrians. Bicyclists should yield to everyone. Downhill traffic should yield to uphill traffic. When in doubt, give other users the right of way.
5. Announce yourself when approaching others. Especially when approaching equestrians.
6. Stay on the trail. Creating your own path or cutting switchbacks creates erosion, damages habitat and natural resources, and may lead others into sensitive areas such as den and nest sites. 
7. Don’t use the trail when it’s wet! Give the trail a chance to dry and recover after rainstorms. Hoof marks, wheel tracks, and footprints have drastic effects on wet trails, and can begin a process of erosion which is difficult to reverse. Check the Trails Hotline (408) 355-2200 ext. 4) or the specific park office or website for current trail conditions.
8. Operate within your ability at all times. For example, if you’re new to mountain biking, keep your bike under control. Situations can get out-of-control fast if you’re not attentive!
9. Be prepared. Bring water, snacks, maps, a light source, and other equipment you may need. Think ahead and bring the essentials. Cell phones are an excellent idea, but batteries can die, and accidents can happen in areas with no cell reception. Know where you’re going and tell someone else your plan before you visit a County park.