Joseph D. Grant County Park
Joseph D. Grant County Park guide map
Welcome to Joseph D. Grant County Park, Santa Clara County's largest regional park and recreation area. This 10,882-acre park includes some of the County's finest open space resources and rich environmental, cultural, and recreational assets. The landscape is characteristic of the east foothills of the Santa Clara Valley, with grasslands and majestic oak trees. As part of the park's tradition and history, cattle grazing currently occurs in some areas, and is monitored under a resource management plan. Enjoy your visit today, and return often to experience the many features of Joseph D. Grant County Park.
Joseph D. Grant has multiple entrances - Park Entrances
Park Office: (408) 274-6121
Hours and fees
For up-to-date trail closures, please call the trail hotline at (408) 355-2200 and press 3.
The park is open year-round from 8 a.m. until sunset. Vehicle entry fees are collected year-round. Fees are also required for camping and the use of group picnic areas. The fees are posted at the entrance kiosk.
Access fee information here: Park fees
Upcoming events
Monthly Trail Day at Joseph D. Grant
View a full list of events at Joseph D. Grant
Learn about our park
Hikers and equestrians have access to an extensive 51-mile trail system. As designated, mountain bikes are permitted on over 75% of the park's trails. The diverse trail system at the park makes it a popular place to stage large-scale organized trail events such as equestrian endurance rides, mountain bike events, and foot races. Dogs on a 6 ft. leash are also allowed on the trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds.
Shaded picnic areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers can choose from almost forty (40) reservable family campsites. Hot showers are available with paid campsite use. Group picnic and youth camping areas are available by reservation. One large lake and several smaller ponds are accessible for warm water fishing. Fires are permitted in designated fire rings only. Do not gather wood. Extinguish fires when unattended. When posted "No fires," only camp stoves or gas grills are permitted. For further questions, please call the park office at (408) 274-6121.
For a reliable mapping tool while in the park and the ability to find your location offline, learn about Avenza Maps here and download it before you go.
Lick Observatory offers concerts, lectures, and telescope viewings monthly. Visit the Lick Observatory website or call (831) 459-2159.
Grant Park is located at the base of Mt. Hamilton. Its major feature, Halls Valley, is suspended between two ridges in the Diablo Range of the Coastal Mountains. Earth movement along the still-active Calaveras Fault formed the park's terrain.
The oak-woodland community at Grant Park is typical of California. Oak trees provide breeding habitat and food for over 32 species of birds and 39 species of mammals. This habitat is so unique and important to wildlife that its protection is essential. The oak community includes the Blue, Black, Live, and Valley Oaks species.
Grant Park once hosted a successful wildlife management plan designed to re-establish the threatened Tule Elk population. Although most of the herds have now migrated out of the park, Grant was selected because of its wildlife sanctuary status and ideal habitat.
Spring is one of the best times to view the flora and fauna at Grant Park. Wildflowers bloom, water flows, and the grass on the hills dances in the wind.
Check our online historical collections to see photos, documents, and artifacts related to Joseph D. Grant County Park. You can also view artifacts from Martial Cottle County Park or Almaden Quicksilver County Park and request images from us.
In compliance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ('ADA'), the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its programs, services, or activities. The Department will make reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that people with disability have an equal opportunity to enjoy our programs, services, facilities, and activities. If you need assistance with an ADA request, please contact our ADA Coordinator at [email protected].
