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Park

Joseph D. Grant County Park

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].​​​​

Entrances and historic sites

photo of main entrance at joseph d grant county park
Joseph D. Grant Ranch (main entrance)

Main park entrance: 18405 Mount Hamilton Road
Mount Hamilton, CA 95140
United States

photo of grant lake entrance at joseph d grant county park
Grant Lake entrance

1999 California 130
San José, CA 95127
United States

Historic Grant House with white balcony surrounded by oak trees and a green lawn.
Grant Ranch House Complex

18405 Mt. Hamilton Road
Mount Hamilton, CA 95140
United States

photo of twin gates entrance at joseph d grant county park
Twin Gates entrance

14866 California 130
Mount Hamilton, CA 95140
United States