Vasona Lake County Park
Vasona Lake County Park guide map
Welcome to Vasona Lake County Park and the Los Gatos Creek Parkway. The 152-acre park and connecting parkway are Santa Clara County's most popular regional park and recreation areas.
View Park Entrance
Park office: (408) 355-2375
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 to use group picnic areas. The fees are posted at the entrance kiosk.
Access fee information here: Park fees
Upcoming events
There are no upcoming events.
View a full list of events at Vasona Lake
Learn about our park
Vasona Lake County Park includes 45 acres of lawn, which can be used for informal play such as frisbee tossing, softball, or soccer. Several picnic areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Eight reservable group areas are located in scenic locations throughout the park.
Paddle boats and rowboats are available for rental from early spring through early fall. Check out Los Gatos Recreation for more information! The lake also offers fishing for black bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill.
The Youth Science Institute (YSI) is located at the park's north end and offers programs and outings that interpret science and inspire an appreciation for the natural environment. Behind YSI, visitors can find solitude while hiking the Viola Anderson Native Plant Trail. For more information, please call (408) 356-4945 ext. 12 or email [email protected].
| Vasona YSI Nature Center hours | |
|---|---|
| Monday - Saturday | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
| Sunday | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
Adjacent to Vasona Lake County Park is the Town of Los Gatos' Oak Meadow Park. Visitors can ride a carousel, picnic, play informal sports, or enjoy the playground. Miniature train rides on the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad originate in Oak Meadow and run through Vasona Lake County Park. Visit their Oak Meadow Park website for more information.
Hikers, runners, bicyclists, and skaters enjoy the Los Gatos Creek multiple-use trail, which begins at Lexington Reservoir and follows the Los Gatos Creek for nearly 9.5 miles through the Town of Los Gatos, Vasona Lake County Park, Los Gatos Creek County Park, and the cities of Campbell and San Jose.
Dogs are welcome on a leash, and owners are expected to pick up droppings. Free disposable doggy bags are available.
Check the events calendar for public programs and events at Vasona Lake and other Santa Clara County Parks.
Make Group Picnic Reservations Here
Picnicking by families and groups is one of the most popular activities at Vasona Lake County Park. Please help make this experience enjoyable for everyone by adhering to the following rules and any posted regulations.
- Family picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A responsible adult (with picnic items) must be present in order to hold a picnic table. A maximum of three tables may be held at one time.
- Reservations are recommended for groups larger than twenty. Please call (408) 355-2201.
- Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Parking stalls cannot be saved. Reservations at group areas do not include reserved parking.
- Do not drive into picnic areas or onto lawns, paths, or landscaping.
- Twenty minutes is the maximum time allowed for parking in the yellow zone for unloading and loading of picnic supplies.
- Post directional signs in designated areas only. You are responsible for removing any signs you post.
- No tacks, nails, or staples on park signs, tables, or trees.
- Allow fires in barbecue pits to burn out. Water will damage the grill and pit.
- Amplified music is prohibited without a permit.
Agents of Discovery is a free educational mobile game you can play while walking along the paved pathways at Vasona Lake County Park. This activity may take 30-45 minutes, and you can start near any parking lot. As you walk, you will use your smartphone or tablet to answer questions and learn about the park's history, local wildlife, and the surrounding ecosystem. We recommend you download the Agents of Discovery app from Google Play or App Store and the Vasona Lake mission within the app before you head to the park. A prize is available if you complete the mission. Further details on how to receive your prize are listed in the app once you complete all the questions.
It is available to play in English and Spanish. Questions? Email [email protected].
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].
