Uvas Canyon County Park

Tucked away in a canyon on the south side of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Uvas Canyon County Park is one of the best county parks Santa Clara has to offer. It is a moderately sized day use picnic area and campground located just 13 miles outside of Morgan Hill. This 1,133-acre park park is clean and well maintained with flushing toilets and potable water. Packed with over five different species of trees, there is an abundance of shade here to protect you from the Central Valley heat. 

Uvas Canyon has plenty of picnic tables and barbecue pits to accompany them. For larger groups, the Black Oak group picnic area can hold up to 75 people and is available by reservation. This park also has a small amphitheater that is located between the group area and the restrooms. Reservations are also strongly recommended at the campgrounds in Uvas Canyon. They offer 25 different campsites with basic amenities that include showers. Short day hikes into the canyon to see the seasonal waterfalls all start at the Black Oak group area. For an additional hike, the trailhead to Knibbs Knob starts from the campground and ascends to 2,694 feet in elevation. With 8 miles of trails, including the Contour Falls Trail, the Waterfall Loop, and the Alec Canyon + Tripple Falls Trail, exploring this area makes for a great afternoon.