Stevens Creek County Park

Stevens Creek County Park is the easy-going end of Stevens Canyon. Santa Clara County Parks manages 1,063 acres around Stevens Creek Reservoir, just past the edge of Cupertino. The county describes a reservoir, creekside picnic areas and the remains of the historic Villa Maria orchard. Over nine miles of trail climb into the hills and connect with Midpen's Fremont Older Preserve. Families come for the picnic tables, birders for the 125-plus species the county has recorded and paddlers for the small lake.

It is also an easy half-day trip from Palo Alto. The north entrance is about three miles from Interstate 280. This guide covers the entrances and fees, the trails, the reservoir, the rules for dogs, bikes and horses and the safety advice that comes with any foothill park.

Getting there and parking

From Palo Alto, take Interstate 280 south to Foothill Expressway. The county's directions from there: follow Foothill Boulevard west about three miles to the north entrance. The park address is 11401 Stevens Canyon Road, Cupertino. A ranger station at the north entrance has maps and displays.

From Saratoga, the county routes visitors up Highway 9 to Pierce Road for 1.8 miles, then left on Mount Eden Road for 1.5 miles to the south entrance. Riders will find Garrod Stables, which the county mentions for horse rentals, just outside the south entrance on Mount Eden Road.

Parking is spread among several picnic-area lots along the canyon road. The county's picnic rules matter on busy weekends:

• Parking spaces cannot be saved. Reserved group areas do not come with reserved parking.
• Do not drive into picnic areas or onto lawns and paths.
• Loading in yellow zones is limited to 20 minutes.

Fees and hours

The county says parks are open year-round from 8 a.m. until sunset. It collects lake use and vehicle entry fees daily at the Chestnut parking lot. The park page itself does not list amounts. The county's fee schedule lists these amounts. It notes that all fees are subject to change:

The county waives the daily entry fee for vehicles with a permanent disabled placard or disabled person plates. Group picnic areas need a reservation and a separate fee. Confirm current amounts on the county's park page or at the kiosk. Some notices on that page were dated 2024 when we checked, so call the park office at 408-867-3654 if anything looks out of date.

Trails

The county counts over nine miles of single-track and multiuse trail for hikers, cyclists and riders, connecting with Fremont Older. It does not publish distances for individual trails on its park page, so pick up a map at the ranger station or download one before you go.

Two connections are worth knowing:

• East to Picchetti Ranch. Midpen's Zinfandel Trail, a 1.9-mile easy hike by Midpen's count, crosses seasonal creeks and joins the county park. Dogs and bikes are not allowed on the Picchetti Ranch side.
• South and east to Fremont Older. Trails climb out of the canyon into Midpen land, where Hunters Point gives a 900-foot view over the valley. Leashed dogs are allowed on all Fremont Older trails.

The county also runs a 28-station roving archery course and range open to the public. Stay on the trails near it and follow posted signs.

The reservoir: boating, fishing and picnics

The 87-acre reservoir is for non-power boating only, with hand-launched craft. The county requires boats to be off the water 30 minutes before sunset. Boating and boat inspection reservations go through 408-355-2201. Inspections screen for invasive quagga mussels. Swimming is prohibited in all county lakes, streams and reservoirs. Our kayaking and paddling guide compares this lake with paddling on the bay.

Anglers fish for black bass, largemouth bass, catfish and crappie, according to the county. Its fishing guidance has warned that mercury accumulates in fish from Stevens Creek Reservoir to levels that make them unsafe to eat. The state has issued a consumption advisory too. Catch and release is the safe choice. Anglers 16 and older need a California fishing license.

For picnics, the county calls the Lakeshore area popular. Six first-come, first-served picnic areas are scattered through the park, three of them along the creek. Two group areas can be reserved. The county recommends a reservation for groups over 20. A responsible adult must be present to hold a table. Fires must stay in barbecue pits. Amplified music needs a permit. See our picnic spots guide for options closer to town.

Dogs, bikes and horses

• Dogs: the county's general rules require a leash of 6 feet or less at all times. Dogs are allowed on most trails, with restrictions marked on each park map. Clean up after your dog. Remember that Picchetti Ranch, next door, bans dogs.
• Bikes: the county calls mountain biking one of the park's more popular activities. Everyone, of any age, must wear a helmet on unpaved dirt trails. Riders must follow speed limits and ride safely for conditions. The county bans fully electric bicycles and scooters in its parks. On the Midpen side, e-bikes are not allowed on most trails and the limit is 15 mph.
• Horses: the county says riders can use the park's many trails. Hikers and cyclists should yield.
• Drones: launching or landing one requires a permit from the parks director.
• Fires: only in barbecue pits or campfire rings. Wood and charcoal fires are banned during Red Flag conditions.

Seasons

Winter rain brings the creek back to life. Spring is the best time for birds and wildflowers; our birdwatching guide has tips. The county runs a boating season, so check whether the lake is open before you bring a kayak. On summer weekends the picnic areas fill up. Plan an early start for hikes in the heat. In fall, Red Flag days ban wood and charcoal fires in the park.

Safety

• Water: no swimming in the reservoir or the creek. The county bans it in all of its lakes, streams and reservoirs.
• Fish: follow the mercury advisory and release your catch.
• Heat: carry water on the climbs toward Fremont Older. The hillsides have little shade.
• Mountain lions, rattlesnakes, ticks and poison oak all occur in these foothills. Keep children close, stay on trails and check for ticks afterward. If you meet a mountain lion, do not run. Stand tall, make noise and back away.
• Emergencies: call 911. Cell coverage can be patchy in the canyon.

History

The county says it acquired a 400-acre parcel in Cupertino on January 24, 1924, which became this park. It marked the park's centennial in 2024. Stevens Creek Dam, which forms the reservoir, was built in 1935. Downstream, the creek reaches Mountain View, where the Stevens Creek Trail follows it to Shoreline. Its headwaters rise in Monte Bello Preserve on the ridge above. For more hikes nearby, see our hiking guide.

Frequently asked questions