The park houses the Hellyer Velodrome, one of the few high-banked concrete bicycle racing tracks in Northern California.
Cottonwood Lake was constructed as part of the park's development to provide flood control and recreation.
The Coyote Creek Trail within the park is part of the larger regional trail system managed by the Santa Clara County Parks Department.
The park serves as a migration corridor for various bird species moving through the Santa Clara Valley.
The park is situated at a lower elevation compared to surrounding foothills, contributing to its distinct riparian microclimate.
Hellyer County Park is a 178-acre regional park in San Jose centered around the Coyote Creek Parkway. It features a notable multi-use, paved trail that connects into a wider regional trail network extending through the Santa Clara Valley. The park includes the Cottonwood Lake, which serves as a site for seasonal fishing and contains a dedicated swimming area during the summer. Facilities include multiple picnic areas, a playground, and the Hellyer Velodrome, a banked outdoor bicycle racing track. The landscape consists of expansive grassy meadows, mature oak trees, and riparian zones along the creek. Wildlife sightings in the park include various waterfowl, raptors, and local small mammals. The park acts as a primary access point for the Coyote Creek Trail, which spans 15 miles in total. It is situated in a basin that experiences warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
The elevated vantage point overlooking Cottonwood Lake at sunset.
Bring a bicycle to utilize the extensive multi-use trail network and connection to the velodrome access areas.
Check local water quality reports for Cottonwood Lake before planning a swimming visit during the summer.
Utilize the designated picnic areas early, as they operate on a first-come, first-served basis unless reserved in advance.
Do not attempt to swim in areas of the lake not specifically marked or monitored for swimming.
The park remains open year-round, but specific water activities at the lake are limited to the summer season.
Leash laws apply to all dogs; cyclists must yield to pedestrians on shared-use trails.
