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Parks

Santa Teresa County Park

4.6 · 1,650 reviews
Rugged and quiet
Santa Teresa County Park, Bernal Rd, San Jose, CA 95120, United States
Interesting facts
1

The park contains the Santa Teresa Springs, which historically supplied water to the nearby Pueblo of Santa Teresa.

2

The Pueblo Santa Teresa Adobe, built in the mid-19th century, sits on the park's periphery.

3

The park's trails are part of a larger regional wildlife corridor connecting to the Coyote Valley.

4

Geologically, the park features formations of Franciscan chert and greenstone.

5

The park borders the suburban developments of the Almaden Valley and Blossom Valley.

Overview

Santa Teresa County Park is a 1,673-acre regional park situated in the Santa Teresa Hills of San Jose, California. The terrain consists primarily of rugged chaparral, oak woodland, and grassland ecosystems. It offers over 17 miles of unpaved trails designed for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The park reaches elevations of 1,200 feet, providing panoramic views of the Santa Clara Valley. Its historical significance includes the site of the Pueblo of Santa Teresa, a former Mexican land grant. The park is managed by the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department. Trails range from easy valley walks to steep ascents, particularly on the Rocky Ridge Trail.

Photo spot

The summit of Rocky Ridge Trail for a panoramic view of the entire South Bay.

Insider tips

Check official park alerts for trail closures after heavy rainfall.

Bring substantial water, as the ridge trails offer very little shade.

Stay on marked trails to avoid frequent patches of poison oak.

What to avoid

Attempting steep ridge trails in the middle of a hot summer day without adequate hydration.

Good to know

Park trails may be subject to temporary closure during or immediately after significant rainy periods to prevent erosion.

Etiquette

Leash your dogs at all times, carry out all trash, and yield the right-of-way to equestrians.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-4 hours
Best time to visit
Spring mornings for wildflowers and cooler temperatures; avoid mid-summer afternoons due to high heat.
Address
Santa Teresa County Park, Bernal Rd, San Jose, CA 95120, United States
37.214, -121.788
Get directions
Details
Terrain typeRugged chaparral and oak woodland
Trail lengthOver 17 miles of unpaved multi-use paths

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Spring mornings for wildflowers and cooler temperatures; avoid mid-summer afternoons due to high heat..

The summit of Rocky Ridge Trail for a panoramic view of the entire South Bay.

Close by you'll find Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch, Los Paseos Park, Almaden Quicksilver County Park.