n special to the Free Lance
Throughout the Morgan Hill, San Martin and Gilroy areas, eight diverse yet equally beautiful preserves of the Santa Clara County parks system present a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors and residents of the South County.
Hiking, biking, fishing, bird-watching and camping are several of the many fall activities available.
The autumn months are an especially favorite time to visit as nature’s wonders are in full view and summer’s crowds are just a memory.
Many of these parks also present points of local historic interest along with their recreational aspects.
Here are brief descriptions of these eight parks:
Mount Madonna Park
Crowned by a redwood forest characteristic of the Santa Cruz Mountain Range, this 3,688-acre park was once inhabited by the Ohlone Indians, who hunted and harvested throughout the land.
Overnight camping is one of the more popular activities at Mount Madonna, which features 118 drive-in and walk-in reservable campsites spread over four campgrounds.
“Visitors can hike or horseback ride through our 14-mile trail system, settle their trailer or RV at one of our 17 partial hook-up sites, celebrate with family and friends at gatherings at our shaded picnic areas or simply enjoy nature’s beauty,” said senior Park Ranger John Heenan.
Mount Madonna Park: 7850 Pole Line Road off Highway 152 above Watsonville. For more information, call (408) 842-2341.
Uvas Canyon
Six miles of hiking trails weave in and around this 1,133-acre park filled with lush woods and flora. One of the more popular excursions, the Waterfall Loop, gives hikers and visitors a great view of just one of several cascading waterfalls at the park.
“Uvas Canyon is a majestic park that offers a great deal to all outdoors enthusiasts,” said Heenan. “It’s particularly spectacular in the fall, when the hiking trails are lined with the many colors of autumn, giving visitors a wonderful setting.”
Uvas Canyon Park: 8515 Croy Road in Morgan Hill. For more information, call (408) 779-9232.
Chitactac-Adams Heritage
Situated just minutes from Gilroy and Morgan Hill residents, this four-acre park is one of the only preserves in Northern California dedicated to the history and culture of the Ohlone Indians.
“Visitors will be amazed by the unique educational glimpses into the lives of the Ohlone Indians,” said Heenan. “The park also features a self-guided interpretative trail along with a shelter containing numerous informative panels and displays detailing the Ohlone Indians’ culture.”
Chitactac-Adams Heritage Park: 10001 Watsonville Road in Gilroy. For more information, call (408) 323-0107.
Anderson Lake
Anderson Reservoir, Santa Clara County’s largest, is a 3,109-acre area with a combination of recreational choices for park users.
Whether it’s a multiple-use trail, the Jackson Ranch historic park site, Moses L. Rosendin Park or Burnett Park, visitors can revel in Anderson’s multitude of outdoor activities such as biking, horseback riding, picnicking or nature walking.
“Anderson Reservoir’s reflective waters are absolutely gorgeous, especially at sunset,” said senior Park Ranger Michael Bacon.
Anderson Lake Park: 19245 Malaguerra Avenue in Morgan Hill. For more information, call (408) 779-3634.
Coyote Lake Park
Lakeshore activities abound at this 4,595-acre park, anchored by its 635-acre lake. Situated at the base of the Mount Hamilton range, the park’s three-mile long lake provides anglers with planted trout, bass, bluegill and crappie. Shoreline picnic areas dot the western side of the lake while barbecue facilities and campsites are provided in the southern half of the park. Hiking enthusiasts can enjoy an outing on the two hiking trails lining the lakeshore.
“You don’t have to drive three to four hours to go camping around here,” said Cambrian-area resident Brad Winkler, a fan of the county parks system. “The Santa Clara County parks have a lot to offer and it’s not a major expedition to get there.”
Visitors can sign up for one of the 64 campsites available at Coyote Park’s Lakeview Campground.
Coyote Lake Park: 10840 Coyote Lake Road in Gilroy. For more information, call (408) 842-7800.
Calero
This 3,476 park, nestled in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, delights both fishing enthusiasts and “back country” hikers.
A diverse county park, Calero Park is highlighted by its reservoir and adjacent woodlands area, with about 18 miles of trails for equestrians and hikers.
“Calero visitors love the sheer variety of recreational choices for people of all ages,” said Head Ranger William Burr. “And Calero provides an outstanding destination for families and friends to hold picnics right on the shore.”
Calero Ranch Stables also offers visitors horses to rent for trail rides.
Calero Park: 23201 McKean Road in San Jose. For more information, call (408) 268-3883.
Chesbro Reservoir
Formed in 1955 from the damming of the Llagas Creek, the Chesbro Reservoir is an historic area located just minutes from Morgan Hill and Gilroy. The 216-acre park includes a man-made reservoir available for non-power boat use and fishing.
“There is an amazing amount of rich history that precedes even the construction of this dam,” said Heenan. “For thousands of years, the Mutsun Ohlone Indians frequented this serene area, fishing and hunting here.”
Chesbro is well-known for its fishing. From shore or on non-powered boats, anglers can fish for planted trout, catfish, black bass, large mouth bass and crappie.
Chesbro Reservoir Park: Oak Glen Road in Morgan Hill. For more information, call (408) 779-9232.
Uvas Reservoir
Originally part of the 11,093-acre Rancho Las Uvas, meaning “ranch of the grapes,” the 626-acre park and reservoir is located in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains west of Morgan Hill. Activities center on the reservoir, with fishing a primary activity for outdoor enthusiasts.
“This is a wonderfully scenic area, especially as the seasons change, to fish and spend time with family and friends,” said Heenan. “Uvas provides a serene change of pace for all our visitors.”
Uvas Reservoir: 14200 Uvas Road in Morgan Hill. For more information, please call (408) 779-9232.
