Uvas Canyon County Park

Address: 8515 Croy Rd, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 (I suggest printing the below directions ahead of time, as your phone will probably lose reception several miles before reaching the park)
Directions: From 101-S, take exit 373 for Bailey Avenue, after 2.3 miles turn left on McKean Road, which turns into Uvas Road. After 6 miles turn right on Croy Road. You will stay on Croy Road for 4.4 miles, passing through the private Sveadal Campgrounds. You will see signs telling you to continue ahead to Uvas Park. Gates close at sunset.
Parking: $6 per vehicle at self-serve kiosk; parking near entrance.
Hours: 8 A.M. to Sunset
Type: Hike (moderate)
Regulations: Dogs allowed on-leash
Best time to visit: Winter is the best time to see the falls flowing after a good rain.

Description: This is a beautiful park with multiple waterfalls, and vibrant moss-lined trails. Although the park is 1,133 acres, there are only 6 miles of hiking trails, so you can see the entire park in one or two days. Most of the trails are shaded, so you can visit anytime of year, but it’s great to visit after it rains to see the waterfalls in full action. The waterfall loop was my favorite hike, with several waterfalls freely flowing around the beautiful Swanson Creek. My favorite waterfall was the hike down, under the bridge, via the Swanson Creek Trail to the lower waterfall. It was at least 40 ft high, and it was gushing with water. We had to walk around a bend and cross a stream to reach the base. The hike down to this waterfall was also magical, with a trail running along the creek and magical moss-lined trails. Huge moss-covered boulders lined the creek during the hike down. Black Rock Falls, Basin Falls and the Upper Falls were all beautiful, and flowing, although not as well as the lower waterfall. Triple Falls did not have much water, and the Old Logging Camp was a let down; however there was a beautiful view overlooking the city on the Alec Canyon Trail.

Camping regulations/Info: 25 campsites are available; each campsite accommodates up to 8 people, 2 dogs and 2 vehicles. Check in time is 3:00 P.M., check out time is 1:00 P.M. Gates close at sunset and you cannot re-enter until 8 A.M. Most campsites are $22.50 per night. I recommend booking online but you can reserve a spot at the entrance as well. Fires are permitted in fire rings unless “no fire” day is posted. Each campsite has a picnic table and a bear-proof storage locker. Most campsites have garbage cans and a faucet with running water within a group of 3 campsites. A building with 4 private flushing toilets with running water and 3 private (free) hot showers are available across from campsite #11. Restrooms have electrical outlets. Quiet hours are 10 P.M. until 7 A.M. You can flag down a park ranger during their rounds around 4- 5 P.M. each day to purchase wood.

Click here for a map of the campground courtesy of the County of Santa Clara

Trail map: