Stevens Creek County Park

Stevens Creek County Park dates to January 24, 1924, when the county acquired a 400-acre parcel in Cupertino, the purchase that started the park preservation movement in Santa Clara County. Today the park is built around the 87-acre Stevens Creek Reservoir, and visitors can also explore the remains of the historic Villa Maria orchard.

The reservoir is open to limited-power boats, sailboats, kayaks, and flotation devices from mid-April to mid-October, and anglers fish for bass, catfish, and crappie; launch and inspection passes are sold through the county's reservation website. The Lakeshore Picnic area sits on the shoreline, six shaded first-come, first-served picnic areas are spread through the park, three of them along the creek, and two group picnic areas can be reserved.

More than nine miles of single-track and multi-use trails serve hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians, and they connect to the Midpeninsula Fremont Older Preserve. Upper Stevens Creek County Park and the Bay Area Ridge Trail are reached through the park. Horses can be rented at Garrod Stables, just outside the south entrance on Mt. Eden Road. A 28-station roving archery course and range is open every day except during permitted events. More than 125 bird species have been recorded here, making it one of the Bay Area's most popular birding parks. The ranger station at the north entrance has maps and displays.

Day use runs from 8 a.m. to sunset, with a vehicle entry fee collected year-round. The Lookout Trail and Madrone trailhead at 14593 Stevens Canyon Road has free parking and restrooms.