Things to Do in Uvas Canyon County Park
Uvas Canyon County Park is a county park situated in the upper Uvas Canyon on the eastern side of the Santa Cruz Mountains. This 1,147-acre park features lush woodlands, numerous waterfalls, and diverse flora, creating a rich natural environment for outdoor pursuits. The varied terrain, from creek-side paths to higher elevations, makes it an appealing destination for several sports like jogging, hiking, mountain biking, gravel biking, and more. Its natural setting provides a sense of remoteness while remaining accessible.
Things…
51
Routes
4.6
(122)
Average rating
1540
People visited
5.0
(27)
442
riders
30.7km
03:26
990m
990m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
4.9
(15)
279
riders
18.4km
01:55
490m
490m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
4.0
(3)
21
riders
12.9km
01:29
440m
430m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(12)
204
riders
18.7km
02:03
540m
540m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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15
hikers
11.5km
04:06
660m
660m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
5.55km
01:47
270m
150m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
26.5km
07:58
830m
840m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.56km
00:54
240m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
15
riders
57.4km
06:24
1,350m
1,350m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
16.6km
01:51
420m
430m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
36.7km
03:44
740m
740m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
13
riders
12.9km
01:31
440m
440m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
11
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
25.8km
01:35
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5
runners
7.10km
00:57
190m
190m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
runners
10.5km
01:25
320m
320m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
runners
5.80km
00:44
90m
90m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
runners
6.83km
00:57
230m
230m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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42
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
1.0
(2)
40
riders
64.3km
03:35
1,130m
1,120m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
30
riders
117km
06:29
1,830m
1,830m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5.0
(1)
6
riders
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available at Uvas Canyon County Park?
Uvas Canyon County Park offers various outdoor activities, including jogging, hiking, mountain biking, gravel biking, and road cycling. The park features 9 routes, with an average rating of 4.81 stars from more than 2,000 visitors.
Are there hiking trails in Uvas Canyon County Park?
Uvas Canyon County Park has approximately 7 miles of hiking trails, catering to various fitness levels. Notable trails include the 1-mile (1.6 km) Waterfall Loop and the challenging Knibbs Knob Trail. More details are available in the Hiking in Uvas Canyon County Park guide.
Does Uvas Canyon County Park have waterfalls?
Uvas Canyon County Park is known for its waterfalls, featuring at least seven cascades. Five named falls are Basin Falls, Black Rock Falls, Granuja Falls, Triple Falls, and Upper Falls. These are fed by Swanson Creek and are particularly robust after rainfall. Information on these can be found in the Waterfall hikes in Uvas Canyon County Park guide.
Are dogs allowed in Uvas Canyon County Park?
Dogs are permitted on all trails within Uvas Canyon County Park. They must remain on a leash at all times. Specific dog-friendly routes are highlighted in the Dog-friendly hikes in Uvas Canyon County Park guide.
Are there family-friendly trails in Uvas Canyon County Park?
Uvas Canyon County Park offers trails suitable for families, such as the 1-mile (1.6 km) Waterfall Loop, which is generally less strenuous. These trails provide scenic surroundings for visitors of all ages. The Family-friendly hikes in Uvas Canyon County Park guide provides more options.
Are bicycles allowed on trails in Uvas Canyon County Park?
Bicycles are explicitly not permitted on the trails within Uvas Canyon County Park. However, routes for mountain biking, gravel biking, and road cycling are available in the surrounding area. Guides like MTB Trails in Uvas Canyon County Park offer alternatives.
What are the best jogging routes in Uvas Canyon County Park?
The park's hiking trails, particularly less strenuous loops like the Waterfall Loop, can be suitable for jogging. These routes offer scenic surroundings amidst the park's lush environment. The Running Trails in Uvas Canyon County Park guide provides specific recommendations.
How popular is Uvas Canyon County Park on komoot?
Uvas Canyon County Park is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 2,000 visitors sharing their experiences. The park's routes have an average rating of 4.81 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users.
What kind of trees and plants are in Uvas Canyon County Park?
Uvas Canyon County Park features diverse flora, including a mixed evergreen forest with Douglas fir, redwood, madrone, and California laurel. Riparian zones along Swanson Creek contain sycamore, alder, bigleaf maple, and coast redwood. Drier areas support knobcone pines and buckeye trees.
How can I find more information or contact Uvas Canyon County Park?
General information about Uvas Canyon County Park is available on the Santa Clara County Parks website. For reservations, visitors can use gooutsideandplay.org. The park's phone number is (408) 779-9232.
Are there easy trails for beginners in Uvas Canyon County Park?
Uvas Canyon County Park offers easy trails suitable for beginners, such as the Waterfall Loop. This trail provides an accessible way to experience the park's natural beauty and waterfalls. The Easy hikes in Uvas Canyon County Park guide lists several options.
What is the best time to visit Uvas Canyon County Park for waterfalls?
The waterfalls in Uvas Canyon County Park are particularly spectacular after winter rains. Swanson Creek and its tributaries become robust, enhancing the flow of the park's numerous cascades. The trails are generally shaded, making them enjoyable year-round.
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