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    Uvas Canyon County Park

    4.6 (283 reviews)

    Uvas Canyon County Park Photos

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    Mona A.

    Long overdue review, but this is from 2019 trip, loved hiking there, checked out a few waterfalls, and the area is absolutely gorgeous. You do lose signals so it was hard to tell which trail you are on and can easily get lost, so plan ahead. Overall a gorgeous spot

    Greater Periwinkle
    Emanuel L.

    It was my first nature hike & I absolutely loved it! We could water running the entire time. It was so peaceful & calming. Their campground is really nice. I could definitely spend a weekend there. There are multiple trails to choose from, from easy to hard. There's something for everyone. It's kid friendly and pets on a leash are welcome. It's all incline but not too difficult at all. On to the next one!

    Sarah S.

    We were looking for a scenic hike with waterfalls and to get a little exercise and man we got all of that! As a matter of fact my calves are still feeling this hike, but was so worth it. We kept forgetting we needed to book in advance online as weekend parking reservations fill up quickly so we decided we would park on the road and walk in. It only added an extra 0.7 miles at most and was a beautiful walk with cute cottages along the river we enjoyed so I recommend it. When you enter the park will see the waterfall loop trail, which is what we chose and you don't have to walk far before seeing some beautiful smaller waterfalls. We soon started to climb, and I swear AllTrails is lying with only showing a 630 ft elevation gain, since my legs and eyes told me otherwise. I honestly thought we would never stop going up..lol My guy's smart watch showed over 1k elevation gain. Anyways, the views at the top are really nice and totally worth it. Much of the hike is alongside the water and shaded which is relaxing. We ended up with between 4 to 5 miles total, after adding the walk from the road in. I highly recommend, especially if you're looking for a booty and leg blaster workout!

    Constance L.

    Great retreat in the South Bay for shady trails, waterfalls, and LADYBUGS!! Omg I didn't know ladybugs lived in colonies and this was the first time I'd witnessed so many of them in bunches -- super cool! The park has a good variety of trails at different lengths so you can choose depending on your mood. There's also a great campsite in the heart of the park that has some of the cleanest and nicest facilities I've seen at a campsite (automatic flushing, always clean, free pads/tampons, and warm water in the sink!). Day use parking is $10.

    Rach S.

    Made reservation online for parking which only cost $6. It was easy and we arrived 30 minutes earlier than our time slot. Love the hike to the waterfalls. Easy to moderate hike. Went last weekend and the weather was perfect.

    Trail is packed dirt-  some shade, some exposed. Put on DEET to avoid ticks.
    Jacqueline S.

    This park is a favorite place to hike! With all the rain this spring it is full of flowers, waterfalls and happy growing groves of trees. We really enjoyed the wild flowers and grand vistas (hikes can be steep). There are steep gravely (slippery) trails and flatter trails. Wear hiking shoes or sturdy shoes with tread. We went on Monday and saw a couple other groups- weekdays are a great peaceful time to come. Families enjoy hiking up to see the closest water falls. Bathroom facilities are available in parking lot. Note: there are ticks in the grass and poison oak too- stay on the trail. (Do a tick check when you return to the parking lot after hiking) Get a free map of the park & trails at the trail head. Downside: A lot of time spent trying to pay online for parking/reservations before we came and needed to print the $6 parking pass to put it on the dashboard. Then, when we arrived, there were only a couple cars in the large lot. Sigh. Not much cell service en-route or at the parking lot. Come prepared with a map to the park, water, snacks, hat.

    Lower waterfalls with my crush
    Pauline N.

    The campsite was nicer than I thought, but it is not very "wilderness" since the neighboring campsites are so close. Animals we saw: Slug, snake, blue jay Amenities: 2 parking spots per campsite, 1 tap water fountain for every 3 campsites or so, 1 wooden picnic table & fire pit & storage area per campsite, free shower area, restrooms, free tampons & pads in restrooms. This park is a cute area to have a small camping trip with your kids, but know that all the campsites are pretty close to one another. Luckily, my friends and I booked 4 campsites (1 name can book 2 sites) so we had plenty of private space. However, you can still see the tents and cars of neighboring sites so it did not feel the most immersive with nature. Hiking: 3/5 - 7 mile hike available but we did the 1 mile hike - One trail closed due to tree fall - Waterfalls are suuper small (thanks California drought) and the areas to stand near it is too small for larger groups (10) - But, there are areas to swim in which is very cool - One waterfall has a watering hole on top which was very cooling and nice - Watering hole downside: fits 3-4 people comfortably and a bit unsafe to get to - Saw a large snake swimming in the river, so be careful when swimming! Showers: 3/5 - Free - About 4 shower rooms available - Lukewarm is the warmest setting - Lights can be finicky - Grateful overall

    LJ T.

    A great place for beautiful hike so bring a good camera. It can be a little steep if you are not a regular hiker but otherwise it's pretty easy.

    Absolutely beautiful campground! Bathrooms are spotless and campground is perfectly maintained! Trails are beautiful along the creek with waterfalls. Even if the water is low it is beautiful. After the rain it is amazing. Dogs welcome on leash. Make a reservation at gooutsideandplay.org

    Anahi A.

    Amazing ! The views and the water falls are all amazing ! We got to see ladybug clusters and the hike up was worth it. Did have to get parking reservations but easy. Clean bathrooms as well. Would recommend!

    Samantha C.

    Checked this place out with a couple of friends in hopes of seeing ladybug clusters and waterfalls as seen on here/Google Maps. We had to get a vehicle reservation pass for parking which can be found on the park's website. Just make sure you print out your parking pass and keep it on your car dash once you park. There's timed entries by the hour once the park opens probably to stagger entries. We entered the park during 8AM-9AM window and once we were done, the lots were full so I would recommend visiting either once they open or nearing closing hours. Despite all the cars there, we only encountered two or three groups. We did the waterfall loop (yes it is full of beautiful waterfalls) which is completely shaded and has scenic views throughout. It is also not a difficult trail and starts uphill, ends downhill and the map is easy to follow.

    Sunil R.

    Beautiful beautiful Uvas Canyon! What a wonderful park to do some "forest bathing" and get some negative ions. We went on a very scenic hike and saw several waterfalls which were spectacular and very relaxing. I wish it was closer and I could go every weekend. It was not crowded and parking was a piece of cake but remember to book a spot online before you go.

    River

    Dog Friendly!! (Just Make Sure to Pick up After your Dog) I RSVP'd the Morning of my Hiking Day with No Problem Beautiful lil Swedish Community you Drive thru Towards the Parks Entrance Keep an Eye out and Try to Spot Wild Deer as they are Eating along the Grass and Meadows along the Way Plenty of Designated Parking with Clean Restrooms and PicnicTables Over all a Great Park all Around

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    Page 1 of 8

    Ask the Community - Uvas Canyon County Park

    Hi, does anyone know which trail have the waterfalls. My sister wants to do a beautiful hike for her 40? I've heard this one is very nice. Thank you

    There is a trail not far from the lot called the Waterfall loop trail. Easy to follow, although the full loop is closed right now for repairs. It's an out and back, currently. Trails are well signed to point out side trails to other falls and… Read more

    Hi, is the trail safe/toddler friendly (I have a 2yr old) enough to where I won't need to put them in a carrier?

    How I am just wondering which phone services did or did not have service? Ie. Version y/n T-mobile etc.

    Hi there. We had cell service in the parking lot. Our carrier is AT&T. As we got deeper into park for our hike, we had very little to no cell service at all.

    I have a parking reservation for 2 cars on this Saturday at slot 9am-10am and I can't go due to some urgent things. I want to share it for those who want to go. Do you know where I can share the info or reach me if you want?

    I know its late but there are two California camping groups on facebook where folks regular share canceled reservations.. one is northern California camping

    I came without researching & I need to purchase a vehicle pass. Am I guaranteed the slot for the time I purchase? I can't go over that time? Also I lost reception after making a right on Cory rd then I got lost. What's the best way to drive up here?

    You should be able to get in during the time slot you purchased. If you arrive past your entry time slot, there is no guarantee that the park rangers will still let you in, but it's still worth asking them. It's at their discretion if you happen… Read more

    To make a two person hiking reservation on the website, do I just make a reservation under the vehicle day pass? I'm having a hard time navigating the website.

    Yes-just order the vehicle day pass. That will cover the two of for entry to the park.

    Is it an open very sunny hot hike? Or are there lots of shady areas?

    Tons of shade along the waterfall trail. In fact I'd say it's 80-90% shaded

    Do we need reservation to visit Uvas Canyon and why?

    Reservations will be required for day use parking on 7 days a week (and holidays) through July 5, 2020. Please visit http://gooutsideandplay.org/​ or call 408-355-2201 to make your reservation.

    Are the trails stroller and/or kids (4-6yo) friendly?

    Yes the trail to the left is steep but can be walked up. There are trails to the right inside the parking lot and towards the campground that are not as wide but still accessible for kids.

    Is the hike stroller friendly?

    You can bring a stroller, I see many parents do it, but you have to be willing to push up the left trail which elevates really fast. The left portion of the trail has less stairs and is wider than the right side which has more scenery and mini falls.

    Is uvas canyon open yet?

    Yes . Now you have to make reservations and pay 6$ per person.

    How long does the 4.1 mile hike take for someone who is moderately active?

    I visited yesterday 08/08/2017 and still close to public road maintenance still need to get done.

    Is Uvas Canyon open again? Both the website and the voicemail say that they are closed indefinitely, but it looks like people have been this 2017 spring. Any answers? Thanks!

    Still closed as of today 5/14/17

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    Review Highlights - Uvas Canyon County Park

    I love taking my three and 1 year old here because the waterfall loop trail is short enough for them to walk.

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    Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

    Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

    4.5
    (641 reviews)
    15.0 mi

    $10 day use fee. Henry Cowell has 3 great attributes:…read more- The old growth loop is stunning. It's a very short flat loop, but the trees are magestic. - It has fairly interesting hiking paths. There is an option to stay on a wider paved trail to avoid ticks and poison ivy. - Right next door is Roaring Camp railroad. You can pay for parking there, take a train ride, then hike the redwoods without paying the day-use fee.

    Stayed at the campgrounds of the Henry Cowell State Park for 2 nights. The sites are spacious with…read moremost of them having plenty of shade and room to park our car with tent on top. They just finished building brand new restrooms, showers and a dishwasher station near the site we chose which was awesome. There are individual restrooms cubicles that are spacious with warm water and a hook to hang a towel, etc., and an electric outlet. We took one of the nearby trails accessible from the campground that led to cable car beach which is fed by eagle creek. One side of the hike was beautiful with views of Santa Cruz and an observation deck and the other shady with trees. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Only downside was a campsite full of younger people were next to us and kept talking loudly until maybe 12:30 a.m. Camp hosts are supposed to keep those things in check and it was not dealt with. And as it was a chilly night, we didn't want to get out of our tent to go ask them to keep it down. I would if in the future I come to this campground alert the host ahead of time of a potential problem before retiring so they can be aware to check on it. Otherwise, this is an excellent campground near to Santa Cruz and many trails and the skunk train that takes you into Santa Cruz.

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    Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
    Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
    Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
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    Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

    Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

    4.4
    (405 reviews)
    57.1 mi

    Great campground with the Big Sur river running right through it. Loved the quick hike up to the…read morewaterfall through the redwoods. Lots of great shady sites and some really nice sites right on the river. Showers were nice and reasonably priced. If you are feeling lazy and don't want to cook, you can check out the restaurant/ coffee shop, also a nice little gift shop. There is also a store at the back of the campground that has ice , snacks , firewood and a small laundry facility which was super convenient !! Great woodsy campground with great amenities!!

    BEST SPOT TO SEE RED WOODS. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a sprawling, 1,000-acre sanctuary…read morecentered around the pristine Big Sur River. Often nicknamed "mini Yosemite," it trades direct beach access for dramatic inland scenery, boasting spectacular valleys, forested peaks, and dense groves of ancient coast redwoods. Ancient Redwood Groves: The park is famous for its majestic coast redwoods, with some trees measuring over 1,000 years old. Accessible walkways, like the Redwood Deck, allow visitors to stand among these towering giants. Diverse Hiking Trails: Trails cater to all skill levels, ranging from the flat and easy Nature Trail loop to the challenging, steep ascent up the Buzzards Roost Trail, which rewards hikers with panoramic views of the ocean and mountains. On-Site Lodging and Camping: Unlike many rugged coastal stops, this park features developed accommodations, including a large campground alongside the river and the historic Big Sur Lodge, which provides comfortable cabins and a restaurant. The redwoods you see growing in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (as well as nearby Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park are Coast Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens), the tallest living species of tree on Earth. The groves found throughout the park are particularly special because they mark the southernmost boundary of where the coast redwood species naturally thrives in significant numbers. Because they are located at the southern edge of their natural geographic range, the climate here is slightly drier and warmer than the dense, misty rainforests of Northern California. While they generally do not reach the record-shattering heights of their northern cousins in Humboldt or Redwood National Park, they are incredibly impressive, with many individual trees in the park towering well over 200 feet tall and thriving for upwards of 800 to 1,000 years. They rely heavily on the marine fog flowing through the Big Sur River gorge to stay hydrated during the dry summer months

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    Family Camping September 12-14, 2025
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    Oak Dell RV Park

    Oak Dell RV Park

    3.4
    (10 reviews)
    7.7 mi

    Everything about their application process. They require a…read morebackground check and interview, which I can understand. But they don't get busy doing it. Leaving you waiting and not knowing if they forgot. Not worth the effort in my opinion.

    Very slow getting into the park as their open hours were rare, but overall, a nice quiet place that…read moreis ran well. At night you hear nothing but the occasional animal sounds...a great break from reality from the hustle and bustle of the work world in San Jose. During the day, pretty much the same, I almost feel guilty talking to my daughter outside and making noise that may disturb someone....it is colder right now, so that may change in the summer, but either way, I kind of like the peace and quiet. The place is surrounded by beautiful green hills in the springtime and is close to town, yet surrounded by nature, a perfect blend. I was able to get a great spot that is somewhat private with privacy fencing and the lot is not too big and not too small (have a 32ft and could fit another 32ft right next to it and still have room. A little worried that new managers are coming in, so we'll see how that goes, but so far so good! The only downside is the cell service, but the manager let me know to turn my phone to wi-fi calling which worked, the only bad thing is I still don't get text messages...not too much of a deal since I don't really text, but I do miss an occasional work text. The washers and dryers are fairly inexpensive in relation to neighboring laundromats, which is helpful. One of least expensive parks in the area which is very appreciated in this over-inflated area. Overall, no major concerns, I would recommend this place to others who may be looking.

    Photos
    Oak Dell Manager (Janet)
    Oak Dell Manager (Janet)
    Lots of nature to enjoy!
    Lots of nature to enjoy!
    Nice terraced sites.

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    Nice terraced sites.

    Uvas Canyon County Park - parks - Updated June 2026

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