The best walks and hikes in Uvas Reservoir County Park
4.8
(19)
281
hikers
26
hikes
Hiking in Uvas Reservoir County Park explores the landscape around the Uvas Reservoir in Santa Clara County. The park is centered on the artificial lake, offering picturesque shoreline walks and views of rolling hills and oak groves. The terrain includes varied options from easy walks to moderate hikes, with forested paths providing shade. The surrounding hills feature a geologically diverse composition, including slate, basalt, and marble formations.
Best hiking trails in Uvas Reservoir County Park
- The most popular hiking route is Nature Trail, Merry Go Round and Ridge Trail Loop, a 5.4 miles (8.6 km) trail that takes around 2 hours 47 minutes to complete. This moderate route involves an elevation gain of over 370 meters through forested terrain.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is White Deer Pen loop from Mount Madonna County Park, an easy 2.1 miles (3.4 km) path. The trail follows well-defined woodland tracks with some gentle climbs.
- Local hikers also love the Uvas Reservoir, a 1.8 miles (2.9 km) trail leading through shoreline paths, often completed in about 45 minutes.
- Hiking in Uvas Reservoir County Park is defined by reservoir shoreline walks, rolling grasslands, and forested paths in the surrounding hills. The trail network provides options for both easy walks and more moderate hikes with some elevation.
- The routes in Uvas Reservoir County Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 20 reviews. More than 200 hikers have used komoot to explore Uvas Reservoir County Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
2.87km
00:46
20m
30m
Enjoy an easy 1.8-mile hike around Uvas Reservoir County Park, offering scenic views of the reservoir, rolling hills, and oak groves.
5.0
(1)
15
hikers
8.64km
02:47
370m
420m
Hike the moderate 5.4-mile Nature Trail, Merry Go Round and Ridge Trail Loop in Mount Madonna County Park, featuring redwoods and deer.
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1
hikers
3.41km
01:00
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(6)
29
hikers
8.84km
02:51
370m
380m
Embark on the Sprig and Ridge Loop, a moderate hike that takes you through the serene redwood forests of Mount Madonna County Park. This 5.5 miles (8.8 km) route involves a significant climb of 1215 feet (370 metres), typically completed in about 2 hours and 51 minutes. You'll begin with a steep ascent on the Sprig Trail, quickly finding yourself enveloped by towering redwoods that offer deep shade and a peaceful atmosphere. While the dense canopy often limits expansive vistas, the Ridge Trail occasionally opens up, providing glimpses of the distant southern Santa Clara County and the Inner Coast Range. It's a journey into a quiet, shaded world, punctuated by challenging climbs and rewarding views.
To plan your visit, head to Mount Madonna County Park, where the Sprig and Ridge Loop is located. You'll find parking generally available within the park, offering convenient access to the trailhead. The park also provides various amenities, including drive-in camps and yurts if you wish to extend your stay. Before you go, always check the park's official website for any specific seasonal information or operational changes that might affect your trip.
This trail offers a classic mixed redwood forest experience, characteristic of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The initial steep section on the Sprig Trail gives way to the more undulating Ridge Trail, showcasing the diverse topography of the area. While the focus is on the forest immersion, the occasional views from the Ridge Trail highlight the broader landscape of the Inner Coast Range. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty and varied terrain of this regional park.
4.0
(1)
7
hikers
7.22km
02:19
340m
300m
Hike the moderate 4.5-mile Ridge and Camp Trail Loop in Mount Madonna County Park, featuring redwood forests and expansive views.
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Tips from the Community
Uvas Creek was dammed in 1957 to create this reservoir, which is used to provide water for the residents and industry in the area. The reservoir and surrounding area form the Uvas Reservoir County Park.
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The White Deer Pen at the top of Mount Madonna is one of the coolest exhibits at Mount Madonna County Park. There are a bunch of different trails and roads circling the park and traveling up to the higher viewpoints.
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The Mount Madonna County Park offers a diverse hiking experience with a big trail system, leading through redwood forests and along scenic vistas. The trails vary in difficulty, providing options for both casual strolls and more challenging hikes.
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The White Deer Pen at the top of Mount Madonna is one of the coolest exhibits at Mount Madonna County Park. There are a bunch of different trails and roads circling the park and traveling up to the higher viewpoints.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any waterfall hikes in Uvas Reservoir County Park?
Uvas Reservoir County Park itself does not have waterfalls. For waterfall hikes, you need to visit the nearby but separate Uvas Canyon County Park. It is well-known for its Waterfall Loop Trail, which is especially impressive after rainfall. Be aware that Uvas Canyon often requires advance parking reservations.
Are dogs allowed on the trails?
Yes, dogs are generally welcome at Uvas Reservoir County Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. It's a good spot for a relaxed walk with your dog along the shoreline.
What are the parking options at Uvas Reservoir County Park?
There is a main parking area available for visitors near the reservoir. It provides convenient access for picnicking and shoreline activities. For hiking in the nearby Uvas Canyon County Park, be aware that a separate parking reservation system is in place and spots must often be booked online in advance.
Is there an entrance fee for the park?
There is typically no entrance fee for Uvas Reservoir County Park itself. However, the nearby Uvas Canyon County Park, which is the primary hiking destination in the area, does charge a vehicle entry fee. It's recommended to pay for your parking pass online before you go, as cell service can be unreliable on site.
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks?
Yes, Uvas Reservoir County Park is well-suited for easy, family-friendly outings. There is an informal, mostly flat 3.5-mile out-and-back path along the reservoir shoreline that offers lovely views. This path is best when water levels are low. For a short but more structured woodland hike, the Hiking loop from Interlaken in the adjacent hills is a great option.
Can I go trail running in the area?
The flat shoreline path at Uvas Reservoir can be suitable for a light jog. For more challenging trail running with varied terrain and elevation, runners often head to the established trail networks in nearby parks. The Mount Madonna County Park loop from Mount Madonna County Park offers a good mix of woodland tracks and gentle climbs over 3.5 miles.
What is the hiking like in Uvas Reservoir County Park?
Hiking within Uvas Reservoir County Park is limited to informal, unmaintained paths along the water's edge. For a more traditional hiking experience with a network of marked trails, you'll need to visit adjacent parks. The trails in the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains, like the Mount Madonna County Park loop from Interlaken, feature forested paths and significant elevation gain.
When is the best time to visit for hiking?
The best time to visit the area is in the spring when the hills are green and wildflowers are in bloom. The waterfalls in the nearby Uvas Canyon County Park are also at their most impressive during the winter and spring months after rainfall. Summer can be quite hot and dry.
Can I combine hiking with fishing?
Yes, Uvas Reservoir is a popular spot for shoreline fishing for species like largemouth bass and bluegill. You can easily enjoy a day of fishing combined with a casual walk along the reservoir's edge. The park's focus is more on fishing and picnicking than on extensive hiking.
How many hiking trails are in the Uvas Reservoir area?
While Uvas Reservoir Park itself has limited informal paths, the surrounding region offers a good selection of trails. Komoot features over 20 routes in the wider area, evenly split between easy walks and more moderate hikes through the nearby hills and woodlands.
What do other hikers enjoy about this area?
The trails in the region are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the peaceful atmosphere of the woodlands and the scenic views of the rolling California hills. The accessibility of both easy shoreline walks and more challenging forest loops is a frequently mentioned highlight.
Are there any circular hikes available?
Yes, there are several excellent circular routes in the hills surrounding the reservoir. For an easy loop through the woods, consider the Hiking loop from Mount Madonna County Park. It's a pleasant walk of about 2.3 miles with some gentle elevation changes.
Most popular routes in Uvas Reservoir County Park
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