4.7
(381)
4,984
hikers
8
hikes
Hiking in Upper Stevens Creek County Park offers a diverse landscape experience within the Santa Cruz Mountains. The park features a mix of shaded oak woodlands, Douglas fir and redwood stands, and chaparral-covered ridges. Open grasslands provide contrast, while creeks add to the natural beauty. The topography includes varied elevation, with some trails offering views across surrounding valleys.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
4.5
(12)
175
hikers
10.8km
03:01
210m
210m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(4)
65
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
44
hikers
8.74km
02:24
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
11
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
14.1km
03:58
280m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Charming bridge crossing Seven's Creek Boulevard at the north end of Creekside Park. Nearby, you’ll find the historic Stocklmeir Farmhouse in Blackberry Farm Park.
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Rancho San Antonio County Park shares a boundary with Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, which adds almost 4,000 acres of nature to the 289-acre park. The trails are well-kept and well-marked, but all bikes need to keep on paved-paths only.
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Linda Vista Park is a nice area with large grass fields and an off-leash dog play area. From the park you can see beautiful views of the hills around Cupertino and overlook a golf course. The trails through the park would make a nice repeatable loop, and there is plenty of tree coverage on hot days.
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You can see great views from this spot along the High Meadow Trail. Views include the San Francisco Bay to the northwest and the opposing mountains to the east. There is a small bench to relax on and even enjoy a picnic.
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Rancho San Antonio County Park shares a boundary with Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, which adds almost 4,000 acres of nature to the 289-acre park. The trails are well-kept and well-marked, and are generally pretty easy if you just stick close to the car. Some of the trails in the heart of the park have some hills and offer great views of the surrounding preserve and the city off in the distance.
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Rancho San Antonio County Park shares a boundary with Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, which adds almost 4,000 acres of nature to the 289-acre park. The trails are well-kept and well-marked and are generally pretty easy if you just stick close to the car. Some of the trails in the heart of the park have some hills and offer great views of the surrounding preserve and the city off in the distance.
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The Stevens Creek Trail is a mostly paved trail that runs through Monta Vista. There are nice views of the creek and the trail passes by a farm with alpacas and goats. It is fully traffic-free, so its a great trail to take a famliy walk.
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There are 9 hiking trails in Upper Stevens Creek County Park that are easily accessible from bus stations. These routes offer a range of difficulties, from easy strolls to challenging long-distance hikes.
While the park is enjoyable year-round, winter and spring are particularly recommended for hiking. The trails are often well-shaded, providing a pleasant experience, and the natural features are vibrant. Always check local bus schedules as they may vary seasonally.
Yes, there are easy options suitable for families. For instance, the Linda Vista Park – Steven's Creek Trail bridge loop from De Anza College is an easy 5.2 km hike, perfect for a relaxed outing with varied scenery.
Trails accessible by bus in Upper Stevens Creek County Park offer a diverse landscape. You can expect to traverse shaded oak woodlands, explore stands of majestic Douglas firs and redwoods, and wind through chaparral-covered ridges. Many routes provide sweeping views across surrounding valleys, and sometimes as far as Mount Hamilton and Mount Umunhum, especially from spots like the Wallace Stegner Bench.
Absolutely. For a more demanding experience, consider the Rancho San Antonio County Park – View of the Bay Area loop from Rancho San Antonio County Park. This difficult 20.8 km route features significant elevation gain and offers expansive views of the Bay Area.
Generally, dogs are permitted on many trails within Upper Stevens Creek County Park, but specific rules can vary by trail section or open space preserve. It's always best to check the latest regulations for the specific trail you plan to hike, and ensure your dog is on a leash.
The trails in Upper Stevens Creek County Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 390 ratings. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, the challenging yet rewarding nature of the 'upside-down' hikes, and the serene quiet meadows found within the park.
Yes, many of the bus-accessible routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point, which is convenient for public transport users. An example is the Hiking loop from Rancho San Antonio County Park, a moderate 10.8 km loop.
The elevation gain varies significantly depending on the route. Easy trails might have minimal gain, such as the Linda Vista Park – Steven's Creek Trail bridge loop with around 45 meters. More challenging routes, like the Rancho San Antonio County Park – View of the Bay Area loop, can involve over 800 meters of ascent, offering a significant workout.
Yes, the trails in Upper Stevens Creek County Park are well-connected. Many routes link to the larger network of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, including Monte Bello, Long Ridge, and Saratoga Gap open space preserves. A portion of the Bay Area Ridge Trail also passes through, allowing for multi-preserve adventures.
Certainly. The Rancho San Antonio County Park loop from Rancho San Antonio County Park is a moderate 8.7 km loop that offers a good balance of challenge and scenic beauty. Another option is the Rancho San Antonio County Park loop from Monta Vista High School, a moderate 14.1 km route.


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