Uvas Reservoir County Park
1 / 10

Uvas Reservoir County Park

4.6
ยท193 reviewsยทMorgan Hill, United States

A serene 1,017-acre park and reservoir offering shaded trails, picnic spots, and fishing, perfect for a peaceful escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and less crowded

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Uvas Reservoir County Park

Uvas Reservoir County Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and less crowded

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene 1,017-acre park and reservoir offering shaded trails, picnic spots, and fishing, perfect for a peaceful escape.

4.6
(193 reviews)

"It is very peaceful and never crowded."

Vertical photo
TIP

๐Ÿ‘Ÿ Wear Sturdy Footwear

Gravelly paths and occasional slopes mean good shoes are a must for comfortable exploring .

โš ๏ธ Watch for Poison Oak

Stay on marked trails to avoid contact with poison oak, especially in wooded areas .

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 ยท 193 reviews

Type

Park

๐Ÿ‘ถ Good for kidsโ™ฟ Wheelchair accessible๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Shaded Lakeside Trails

Shaded Lakeside Trails

Various points around the reservoir

Enjoy peaceful walks under tree cover with beautiful reservoir views. Perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Picnic Areas with a View

Picnic Areas with a View

Near parking lot and along the reservoir

Plenty of benches and spots to relax and enjoy a meal with scenic surroundings. Ideal for families and groups.

Fishing Opportunities

Fishing Opportunities

Along the reservoir shoreline

A popular spot for anglers seeking a quiet day by the water. Check local regulations before casting a line.

Wildflower Displays

Wildflower Displays

Throughout the park

In spring, the park bursts with color. Keep an eye out for vibrant wildflowers painting the landscape.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Peaceful Exploration

Uvas Reservoir County Park is a local gem, often less crowded than its more famous neighbors. To truly enjoy its tranquility, aim for weekdays or early mornings. Weekends can see a moderate influx of visitors, especially during pleasant weather.

Trail Preparedness and Park Access

While many trails offer shade, be aware of potential poison oak, especially off the main paths.Instagram Sturdy footwear is recommended for some gravelly sections.Reddit Note that boating is currently closed, and swimming is not permitted in the reservoir.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful and less crowded
Crowd
Low
When
Spring afternoons
Why
Wildflowers in bloom
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

๐ŸŒพ Uvas Reservoir County Park - Morgan Hill ๐ŸŒณ 1,017 acre park and reservoir with hiking trails and lakeside picnic areas. โ˜€๏ธ Open year round 8am - Sunset ๐Ÿš— Parking lot next to the lake. Portable restrooms in the parking lot. ๐Ÿถ Dogs allowed on a leash. ๐Ÿ›ถ Boating is currently closed. No swimming in the lake. ๐Ÿ‚ Beware of poison oak on the trails. @santaclaracountyparks @countyofsantacl...
aparkadaybayarea
92 likes โ€ข 6.1K views

๐Ÿ‘Ÿ Wear Sturdy Footwear

Gravelly paths and occasional slopes mean good shoes are a must for comfortable exploring.Reddit

โš ๏ธ Watch for Poison Oak

Stay on marked trails to avoid contact with poison oak, especially in wooded areas.Instagram

๐Ÿ“๐ŸŒ„ Uvas Reservoir County Park, Morgan Hill This beautiful and scenic 1,017-acre park and reservoir is nestled below the Santa Cruz Mountains, just minutes from Morgan Hill and Gilroy. This is a really popular spot for fishing, hiking, or just enjoying the beautiful views. It is open year-round from 8 AM until sunset. ๐Ÿ’™ Thank you for watching and sharing this video! When you or someone you know ...
jori.m.realtor
18 likes โ€ข 187 views
Fun day exploring Uvas Reservoir County Park. We took a risk and went on an undefined path ๐Ÿฅพโ›ฐ๏ธ๐Ÿšถโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿ•. It was quite challenging to navigate but we got out safely. . . . . . . . . . #reels #instagram #reelsinstagram #love #trees #explore #instagood #follow #instadaily #beautiful #park #lake #hike #hiking #water #scenery
_itskhoa_
35 likes โ€ข 1.2K views

๐Ÿถ Dogs Welcome (Leashed)

Bring your furry friends along for the adventure, but keep them on a leash at all times.Instagram

๐ŸŽฃ Fishing is Popular

A great spot for anglers, but be sure to check current regulations and licensing requirements.

Wild flowers in May @ California #uvasreservoircountypark
bthuy.le
3 likes โ€ข 52 views

Tips

from all over the internet

๐Ÿ‘Ÿ Wear Sturdy Footwear

Gravelly paths and occasional slopes mean good shoes are a must for comfortable exploring.Reddit

โš ๏ธ Watch for Poison Oak

Stay on marked trails to avoid contact with poison oak, especially in wooded areas.Instagram

๐Ÿถ Dogs Welcome (Leashed)

Bring your furry friends along for the adventure, but keep them on a leash at all times.Instagram

๐ŸŽฃ Fishing is Popular

A great spot for anglers, but be sure to check current regulations and licensing requirements.

๐Ÿšซ No Swimming or Boating

Enjoy the scenery, but remember swimming and boating are not permitted in the reservoir.Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(193 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Uvas Reservoir County Park for its peaceful atmosphere, shaded trails, and pleasant picnic spots. Many appreciate the lack of crowds, making it a serene escape. Some note the need for caution on certain trails and the absence of swimming or boating.

"Excellent shaded trail with small waterfalls and soothing sound of the flowing stream. Recommend decent boots for gravel on the trail in a few spots. Excellent for picnicking as there are a plenty of benches. Clean restroom facilities as expected when managed by SCCP system"

Deepak G

"Went there for a short hike. Saw a few people fishing. It is very peaceful and never crowded. March 3rd '24: Went there on a late afternoon after heavy rain. The water level recovered a lot due to the last 2-3 years of rain."

Arifur Rahman

"at the parking lot you can see the narrow trail up to the peninsula into the woods, this trail is longer than I expected, you could see the lake view in the middle, in the end when you reach the reservoir you can touch the water. Then the problem is that you could either return the same way, or walk very carefully on the slope along the reservoir back to parking. You have to be very careful not to slide into the reservoir, not recommended! You can see my family taking videos of me trying to capture me sliding into the reservoir which will be uploaded to Youtube called Fail of the Week! But I managed to reach the parking without falling! The rocks are quite beautiful too, red ones"

Chip Li

What People Like

Peaceful and quiet
Shaded trails
Nice picnic areas

What People Dislike

No swimming/boating
Trail caution needed

Frequently Asked Questions

๐Ÿš‡ ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Getting There

Uvas Reservoir County Park is located near Morgan Hill, California. It's accessible by car, with a parking lot available near the lake.Instagram The park is nestled below the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering scenic drives to reach it.

Yes, there is a parking lot located next to the lake.Instagram It's convenient for accessing trails and picnic areas. Parking can fill up on busier days, so arriving early is recommended.

The park is generally open from 8 AM to sunset.Instagram For stargazing or staying after dark, you typically need a campground reservation, which can be booked in advance.Reddit

From Highway 101, take the Bailey Avenue exit and head east. Turn right onto Uvas Road, which will lead you to the park entrance. Always check local traffic conditions before your trip.

Public transport options to Uvas Reservoir County Park are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Consider ride-sharing services if you don't have your own car.

๐ŸŽซ ๐ŸŽซ Tickets & Entry

While specific fee information can vary, many county parks in the area have a modest day-use fee. It's advisable to check the official Santa Clara County Parks website for the most current pricing.

The park is typically open year-round from 8 AM until sunset.Instagram Always confirm current hours before your visit, as they can change seasonally or due to unforeseen circumstances.

For general day use, reservations are usually not required. However, if you plan to stay for stargazing or camping, campground reservations are necessary and can book up quickly.Reddit

Boating is currently closed, and swimming is not permitted in the reservoir.Instagram Be mindful of park rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for everyone.

Yes, dogs are allowed in the park but must be kept on a leash at all times.Instagram This ensures the safety and comfort of all visitors and wildlife.

๐ŸŽซ ๐Ÿž๏ธ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy hiking on shaded trails, picnicking in scenic areas, and fishing.Instagram The park offers beautiful views of the reservoir and surrounding hills.

Yes, portable restrooms are available in the parking lot.Instagram They are generally well-maintained as part of the SCCP system.

Absolutely! The park features shaded trails that are great for hiking. Some paths can be challenging, so wear appropriate footwear.InstagramReddit

No, swimming is not permitted in Uvas Reservoir.Instagram The park is more focused on hiking, fishing, and enjoying the natural scenery.

Expect beautiful reservoir views, rolling hills, and shaded woodlands. In spring, you might also see lovely wildflowers.Instagram

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants or cafes within Uvas Reservoir County Park. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks for picnics.

Yes, the park has picnic areas with benches,Reddit making it an ideal spot for a leisurely outdoor meal. Remember to pack out all your trash.

The nearby city of Morgan Hill offers various dining options, from casual cafes to more formal restaurants. Gilroy is also a short drive away with more choices.

There are no concessions or stores within the park. It's best to purchase any snacks or drinks before you arrive.

Check the park's official regulations regarding BBQs. Some picnic areas may have designated BBQ pits, but it's always wise to confirm beforehand.

๐Ÿ“ธ ๐Ÿ“ธ Photography

The reservoir itself offers scenic water views, especially during golden hour. Look for interesting tree formations and the dam for unique shots.Instagram

Early mornings and late afternoons provide beautiful soft light, ideal for landscape photography. Spring is fantastic for capturing wildflowers.Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in county parks to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. It's best to check the Santa Clara County Parks regulations for specific rules.

While not a primary wildlife destination, you might spot various birds near the reservoir. Keep an eye out for local flora and fauna.

Yes, the reservoir offers picturesque views from various points along the trails and picnic areas. The surrounding hills add to the scenic beauty.

You may also like

Uvas Reservoir County Park (2026) โ€“ Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide