July 8, 2026
Picture this: you’re outside with your family on a summer morning, walking amid hilly green slopes framed by a brilliant blue sky. You meander along a trail through the shade of towering blue oak trees and hear a California quail chirrup. Your family spots the perfect picnic spot and you settle in for a morning of fun in the great outdoors. You’re not near Yosemite or even in a state park — you’re in one of Santa Clara County’s beautiful regional parks.
You may not expect to find these oases in the heart of Silicon Valley. But it’s true: our County is home to 28 parks with more than 350 miles of trails snaking through more than 55,000 acres of land. . . a perfect get-away for this warm season. And after a particularly grueling budget season thanks to federal cuts, putting on my hiking boots and hitting the trails is just what my mind and body need. It will also help me achieve my goal of visiting all 28 parks at least once before I term out of office; so far, I’ve hit 20. (Sidenote: For those who are budget-curious, a voter-approved charter fund earmarked for parks insulates them from most budget cuts, so the difficult decisions we had to make this fiscal year didn’t directly impact them.)
So, come along with me, and let’s explore all the benefits our parks have to offer for your family (it’s a lot, and more often than not, free!).
In July alone, the County Parks Department lists 23 programs and activities on its calendar, including:
- Junior Rangers Nature Hike at Sanborn County Park (where children learn about life in the redwoods)
- Barnyard Buddies at Martial Cottle Park (where little ones learn about the people and animals on a farm)
- Sunset Hike at Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear County Park (where anyone can learn about animals’ nighttime adaptations)
And those are just some of the free and scheduled opportunities you can take advantage of in our County parks. You and your family can also camp, picnic, fish, bike, ride horses, play disc golf, learn archery, and make your furry friend a BARK ranger any time. Yes, you heard me right: a BARK ranger. . .meaning your dog can take the BARK ranger pledge to become a certified ranger, complete with a badge. My pups, Lacy and Peaches, are maybe a bit too old to participate at 13 and 14 years old, but the program is a uniquely fun way to celebrate your dog.
All of these activities are worth your time, especially with a free parking pass from a County library branch. Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis for three weeks at a time.
When my kids were little, we spent endless summer days at Vasona Lake County Park, learning at the Youth Science Institute summer camp, and Sanborn Park, where we occasionally stayed overnight at the awesome Walden West camp. We biked the length of the Los Gatos Creek Trail. We did “letterboxing” hikes for treasure at Almaden Quicksilver County Park and picnicked at Anderson Lake. I could go on and on . . . . but I’d rather just hit the trail!!
On top of making cherished memories, getting outside is just plain good for you, mentally and physically. Scientific studies have shown that putting down the screen and spending time outdoors can lower your stress levels, calm your nervous system, better your mood, increase your mindfulness, and enhance your focus and clarity. In fact, a psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic pointed to research that found that just 15 minutes outside can reduce levels of your stress hormone, cortisol, and increase serotonin and dopamine, the brain’s mood regulators. I will definitely be spending copious amounts of time outside this upcoming month to support my mental health!
Being in nature is important for your physical health too, beyond the obvious of getting your body moving. University of California Los Angeles Health reports that getting outdoors boosts your immune system because of the exposure to Vitamin D from the sun. You can also improve your heart health because nature has been shown to decrease blood pressure levels.
I know I feel better in body, mind and, spirit when I am outdoors in beautiful settings, getting my heart rate pumping with a good hike.
So, what are you waiting for? Nature is calling! I’ll see you out and about on the trails!
Written by Supervisor Susan Ellenberg
Supervisor for Santa Clara County District 4 serving Campbell, Santa Clara, West San Jose, & unincorporated Burbank. Email: supervisor.ellenberg@bos.sccgov.org