In
brief:
This 4.4 mile loop visits a series of waterfalls in a secluded canyon park.
Distance, category, and difficulty:
This 4.4 mile loop hike is moderate; there are a few
short steep sections. Trailhead elevation is about 1100 feet.
This hike's highest point is about 1800 feet. Total elevation change is
about 2200 feet.
Exposure:
Almost completely shaded.
Trail traffic:
Light-heavy, depending on season.
Trail surfaces:
Dirt trails and fire roads.
Hiking time:
2 hours.
Season:
Nice any time; best in late winter for waterfalls; really sweet in autumn.
Address:
8515 Croy Rd Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Getting there:
From Interstate 280 in Santa Clara County, take CA 85 south (exit 12b, toward
Gilroy). After about 12 miles, exit at Almaden Expressway (exit 6),
make the first left, then the next right onto Almaden Expressway. Drive
about 5 miles to the end of Almaden Expressway, and turn right onto Harry.
Almost immediately, turn left onto McKean. McKean turns into Uvas Road after
about 6.5 miles. Continue on Uvas for another 3.7 miles, then turn right
onto Croy (there's a brown county park sign before the turnoff). Drive about
3.8 miles to the park entrance at the end of the road. NOTE: the last 0.4
mile or so of Croy passes through the Swedish private community of Sveadal.
That stretch of road is very narrow, so drive slowly.
GPS Coordinates* for Trailhead:
Latitude
37° 5'2.95"N
Longitude 121°47'33.99"W
(* based on Google Earth
data, shown as degrees, minutes, seconds)
Gas, food, and lodging:
Gas, stores, and restaurants along Almaden Expressway. Camping info from
SCCP: "The campground has twenty-five individual campsites available
by reservation only. The Upper Bench Youth Group Camping Area is reservable
for non-profit youth groups for up to 40 people."
Trailhead details:
Park is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only, and advanced reservations are required. Visit
www.gooutsideandplay.org or call the reservation line 408-355-2201. $6 entrance fee (self register at automated kiosk -- no cash). Continue past the entrance
station to the signed day use parking lot, just up the road and around the
corner, on the right. Parking for about 34 cars. There are a few designated
handicapped spots. Restrooms and drinking water just past the west edge
of the lot. Maps at the entrance station, and at the beginning of the waterfall
loop. Pay phone near entrance station. There is no direct public transportation
to the park.
Rules:
Hikers only. Dogs are allowed in all areas of the park on a 6 foot or less leash. Park hours for day use are
8 a.m. to sunset.
The Official Story:
SCCP's Uvas Canyon page
Park office: 408-779-9232
Map options:
• Map from SCCP
This hike is described and mapped in 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: San Francisco, by Jane Huber (yup, that's me, the creator of this website).
Order this book from Amazon.com.
Go to Bay Area Hiker Home page