3 Best Hiking Trails in Santa Clara, CA

"Ulistac Natural Area is a 2,217-acre natural area that offers an unforgettable experience for visitors. The trail is a cultural and regional resource that features diverse habitats of native California plants and their respective ecosystems. The trail is a haven for a diverse array of birds and wildlife. This contains the last 40 acres of wild, natural land in the city, which is next to the Guadalupe River, where many birds travel during migration. Visitors can also enjoy a walk, exercise, take photos, ride bikes, observe birds, or simply enjoy a peaceful escape. The trail offers a great opportunity for visitors to enjoy a diverse range of recreational activities like hiking, walking, and birding. The hiking trails also feature wheelchair-accessible entrances, kid-friendly hikes, and designated dog-friendly areas for the convenience of the visitors.

"San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail offers a variety of activities, including road biking, running, and walking. This green space features a combined hiking and biking trail along a creek, as well as a playground and a community garden. The trail is 20.3 kilometers long and is generally considered easy. It has an elevation gain of 66 meters and is an out-and-back route. The time taken to complete the entire trail is approximately 3 hours and 47 minutes. The trailhead is wheelchair-accessible and kid-friendly. The trail surface includes asphalt, brick, cement, dirt, gravel, and wooden bridges. The San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit at any time.

"Sanborn County Park is a 3,453-acre, densely forested area that offers a wide range of recreational opportunities. The park is located 9.0 miles from Santa Clara. This nature area is maintained by the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department. This ideal destination features over 15 miles of trails, second-growth redwoods, and year-round creeks. Visitors can also enjoy a wide variety of activities such as hiking, RV camping, walk-in camping, picnicking, and BBQ facilities. The park offers amenities such as public restrooms, picnic tables, kid-friendly trails, and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot for visitor comfort. Sanborn County Park includes designated pet areas.