Calero County Park - Park in San Jose - 23205 McKean Rd, USA

This has become our go-to for mountain biking in the Bay Area. Good for hikes or biking and trails are for the most part are kids friendly. You just have to be careful is blind corners for safety when the bikers are out.

This is a great place to go hiking for those that don't want a terribly technical hike. There are various trails that you can string together to make large loops, or you can do a quick small jaunt around the hill. The views from the highest peaks out over the San Jose valley are beautiful. On a clear day you can see Lick Observatory. Looking too the West on some trails you can see over to Mt. Umunhum. My list hike here was a 10 mile loop, and my dog and I were all alone once we got off the main multi-use trail. There were lots of mountain bikers, but everyone was very courteous. We didn't see any equestrians this time.

Great hiking trail, mostly not shaded, so beware if you go in the summer warmer hours. Lots of gravel bikes as it's perfect if you're riding one, and assisted bikes are allowed too. On foot, at moderate pace, it took me about 3 hours to complete the loop. Within the hike you might bump into cows. Highly recommended 😊

I visited Calero County Park from the main entrance on McKean Road. The trails are getting dry after the big storms, but there are still a few wet areas, and most of the Serpentine Loop is still closed from storm damage. I went as far as the Fish Camp Rest Site. That area was very wet, and the trail was closed beyond that. The trails I took looked like old ranch roads, and they went straight up some steep hills. The upside is you get some nice views of Calero Reservoir, the Santa Clara Valley, and the surrounding hills. The downside is you need to be extra careful when descending the steep slopes to avoid slipping and falling. There are some nice wildflowers across from the Visitor Center (currently closed). Another highlight was the Los Cerritos Pond Rest Site, which is full of reeds and has many Red-Winged Blackbirds singing their songs. There is one picnic table with a view of the pond, if you are lucky enough to get it. Spring is the best time to come here, when the weather is comfortable. (Summer is normally way too hot.) The scattered oak trees provide limited protection from the sun. I took away one star on my rating, because of the steep trails. On the map, the Oak Cove Trail follows along the Calero Reservoir and looks to be a flatter, milder trail. Maybe I will try that next time.

Lots of different trails to choose from. Not many trees, so you can get a good view of the complete landscape. I also saw some deer, which is always cool! Entry was free and there was a decent amount of parking, the park itself didn't seem very crowded.

Went here for MTB. The Oak Cove trail is an easy/intermediate trail with nice views. Its free to access.

Calero County Park is a very beautiful park to spend quality time with nature. One can go on long hikes in absolutely stunning natural area. If you do not park near the water body there is a bit of a walk to go to the lake. The walk is beautiful with some gradient along the way. There is a picnic area near the lake and one can get close to the water too. Fantastic place to spend a relaxing evening. Beautiful sunset!

Beautiful yet simple hilly park that has hike & bike & horse trails. Watch for cows and their paddock pancakes. Restrooms available on the east side.