A gorgeous route that stays adjacent to creeks throughout.

Location: Uvas Canyon County Park

» Official Trail Map: Good map with various trails.

To Swanson Creek: Start at Black Oak Group Area. Walk along Waterfall Loop with side trips to Black Rock Falls, Basin Falls and Upper Falls. Then continue along Contour Trail until it meets Swanson Creek.

To Uvas Creek: Locate Uvas Creek on the trail map. Notice that there is a short (0.3 mile long) trail that runs parallel to Uvas Creek. Few people hike this section of the park even though it is as gorgeous as the hike along Swanson Creek. Upon returning from Contour Trail back to Black Oaks Group Area, make your trip a little longer by visiting Uvas Creek as well.

Notes: The side trip to Knobcone Point is very steep. No creeks along this route either.

Location: 8515 Croy Road, Morgan Hill, California 95037 . Parking area is visible in Google Maps if you zoom in sufficiently.

Directions: From 101-South, take exit 373 for Bailey Avenue. Turn right onto Bailey Avenue and drive for 3.2 miles. Turn left on McKean Road an drive for 2.4 miles. Continue onto Uvas Road and drive 3.7 miles. Turn right onto Croy Road (there is a sign for Uvas Canyon County Park at this junction) and drive for 4.4 miles to enter the park. The last couple of miles are along a narrow winding road.

Google Maps:

Parking Fees: $6 per vehicle (last visited: February 2012)

Capacity: Dozens of cars may be parked inside the park.

Latitude: 37.084741     Longitude: -121.792288