An awesome short loop through waterfalls and creeks in Uvas Canyon.

Location: Uvas Canyon County Park

» Official Trail Map: Good map with various trails.

Route in brief: From Black Oak Group Ara, follow follow Waterfall Loop Trail, with side trips to Black Rock Falls, Knobcone Point (steep), Basin Falls and Upper Falls. Then follow Contour Trail followed by Alec Canyon Trail to return to the starting point.

Notes: This is a pleasant hike, one of the best in the bay area. In winters, soon after rains, the waterfalls have plenty of water. Along Waterfalls Loop Trail, there are many different waterfalls. The route from Black Oak Group Area to the intersection of Contour Trail with Sawnson Creek is all along creeks. Beyond Swanson Creek, Contour Trail meanders inside a forest, away from creeks.

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