The best walks and hikes in Upper Stevens Creek County Park

Yes, dogs are permitted in Upper Stevens Creek County Park, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. Remember to bring water for your pet and to clean up after them to keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.

Upper Stevens Creek County Park is a more remote, wilderness-focused area located higher up in the Santa Cruz Mountains along Skyline Boulevard. It's known for its extensive network of hiking and equestrian trails through woodlands and chaparral. The main Stevens Creek County Park is located further down Stevens Canyon Road and is centered around the Stevens Creek Reservoir, offering activities like picnicking, fishing, and non-powered boating, in addition to its own set of trails.

Yes, the park offers several easier options suitable for families. A great choice is the Peters Creek Trail – Long Ridge Trail loop from Saratoga. It's a relatively short and flat walk that still provides a wonderful experience of the area's beautiful oak woodlands.

Parking is available at trailheads along Skyline Boulevard (CA-35), but it is limited. These are typically small, unpaved pullouts. The park is less crowded than some other nearby preserves, but on weekends it's still a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot.

Due to its remote location along Skyline Boulevard in the Santa Cruz Mountains, there is no direct public transportation to the trailheads for Upper Stevens Creek County Park. Accessing the park requires a private vehicle.

While the park doesn't have large, year-round waterfalls, small, seasonal cascades can appear along the creeks and ravines after significant winter and spring rains. The experience varies greatly depending on recent precipitation.

There are over 180 different routes to explore within and connected to Upper Stevens Creek County Park. The trail system includes everything from short, easy loops to strenuous all-day treks, with 79 trails rated as easy, 72 as moderate, and 32 as difficult.

The trails in and around Upper Stevens Creek County Park are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the well-shaded paths through mature forests, the scenic valley vistas, and the peaceful, less-crowded atmosphere.

The park is excellent for loop hikes. For a rewarding moderate challenge, consider the Turtle Rock – Long Ridge Trail loop from Saratoga. This 8.5-mile (13.7 km) route takes you through a variety of landscapes, from shaded forests to open ridges, and includes the notable Turtle Rock formation.

The park's diverse habitats of oak woodland, fir forests, and chaparral support a variety of wildlife. It's common to see deer, squirrels, and many species of birds. Coyotes and bobcats also inhabit the area, though they are more elusive. As always, keep a respectful distance from any wildlife you encounter.

Yes, Upper Stevens Creek County Park is very popular with equestrians. Most of the trails are multi-use and open to horseback riding. The interconnected trail system allows for long, enjoyable rides through the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Spring is a fantastic time to visit, with pleasant temperatures and vibrant wildflowers. Autumn offers beautiful fall colors from the black oaks and big-leaf maples. Summer can be hot, but the many shaded trails provide relief. Winter is cooler and can be a great time to see the landscape rejuvenated by rain.

Upper Stevens Creek County Park is a rustic, wilderness-style park and does not have developed facilities like picnic tables, restrooms, or drinking water at its trailheads. You should plan to bring all the water and food you will need for your hike and pack out everything you bring in.

The park's trails are part of a larger, interconnected network. You can hike from Upper Stevens Creek into adjacent preserves like Long Ridge Open Space Preserve and Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve. For example, the Long Ridge Trail to Wallace Stegner Bench hike is a great way to experience this connectivity.