Calero Lake County Park has added the 943-acre Canada del Oro
land, one of the only accessible signature landscapes left in the
Santa Clara Valley, increasing the size of the park to more than
4,000 acres.
Calero Lake County Park has added the 943-acre Canada del Oro land, one of the only accessible signature landscapes left in the Santa Clara Valley, increasing the size of the park to more than 4,000 acres.
Originally part of the pueblo of San Jose and Mexico’s Rancho grant system, the land remains unspoiled by extensive “ranchette” development. The park, northwest of Morgan Hill, features riparian woodlands, rolling foothills, beautiful grassland meadows and canyons surrounded by oak-covered ridges. The addition gained by a title transfer from the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST), increases the acreage of Calero County Park to more than 4,400 acres.
The acquisition was funded through contributions from the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department, the City of San Jose and the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority.
The Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department have taken over the ownership and management of the land.
Calero County Park, northwest of Morgan Hill off Bailey Avenue, has two distinct pre-existing areas: the reservoir, which is open year-round to both power and non-power vessels, and the adjoining “back country” revealing California Oak woodland, chapparal and riparian plant communities and associated wildlife habitats along a 20-mile trail system. The bay checker-spot butterfly, tiger salamander and California red-legged frog are among the threatened wildlife that can be found residing at the park.
The back country offers 20.2 miles of trails available to hikers and equestrians. A large staging area is located adjacent to the park office and may be reserved for organized events and gatherings. Arrangements can be made with park staff for a wide range of interpretive programs and outdoor projects.
Calero Ranch Stables offers horse rentals, a summer equestrian camp, as well as boarding and trail rides. For more information call (408) 268-2567.
Although the surrounding countryside remains relatively unspoiled, mercury has been found to accumulate in Calero Reservoir at levels that make the fish unsafe to eat.
The park is open year-round from 8 a.m. until sunset. The lake use hours are 8 a.m. until one half hour before sunset. Lake use fees are collected daily. Vehicle entry fees are collected year-round. Launch and entry fees are posted at the kiosk.
