THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
County Park · CA

Ed R. Levin County Park

Ed R. Levin County Park in Santa Clara County offers a diverse outdoor experience with rugged hills, scenic views, and popular hang gliding and hiking opportunities.

County Park15004+ Trails

Designation

County Park

Total Wilderness Area

1500

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Ed R. Levin County Park

Ed R. Levin County Park in Santa Clara County offers a diverse outdoor experience with rugged hills, scenic views, and popular hang gliding and hiking opportunities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Ed R. Levin County Park is a 1,500-acre regional park located in the Diablo Range foothills near Milpitas, California. This park features steep canyons, rolling grasslands, chaparral-covered hills, and open reservoir areas, creating a variety of habitats for native wildlife including hawks, bobcats, and deer. Historically, the park was named after Ed R. Levin, a prominent Santa Clara County Supervisor dedicated to public recreation. It includes the only hang gliding launch site in Santa Clara County, attracting enthusiasts from across the Bay Area, with expansive views overlooking the San Francisco Bay and Silicon Valley. Hiking and mountain biking opportunities abound, with trails winding through the varied terrain and leading to scenic vistas and reservoirs. The park hosts the quiet and beautiful Spring Valley and Stevens Creek reservoirs, offering fishing and wildlife observation. Birdwatchers often visit for sightings of raptors and other local species. The park’s proximity to the urban Bay Area provides a natural escape for outdoor recreation, combining both active sports and relaxing nature experiences. Visitors appreciate both its expansive open spaces and rugged topography, making it a favored destination for day trips, family outings, and outdoor sports.

Field Guide · County Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Ed R. Levin County Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Nature's Serenity: Calaveras Reservoir★ 7.2⌖ 5 miHiking
Calaveras Reservoir

Nature's Serenity: Calaveras Reservoir

Explore Calaveras Reservoir in Santa Clara County, CA. Enjoy scenic hikes with stunning hill views. Ideal for wildlife observation and photography. Best visited in spring or fall for vibrant landscapes.

Rocky Retreat at Alameda Creek Overlook★ 7.5⌖ 7 miHiking
Alameda Creek Overlook

Rocky Retreat at Alameda Creek Overlook

Experience the serene beauty of Alameda Creek Overlook in Sunol, CA. Perfect for hiking and wildlife observing, it offers stunning views and unique rock formations. Ideal for photographers, especially in spring and fall.

Skiing at Blue Hills Ski Area in Boston★ 6.0⌖ 16 miSkiing
Boston

Skiing at Blue Hills Ski Area in Boston

Enjoy the slopes at Blue Hills Ski Area, just 20 minutes from Boston. With 16 trails across 60 acres and snowmaking facilities, it's perfect for both beginners and seasoned skiers. The lifts stay open for night skiing, adding an extra thrill to your visit.

Santa Cruz Mountains: Nature's Playground★ 8.5⌖ 21 miHiking
Santa Cruz Mountains

Santa Cruz Mountains: Nature's Playground

Explore the natural beauty of Santa Cruz Mountains. Known for its towering redwoods, this area offers hiking and biking. Visit Big Basin for trails ranging from easy to challenging. Spring and fall are ideal. Perfect for adventure seekers interested in history and nature.

Discover the Tranquility of Castle Rock Falls★ 8.2⌖ 22 miHiking
Castle Rock Falls

Discover the Tranquility of Castle Rock Falls

Explore Castle Rock Falls in the Santa Cruz Mountains. A moderate hike provides views of striking sandstone formations and a serene waterfall. Popular for hiking and climbing, this area is best visited in spring after the rains.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Hang Gliding launch area with panoramic views of the Bay Area✦ Spring Valley Reservoir with trout fishing opportunities✦ Challenging mountain biking trails through diverse terrain✦ Quiet picnic areas overlooking reservoir and natural landscapes
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Ed R. Levin County Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Ed R. Levin County Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Ed R. Levin County Park
Park Recreation

Hang Gliding

Available in Ed R. Levin County Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Ed R. Levin County Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Ed R. Levin County Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Ed R. Levin County Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Ed R. Levin County Park
Park Recreation

Trail Running

Available in Ed R. Levin County Park
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Ed R. Levin County Park
Park Recreation

Dog Walking

Available in Ed R. Levin County Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Ed R. Levin County Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free public access with parking available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Ed R. Levin County Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Estate Bovoni
⌖ 6.48 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Estate Bovoni, U.S. Virgin Islands

An authentic Caribbean outdoor retreat offering rugged trails and lush landscapes for adventurous travelers seeking nature and history off the usual tourist path.

December to AprilExplore Town
Milpitas
⌖ 6.76 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Milpitas, California

A growing Silicon Valley town offering easy access to nearby natural parks and trails, suited for outdoor enthusiasts seeking convenient hiking, biking, and nature escapes.

Fall through SpringExplore Town
San Jose
⌖ 8.17 miles
Gateway Basecamp

San Jose, California

A vibrant urban hub offering diverse outdoor adventures from mountain hiking in nearby preserves to paddling and biking in pleasant Mediterranean climate.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Santa Clara
⌖ 10.95 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Santa Clara, California

A dynamic urban hub with easy access to diverse outdoor experiences from tech campus greenways to nearby regional parks and bayfront trails.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Roses
⌖ 11.76 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Roses, Catalonia

A scenic Mediterranean coastal town blending rugged natural beauty with diverse outdoor activities from sea kayaking to hiking the nearby Cap de Creus peninsula.

Spring through early FallExplore Town
Campbell
⌖ 12.63 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Campbell, California

A suburban outdoor hub offering easy access to creekside trails, parks, and nearby Santa Cruz Mountains for a balanced mix of relaxed and active adventures.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Ed R. Levin County Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.