What you need to know
Close to the urban areas of Silicon Valley, this is a go-to destination for a gentle hike or to simply enjoy the views.
This landscape is yours to enjoy largely thanks to POST, who safeguarded much of the surrounding land and ensured generations of Bay Area locals have a place nearby to escape into nature.
Take in sweeping views of Stevens Creek Reservoir as you follow a meandering path along its edge. As the county's first park, this is a must-see destination.
Acorn woodpeckers, bobcats, sticky monkey flowers and gnarled coast live oaks.
Distance: 5.5 miles
Elevation change: 1,600 feet
Hiking time: 3 hours
Trail surface: Packed dirt
Best season: All year
Parking lot address: Click here for directions
Though we try to keep this page accurate, please see the Santa Clara County Park’s website before visiting for the latest information.
From the Baytree Picnic Area’s parking lot, walk back along the park road, cross the bridge, and after about 180 feet, turn right onto gated and signed Stevens Creek Tony Look Trail. Follow this trail to where it intersects with Stevens Canyon Road and then retrace your steps.
The first part of the trail follows Stevens Creek and ascends slightly through a beautiful array of native trees — sycamore, big-leaf maple, bay laurel and coast live oak. About a half-mile in, you’ll reach a junction with the Rim Trail and Coyote Ridge Trail; stay to the right and continue to follow the Stevens Creek Tony Look Trail along the edge of the reservoir.
In 2004, POST protected 238-acre Stevens Canyon Ranch, just upstream from Stevens Creek Reservoir. Safeguarding this property helped to maintain the landscape’s rural character and added to the established network of adjacent open space, including Saratoga Gap, Monte Bello and Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserves.