We live in the South Valley, and we still get surprised when people tell us they’ve never been to Uvas Canyon. It’s a 20-minute drive from downtown Morgan Hill. It’s got multiple waterfalls, seven by the county’s count, with five named on the park map. And right now, in mid-April after the winter rains, the creek is running hard enough that you can hear the falls before you see them.
This is one of the best hikes you can do in Santa Clara County. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
Where Is Uvas Canyon County Park?
Uvas Canyon County Park sits at 8515 Croy Road, Morgan Hill, CA 95037. From downtown Morgan Hill, take Dunne Avenue west, turn left on Oak Glen Avenue, then right on Croy Road. The road narrows and winds through oak-covered hills for about 4 miles before you reach the park entrance.
The drive up Croy Road is half the experience. Windows down, redwoods and oaks on both sides, no traffic. If you’re coming from Gilroy or San Martin, add another 10 to 15 minutes.
The Waterfall Loop Trail
The main attraction is the Waterfall Loop, a one-mile trail that follows Swanson Creek past multiple cascading falls. It’s rated moderate, meaning there are some steps and rocky sections, but we’ve done it with friends who don’t hike regularly and they were fine. Wear shoes with grip. The rocks near the falls get slippery.
For a longer outing, the full loop that connects the upper trails runs about 5.2 miles and takes around two and a half hours. That version gives you all the named falls, plus some open ridgeline views on the way back. The canopy changes from dense redwood groves down near the creek to sunny oak savanna up top.
The park has about 7 miles of trails total, so you can make it a quick waterfall stroll or a half-day trek depending on your mood.
You Need a Reservation (Yes, Really)
This is the thing most people miss. Uvas Canyon requires advance day-use reservations seven days a week, including weekdays. It’s not optional. You’ll need to book through gooutsideandplay.org or by calling (408) 355-2201.
The day-use fee is $6 per vehicle. Print your confirmation and put it on your dashboard. Rangers do check. We learned this the slightly embarrassing way our first time.
The reservation system exists because the park is small and the single-lane road can’t handle overflow parking. On a sunny spring weekend, slots fill up days in advance. Book early, especially in April and May when the waterfalls are at their peak.
Best Time to Visit
The falls are spring-fed and flow year-round, but the real show is between late February and mid-May, after the winter rains have soaked the hills. Right now, mid-April 2026, is one of the best windows. The creek is high, the forest is green, and the wildflowers are popping along the upper trails.
Summer and fall visits are quieter (fewer crowds, easier reservations), but the falls thin out to trickles by August. If you want the full experience, go now.
Park hours are 8 a.m. to sunset, year-round. Morning visits are cooler and less crowded. We like getting there right when the gate opens, doing the loop, and being back in Morgan Hill by lunchtime.
What to Bring
Pack water (there are no fountains on the trail), sunscreen for the exposed upper sections, and layers. The canyon floor stays cool under the tree canopy even when Morgan Hill is warm. We always bring a light jacket.
There are pit toilets at the trailhead and at the campground. No food or drink vendors anywhere in the park. Pack snacks.
Dogs are allowed on leash, and the park has a handful of picnic tables near the parking area. If you’re hiking with small kids, the short Waterfall Loop is manageable. The longer loop has steeper sections that are better for older kids and adults.
What the Trail Actually Looks Like
The Waterfall Loop starts flat along the creek bed, shaded by second-growth redwoods and big-leaf maples. The named falls include Black Rock Falls, Basin Falls, and Upper Falls, each with a short spur trail and a signpost. Some are 15-foot drops into mossy pools. Others are wider cascades that fan across the rock face. After rain, the sound fills the canyon.
The longer loop climbs out of the creek drainage and onto the ridgeline, where the tree cover opens up and you can see the surrounding hills. In spring, the wildflowers along this upper section are worth the extra effort.
Beyond the Waterfalls
If you want to make a full day in the area, Uvas Canyon is about 15 minutes from Solis Winery and other tasting rooms along the Uvas Road corridor. Pack a picnic, do the hike in the morning, and stop for a tasting on the way back to town. That’s a pretty perfect South Valley Saturday.
For current trail conditions and closure updates, call the trail hotline at (408) 355-2200, press 31.
Sheena & Ryan write South Valley Spotlight, a free weekly newsletter covering Morgan Hill, Gilroy, and San Martin. Subscribe for local news, events, food, and real estate delivered every Wednesday.