Uvas Canyon County Park

Uvas Canyon County Park
Swanson Creek in Uvas Canyon
Uvas Canyon County Park is located in California
Uvas Canyon County Park
Uvas Canyon County Park is located in the United States
Uvas Canyon County Park
TypeCounty park
Location8515 Croy Rd Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Area1.79 sq mi (4.6 km2)
Operated bySanta Clara County Parks
StatusOpen daily

Uvas Canyon County Park is a 1,147-acre (464 ha) natural park located in upper Uvas Canyon on the eastern side of the Santa Cruz Mountains, west of Morgan Hill, California. The park has several small waterfalls, some of which flow perennially, that feed into tributaries confluent with Uvas Creek. The park is part of the Santa Clara County Parks System,[1] and facilitates picnics, hiking and overnight camping. It is one of the few parks in the area that allows dogs in the campgrounds.

Access to Uvas Canyon County Park is via Croy Road, a two-lane paved secondary road off Uvas Road with no outlet that narrows to a single lane within the small private community of Sveadal, just before the park entrance.

The park is located at 8515 Croy Rd, Morgan Hill. Uvas Canyon has 7.2 miles of hiking trails that includes a 1 mile Waterfall Loop. There are picnic areas and campsites as well. At one time Uvas Canyon was the tribal territory of the Mutsun Ohlone Indians. Uva is the Spanish word for grape. Uvas Creek and Uvas Canyon were named for the wild grapes once abundant in the area.[2]

History

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In 2017, a significant portion of the park's trail network as well as Croy Road were damaged by heavy rains. The park has now been reopened following extensive repairs.[1]

Uvas Canyon County Park is 1147 acres. In 1961 the County Parks Department bought the first parcel of 425 acres of land for Uvas Canyon County Park from Mrs. Lois (Wallace-McPhee) Allen. This land has the park entrance, picnic grounds and campgrounds. Another 256 acres was purchased in 1961 and the park opened in 1962 for use of the camping facilities. Over 600 acres have been added to the park since 1961.[3]

Flora

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A partial list of trees and plants found in the park is described in the park's Waterfall Loop Nature Trail Guide. Some are non-native species, brought in by early settlers.

Flora in Uvas Canyon County Park
  • California Buckeye tree in the park. The bark, leaves and fruits of the tree are poisonous to eat. However, its flowers provide nectar to butterflies.
    California Buckeye tree in the park. The bark, leaves and fruits of the tree are poisonous to eat. However, its flowers provide nectar to butterflies.
  • California Juniper tree in the park. Although native to other parts of California, this one was brought in by early settlers.
    California Juniper tree in the park. Although native to other parts of California, this one was brought in by early settlers.
  • Canyon Live Oak tree in the park. A variety of fauna forage on the tree's acorns and foliage.
    Canyon Live Oak tree in the park. A variety of fauna forage on the tree's acorns and foliage.
  • Sticky monkey flowers in the park. The yellowish flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds and bees.
    Sticky monkey flowers in the park. The yellowish flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds and bees.
  • White alder tree overlooking creek in the park. Thick vines of poison oak have grown around the base of the tree.
    White alder tree overlooking creek in the park. Thick vines of poison oak have grown around the base of the tree.

Fauna

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Some animals native to the area include:

Fauna in Uvas Canyon County Park

Waterfalls

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The park has seven small waterfalls, five of which are named on park maps and identified with signposts:

The streams are rain and spring fed. Even though the streams are perennial, the best time to visit these waterfalls is after recent rains.

Waterfalls of Uvas Canyon County Park
  • Basin Falls is around 20 feet tall, and is at an elevation of about 1100 ft.
    Basin Falls is around 20 feet tall, and is at an elevation of about 1100 ft.
  • Black Rock Falls
    Black Rock Falls
  • Granuja Falls
    Granuja Falls
  • Triple Falls is around 35 feet tall.
    Triple Falls is around 35 feet tall.
  • Upper Falls
    Upper Falls

References

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  1. ^ a b "Uvas Canyon County Park. Parks and Recreation. County of Santa Clara". County of Santa Clara. Retrieved 2014-09-06.
  2. ^ "Uvas Canyon Brochure.pdf" (PDF). County of Santa Clara - Santa Clara County Parks. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  3. ^ "Uvas Canyon Brochure.pdf" (PDF). County of Santa Clara - Santa Clara County Parks. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Uvas Canyon County Park.
  • Leon Turnbull. "Black Rock Falls". Waterfalls of California. waterfallswest.com. Retrieved 2009-12-06.


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