Ed R. Levin County Park wilderness guide
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 60 miles.

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, U.S. Virgin Islands
⌖ 6.48 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Estate Bovoni, U.S. Virgin Islands

Estate Bovoni in St. Thomas is a rugged outdoor escape featuring hiking, bird watching, and mountain biking through lush Caribbean hills and historic ruins, perfect for adventurers craving authentic island nature.

December to April
Explore Town
Milpitas, California
⌖ 6.76 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Milpitas, California

Milpitas offers quick access to hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing in nearby parks like Ed R. Levin and Coyote Hills. Enjoy Valley views, diverse trails, and paddle spots close to town for a refreshing outdoor escape in Silicon Valley.

Fall through Spring
Explore Town
San Jose, California
⌖ 8.17 miles
Gateway Basecamp

San Jose, California

San Jose offers outdoor lovers accessible hiking, biking, paddling, and bird watching in a California city setting. Explore nearby parks and open spaces with trails year-round in a mild climate.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Santa Clara, California
⌖ 10.95 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Santa Clara, California

Santa Clara offers accessible outdoor fun with green city parks, bikeable trails, and nearby wetlands perfect for kayaking and birding. Ideal from spring through fall, it’s a convenient base for exploring Silicon Valley’s natural side.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Roses, Catalonia
⌖ 11.76 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Roses, Catalonia

Roses is a lively coastal town on Catalonia's Costa Brava, perfect for hiking, sea kayaking, biking, and diving. With stunning natural parks and Mediterranean views, it’s a vibrant base for seaside adventure.

Spring through early Fall
Explore Town
Campbell, California
⌖ 12.63 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Campbell, California

Campbell, California is a welcoming town offering easy access to creek trails, parks, and nearby mountain routes. Ideal for hiking, biking, paddling, and birding, it’s a practical basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts exploring the South Bay area.

Spring through Fall
Explore 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.

A Six‑Hour Sweep Through Halong Bay’s Emerald Towers
ADVEXPEDITION
San Jose, California
Sightseeing TourADV Bookable

A Six‑Hour Sweep Through Halong Bay’s Emerald Towers

A focused, 6‑hour cruise that visits Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island, with kayaking, a swim stop and a seafood lunch—this guide explains what to expect and how to pack.

Sightseeing TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Sapphire Beach at Sunset: A Private Cocktail Cruise to Close the Day
ADVEXPEDITION
San Jose, California
PrivateADV Bookable

Sapphire Beach at Sunset: A Private Cocktail Cruise to Close the Day

A two-hour, private evening cruise that departs from Sapphire Beach Resort Marina with cocktails and complimentary hors d'oeuvres — this guide lays out the flow, highlights, and practical details for the Breakaway Private Cocktail Sunset Cruise.

PrivatePT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
St. James Park: A Book Talk That Unspools a 1933 San Jose Noir
ADVEXPEDITION
San Jose, California
History TourADV Bookable

St. James Park: A Book Talk That Unspools a 1933 San Jose Noir

An author presentation and photographic slideshow that uses a novel‑based retelling of the Brooke Hart kidnapping to illuminate San Jose’s labor unrest, corruption, and mob violence.

History TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
JuggerKnot Sunset: A Custom Half-Day Cruise Around St. John
ADVEXPEDITION
San Jose, California
Boat RentalADV Bookable

JuggerKnot Sunset: A Custom Half-Day Cruise Around St. John

A private, 4-hour afternoon charter in St. John, USVI, that lets you choose 2–3 destinations for snorkeling, cruising, and a sunset stretch—this guide explains what’s included and how to plan.

Boat RentalPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Crown & Cabaret: Diva Royale’s Drag Dining in San Jose
ADVEXPEDITION
San Jose, California
RentalsADV Bookable

Crown & Cabaret: Diva Royale’s Drag Dining in San Jose

A dinner-or-brunch drag show in San Jose where impersonators channel icons like Madonna and Beyoncé—this guide explains what the experience includes and why it’s ideal for celebrations.

RentalsPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip