Best Nature Preserve San Jose Near Me

4worldlovers:

​Protecting lands essential to the survival of threatened and endangered species.


Valley Water is constructing flood protection improvements to approximately 13.9 miles of Llagas Creek and its tributaries, West Little Llagas Creek and East Little Llagas Creek. To mitigate aquatic resource impacts, Valley Water will restore 2,000 linear feet of Llagas Creek and create wetlands adjacent to the creek in an abandoned quarry known locally as Lake Silveira. Click here for more information on Valley Water's Upper Llagas Creek Flood Control Program.

​​Restoration activities commenced September 3, 2019 and are scheduled for completion in winter of 2020. Construction includes removal of invasive Himalayan blackberry; re-establishment of the historic Llagas Creek channel; creation of a wetland complex; structures to control water surface elevations; and native tree and shrub plantings. Valley Water will manage this site for 10 years following completion of construction, after which LTSCV will become the permanent land manager.


Coyote Ridge is located between San Jose and Morgan Hill east of Highway 101. LTSCV owns and manages 95 acres on Coyote Ridge to protect habitat for Bay checkerspot butterfly, Santa Clara Valley dudleya, and other threatened or endangered species. Coyote Ridge was dedicated to LTSCV as mitigation for the nearby Metcalf Energy Center and Los Esteros Critical Energy Facility built by Silicon Valley Power and Calpine. Tule Elk are frequently seen on Coyote Ridge.

​Basking Ridge is a 206-acre conservation easement that protects habitat for California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, and western burrowing owl. Located east of Highway 101 in San Jose, this property was dedicated as mitigation for a nearby housing development.

4worldlovers: The preserve is in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains in South Santa Clara County. A glistening creek runs along the Llagas Meadow and deer, bobcats, mountain lions, and other wildlife roam throughout the preserve. In the spring months, wildflowers adorn the meadow and hillsides. Recreation amenities include parking for cars and horse trailers, accessible restrooms, and picnic tables.

The preserve has 12 miles of trails, from easy to challenging. The multi-use trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.


The paved, ADA and wheelchair accessible Llagas Creek Loop Trail (0.5 mile) provides a full nature experience for visitors with limited mobility.