Joseph D. Grant County Park, often called Grant Ranch, sits in the Diablo Range foothills above the eastern Santa Clara Valley. Wikipedia says it is the largest of Santa Clara County’s parks. Elevations range from about 1,400 feet in Halls Valley to peaks over 2,985 feet on the park’s eastern edge. Mount Hamilton rises above it at 4,209 feet.
History
Wikipedia says Joseph D. Grant, the son of a wealthy San Francisco merchant, began buying land that had been the Rancho Cañada de Pala Mexican land grant. He used it for grazing cattle, recreation and hunting. Grant died in 1942. In 1975, Santa Clara County bought about 9,553 acres of the ranch and created the park.
A classic loop
Weekend Sherpa recommends a 5-mile loop from the Grant Lake entrance. Take the Halls Valley Trail, which starts flat and then climbs through oaks to views of Silicon Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains. After about 2.5 miles, turn right onto the Cañada de Pala Trail along the ridgetop for about half a mile. Then turn right on the Los Huecos Trail and descend to Grant Lake. The park is popular for mountain biking, and Wikipedia notes it is home to special-status species such as the burrowing owl and the Western pond turtle. The park also has campsites.
When to go
Weekend Sherpa warns that the park is very exposed, so summer heat can be unpleasant and possibly dangerous. Early spring, when the hills turn green and wildflowers come up, is one of the best times to visit. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. The park is reached by Quimby Road or Mount Hamilton Road from east San Jose. Check Santa Clara County Parks for current hours, fees and road conditions before you go.
Farther up the mountain, see our Lick Observatory visitor guide. Closer to town, see our Alum Rock Park guide.