Healthy & Active Parks, Trails & Facilities

Intro

A 30-minute visit to a park can boost heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve mental well-being. Morgan Hill is rich in green spaces, recreation facilities, and community trails to help residents stay healthy and connected. The Morgan Hill City Council has adopted a “Healthy Community Goal” as a key strategic priority and encourages residents to use our local city and regional parks to improve their health. Parks make life better!

Community

Community Park

Community Park, located at 171 W. Edmundson Ave., is one of Morgan Hill’s largest and most versatile recreation areas. It features Magical Bridge Playground, an all-inclusive area designed for children of all abilities, making it a welcoming space for every family. The park is also home to four baseball and softball fields, eight tennis courts, and four pickleball courts—ideal for both casual play and competitive games. Visitors can enjoy a full-sized basketball court, bocce ball courts, and a dedicated skate/BMX park for teens and young adults. Dog owners will appreciate the on-site dog park, offering a safe and social space for pets to play off-leash.

Galvan Park

Galvan Park, which is situated at 17666 Crest Ave., is a neighborhood favorite known for its open turf and well-equipped fitness stations, which provide a great outdoor workout environment. The park includes a baseball/softball field and two handball courts, along with a playground for children and a paved walking path that loops through the space. It’s perfect for both active recreation and relaxed family time.

Playgrounds and Neighborhood Parks

Morgan Hill’s neighborhood parks offer residents a variety of green spaces within walking distance of home.

Vida Park

Vida Park, located at 18303 Alpera Lane, offers a more compact space with a basketball court and a playground, serving as a casual and convenient option for nearby residents. This community park provides a variety of recreational opportunities for people of all ages and interests—whether you're looking to shoot hoops, enjoy a peaceful walk, or let the kids explore the playground.

Diana Park

Located at 555 Diana Avenue in a quiet residential neighborhood, Diana Park offers a shaded playground with swings and a jungle gym, perfect for younger kids. The well-maintained equipment and peaceful surroundings make it a great spot for a short afternoon adventure.

Nordstrom Park

Situated at 16990 Murphy Avenue, it provides families with a nearby spot for casual play and relaxation. Located next to Nordstrom Elementary School, Nordstrom Park is a neighborhood gem featuring a gated tot lot for younger kids, a playground, swings, and climbing structures. For older kids (and parents!), there’s a half-court basketball area, a paved walking path, and open grassy areas ideal for picnics or free play.

Paradise Park

Paradise Park lives up to its name with a dinosaur-themed playground, swings, including handicap-accessible options, and a walking trail that connects to nearby paths. The park also features a small baseball field, open grassy areas, and a bike path—perfect for active afternoons.

Located at 17500 Depot Street, Railroad Park is a dream for young train enthusiasts. Located near the downtown depot station, this charming, train-themed playground offers imaginative play structures that encourage kids to climb, explore, and let their imaginations run wild.

Oak Creek Park

Located at 933 Prancer Court, Oak Creek Park is a charming neighborhood park offering a delightful space for community enjoyment. This well-maintained park typically features open grassy areas perfect for casual play and picnics, along with dedicated play structures for children that provide engaging activities. Its mature trees often offer welcome shade, creating a comfortable environment for families and individuals to relax, read, or simply enjoy the outdoors. With paved pathways, it's also a pleasant spot for a short stroll or for residents to connect with nature close to home.

Check out the many other parks (PDF) Morgan Hill has to offer.

Fitness Trails

Walking or running on trails offers a refreshing alternative to pavement, providing a wealth of benefits for both body and mind. Beyond the physical advantages, exercising in nature has profound mental health benefits; the fresh air, serene surroundings, and connection with the natural world can significantly reduce stress, boost mood, and enhance feelings of well-being, transforming a workout into a truly rejuvenating experience.

Nob Hill Trail

The Nob Hill Trail at 85 W 5th Street stands out as a unique recreational spot with a 56-foot slide built right into the hillside—offering kids and adults a bit of thrill. The trail also features fitness stations for strength training and a walking path that loops through the area, making it ideal for a quick outdoor workout or a casual stroll. It combines nature and movement in a fun, accessible way.

Quick Break Trails

For those short on time, Morgan Hill offers several trails perfect for a 30-minute or 60-minute escape into nature. The Edmundson Creek Trail provides 1.4 miles of paved path, while the West Little Llagas Creek Trail extends nearly 4.7 miles, winding through scenic neighborhoods. The Madrone Channel Trail, a 3-mile paved route, is another great option for a quick walk, jog, or bike ride.

If you're looking for a slightly longer outdoor retreat, the County of Santa Clara offers amazing regional park trails just minutes from Morgan Hill. The Coyote Creek Trail offers 17.8 miles of paved trail stretching from Morgan Hill all the way to Tully Road. Harvey Bear Ranch County Park, located on East San Martin Avenue, features 35 miles of multi-use trails and includes a convenient 2-mile flat loop adjacent to parking—perfect for a lunch break recharge.

Morgan Hill is surrounded by regional parks that make excellent destinations for after-work hikes or weekend excursions. Henry W. Coe State Park, Coe Ranch Campground, 9000 E Dunne Ave, boasts 250 miles of trails across 87,000 acres of rugged terrain, making it a must-visit for serious hikers and nature lovers. The Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve, located off East Bailey Avenue, offers a remarkable expanse of protected land that bridges the urban edges of San José and Morgan Hill. Visitors can explore a multi-use trail system, including the popular Arrowhead Loop Trail, which meanders through grasslands, oak woodlands, and past seasonal creeks. The preserve offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Coyote Valley making it an ideal spot for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and birdwatching, especially during the spring wildflower season.

Rosendin Park

Nestled within the scenic Anderson Lake County Park, Rosendin Park offers a tranquil escape in Morgan Hill, CA. This quiet section of the larger park features rolling hills, oak savannas, and a seasonal pond, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful 2-mile loop trail with gentle slopes, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a brisk walk amidst beautiful wildflowers in spring. Rosendin Park provides a serene environment to connect with nature, offering picturesque views of the surrounding landscape and even glimpses of Anderson Lake.

Uvas Canyon County Park

Located at 8515 Croy Road, Uvas Canyon County Park offers a lush escape into a world of natural beauty. This 1,147-acre park is renowned for its captivating waterfalls, especially prominent after winter rains, which can be explored via the popular one-mile Waterfall Loop Trail along Swanson Creek. Beyond the cascades, visitors can discover over 7 miles of hiking trails weaving through shaded forests of oak, redwood, and Douglas fir, providing opportunities for serene strolls, challenging hikes, and wildlife viewing. The park also features picnic areas and campsites, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or an overnight outdoor adventure, inviting nature lovers to immerse themselves in its tranquil and picturesque environment.

Mt. Madonna County Park

Perched majestically in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Mt. Madonna County Park, spanning 4,605 acres, is a true gem offering a diverse landscape from towering redwood forests to oak woodlands and open meadows. The park boasts an extensive 14-mile trail system perfect for hiking and horseback riding, with stables available for guided excursions. With its rich natural beauty, varied terrain, and numerous recreational opportunities, Mt. Madonna County Park provides an unforgettable outdoor experience.