Overview
Ed R. Levin County Park sits in the eastern foothills of the Diablo Range on the border of Milpitas and Fremont in Santa Clara County, California. Managed by the Santa Clara County Parks system, it covers several thousand acres of open grassland, oak woodland, and chaparral-covered ridgelines that rise sharply from the valley floor.
The park is perhaps best known regionally as one of the premier hang gliding and paragliding launch sites in Northern California, with Sandy Wool Lake and Spring Valley offering lower-elevation recreation. The contrast between the flat, built-up valley below and the quiet, wind-swept ridges above gives the park an unexpectedly remote feeling despite its suburban location.
Beyond the aerial sports community, the park draws hikers, equestrians, dog walkers, and picnickers who come for panoramic views of San Francisco Bay, the Santa Clara Valley, and on clear days, the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west. Its proximity to the densely populated South Bay makes it a practical natural escape that requires no long drive.
Getting There
By Car
The main entrance is located on Calaveras Road in Milpitas. From US-101 or Interstate 680, take the Calaveras Road exit and head east into the foothills. The drive from central San Jose takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Parking areas are located near Sandy Wool Lake and at various trailhead staging areas; a per-vehicle parking fee applies — verify the current amount on the Santa Clara County Parks website or at the entrance kiosk.
By Public Transit
The park is not easily reached by public transit. The nearest VTA bus routes serve lower Milpitas; from those stops the park entrance is several miles away with no dedicated pedestrian path. Most visitors arrive by private vehicle or rideshare. Check VTA's current route map at vta.org for the latest service information.
Rideshare
App-based rideshare services operate in Milpitas and can drop at or near the park entrance. Return pickups can be unreliable in the hills — confirm connectivity before relying on this option.
Things to See & Do
Hang Gliding and Paragliding
The park's Monument Peak area is home to the mission soaring community and is recognized as a top launch site on the West Coast. Pilots launch from a designated area on the ridge and can soar for extended periods in the reliable thermal and ridge-lift conditions. If you are not a licensed pilot, a number of local certified schools offer tandem introductory flights — verify current operators and availability directly, as they change.
Hiking and Trail Use
The park contains a network of trails ranging from easy lakeside walks to strenuous ridge climbs. The hike to Monument Peak (roughly 2,600 feet elevation) rewards with sweeping Bay Area views. The Agua Caliente Trail and the Tularcitos Trail are popular intermediate options. Trails are generally open to hikers and equestrians; check current multi-use designations on the Santa Clara County Parks website before visiting.
Sandy Wool Lake
A small reservoir near the main entrance, Sandy Wool Lake is stocked seasonally for fishing (a valid California fishing license is required). It also serves as a pleasant spot for picnicking, and a short paved loop around it is wheelchair accessible.
Model Aircraft
The park includes a designated flying field used by remote-control aircraft enthusiasts. Verify current rules and club affiliations locally before bringing equipment.
Wildlife Watching
The grassland and oak habitats support California ground squirrels, black-tailed deer, and a variety of raptors including red-tailed hawks and golden eagles. Spring wildflower season brings California poppies and lupine to the open hillsides.
Practical Information
Hours and Fees
The park is generally open daily from dawn to dusk, but hours and parking fees are set by Santa Clara County Parks and are subject to change. Verify current information at sccgov.org/parks or call the park directly before your visit.
What to Bring
- Water: Trails are exposed and water sources are limited. Carry at least 2 liters per person for ridge hikes.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are essential on open grassland ridges.
- Layers: Ridge temperatures can be significantly cooler and windier than the valley floor, even on warm days.
- Appropriate footwear: Trail surfaces range from paved to rocky dirt; sturdy shoes are recommended for anything beyond the lake loop.
Dogs
Dogs are generally permitted on many trails on a leash. Confirm current regulations, as rules may vary by trail zone.
Cell Service
Signal is generally adequate near the entrance and lake areas but can be spotty on upper ridges. Download offline maps before your visit.
Safety
Hiking on exposed ridgelines carries real risks. Afternoon temperatures in summer can exceed 90°F (32°C) in the hills, and dehydration is a genuine hazard. Start ridge hikes early in the day and turn back if water runs low.
For hang gliding and paragliding, only licensed or certified-tandem pilots should launch from the park's designated sites. Wind conditions can change rapidly; defer to the judgment of experienced local pilots on site.
Trails can become slippery and muddy after winter rains. Check trail conditions through the county parks website or local hiking forums before visiting in the wet season (roughly November through March).
In an emergency, call 911. Cell coverage on upper ridges may be limited, so inform someone of your planned route and expected return time before a ridge hike.
