Copyright: Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Dept. Ed Levin County Park satisfies folks wishing to find solitude and scenery and those wishing to enjoy the company of others

Description - Welcome to Ed R. Levin County Park, one of Santa Clara County's most unique regional park and recreation areas. This 1,544-acre park combines the traditional features of an urban park such as picnicking, fishing and play areas, with the complex trail system of many regional wilderness parks. Ed Levin's expansive lawn areas make it an ideal spot for family outings, while the rolling grasslands and oak woodlands are available to visitors looking for a back-to-nature experience. The park's Monument Peak provides a spectacular view of the valley floor and the San Francisco Bay.

Attractions - Hiking, cycling, horseback riding, picnicking and hang gliding are popular activities at Ed Levin County Park. Visitors may rent horses at a local stable, enjoy the playground, or fly kites and play Frisbee on one of the three lawn areas. The park is also the home of the Wings of Rogallo hang gliding club. It is a unique experience to watch these beautiful gliders and paragliders soar in the skies above the park.

Fishing is another favorite activity at Ed Levin County Park. Sandy Wool Lake is stocked from November through May and is also the site for occasional model sailboat races . Swimming is prohibited, but many visitors enjoy paddling around the lake on inflatable rafts and other non-powered boats.

Hikers, equestrians and cyclists may enjoy the park's 16-mile trail system. The Mission-to-Monument Peak Trail section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail traverses the park, and is the only trail open to cyclists and dogs on leash. Maps of the entire Bay Area Ridge Trail System may be obtained from the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. Some of the East Bay Regional Park District's trails also connect to Ed Levin County Park.

The southern portion of the park, known as the Spring Valley Area, is named for the many springs that flow freely in this area. The large pond is a favorite first-time fishing hole for small children. The 18-hole Spring Valley Golf Course is also located in this area.

The Laguna Cemetery is also located on the Spring Valley Area. This pioneer cemetery was used from 1863 to 1912. Destroyed by vandals and neglected for years, it has recently been renovated. Stop by the cemetery gates and enjoy the fascinating memorial, which provides a glimpse into the lives of the people buried there.

The majority of the park's facilities meet those standards established by the Americans with Disabilities Act. For other specific information or special accommodations, contact the park office.

The park is open year-round from 8 AM until sunset. Vehicle entry fees are collected year-round. Entry fees are posted at the kiosk.

Recreation - Hiking, cycling, horseback riding, picnicking and hang gliding comprise the recreations enjoyed at Ed Levin County Park.

Climate - Climate in the San Francisco Bay area varies greatly with elevation and the amount of coastal influence. Areas with more coastal influence experience moderate temperatures year round with fog likely from June through mid-August. Plan your coastal visit in the late summer or fall to ensure the best conditions for viewing the scenery. Also, occasional clear days between winter and spring storms are incomparable. Areas further inland experience greater temperature extremes, with relatively cooler winters and hot summers. Inland areas often receive frost on winter nights. As throughout most of California most of the precipitation comes in the winter months, with April through October normally very dry.

Location - The Ed Levin County Park is located along Calaveras Road in Milpitas, California. Take calaveras road from I 680 heading east.

LAT: 37.4635498101
LONG: -121.857776642