Lushly wooded Uvas Canyon County Park spans 1,133 acres of breathtaking natural beauty on the eastern side of the Santa Cruz Mountains near Morgan Hill. The park features 6 miles of scenic hiking trails that meander through a landscape filled with oaks, laurels, big-leaf maples, and towering Douglas firs. The moist environment surrounding Swanson Creek creates a vibrant ecosystem, especially during winter and spring when the park showcases multiple cascading waterfalls that make the trip worth timing right.

The main draw here is the 1-mile Waterfall Loop Trail, which is fairly flat and well-maintained. It’s an easy walk with your dog where you’ll actually see the waterfalls without needing scrambling skills or serious elevation gain. The trail winds through shaded forest with plenty of spots to pause and listen to the water running through the canyon. If you want something longer, you can extend this into a vigorous 5 or 7-mile loop by adding circuits on the Alec Canyon and Contour trails, though those routes get more demanding with steeper sections.

Keep your dog leashed throughout—it’s required and makes sense given the wildlife and other visitors you’ll encounter. Bring plenty of water for both of you, especially if you’re doing one of the longer routes. The creek is there, but carrying water means you’re not relying on it when your dog needs a drink.

Parking is available at the trailhead, though it fills up quickly on weekends, so arriving early helps. The park can be muddy after rain, which means you might be hosing off your dog when you get back to the car, but that’s part of the fun. Check current pet policies before you go, as rules can change seasonally or due to maintenance work. The shade here is substantial, making it a good choice even on warm days.