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Field Trip: Hellyer County Park/Cottonwood Lake

  • 37.287702, -121.812413 (map)

Before signing up for this trip, please take a moment to read our trip policies and view our liability waiver.

Spotted Towhee by Craige Edgerton

Hellyer County Park/Cottonwood Lake

An urban park in San Jose with a mix of habitats - riparian, woodland, freshwater lake - provides a wide variety of species in a small area. A mix of wintering birds and residents with the chance of a rarity or two.

Trip Difficulty: 1.5 miles, paved trails, little or no elevation gain, little to no shade

Leaders: Craige Edgerton (408) 460-1102 and Howard Friedman (408) 806-6772

Beginner Friendly, Wheelchair Accessible

Meet: Velodrome parking area

Directions: From US-101 in San Jose, exit Hellyer Ave. Follow the signs for the county park and merge onto Hellyer Ave. Continue straight on Hellyer Ave. to the first intersection. DO NOT TURN LEFT on Hellyer but continue straight past the Kiosk and down the hill for about 1/4 mile to the Velodrome. Latitude/Longitude: 37.287702, -121.812413

Facilities: bathroom, porta-potty, cell phone service

Parking Type and Fees: paved parking lot, parking fees, day pass, credit card only or Santa Clara County Park Annual Pass

Banner Photo: Spotted Towhee by Craige Edgerton

Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvas.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.