Waterfalls and Wine Pours

Hike to a series of waterfalls at Uvas Canyon County Park

01.25.2023

Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

From the main parking lot, follow signs for the Waterfall Loop, a beautifully wooded trail that runs above the creek.

Be mindful of the massive clusters of ladybugs along the trail. In wintertime, thousands of ladybugs will group tightly together for protection, warmth, and to mate before they go into hibernation. The creekside forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains are one of their favorite spots.

After crossing the small bridge, Black Rock Falls is immediately on the right. Walk up the short spur trail beside the waterfall for an even better view of how this mighty river has cut through the canyon over time.

Less than one tenth of a mile up the trail, hikers can stop and have a bite to eat at the picnic area. This is a great spot for families to relax and for kids to splash in the water. Just beyond the picnic spot are two waterfalls: Basin Falls and Upper Falls.

Retrace the route back down to the road and turn left onto Lower Swanson Creek Trail. A rustic footbridge makes for a perfect photo op in front of beautiful Granuja Falls.

Descend the stone staircase and continue another tenth of a mile to visit the final waterfall: Lower Falls. Lower Falls can be observed from both the top and bottom, so you can hike down below the falls as well.

To return to the parking lot, hike back up the Lower Swanson Creek Trail and retrace your steps to the lot.

BONUS WINE: Visit the nearby wine region in Morgan Hill and Gilroy, known for its oaky chardonnays and bold cabs. Drop in at any of the 30+ wineries and enjoy a pour! (Pictured: Kirigin Cellars.)

{NOTE: If there's been a recent storm, check the status of this hike before planning to go.} Uvas Canyon can be found at 8515 Croy Rd., Morgan Hill. From US-101, exit onto Bailey Ave., then turn left onto McKean Rd. Turn right onto Croy Rd. After 4.5 miles, turn into the parking lot. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. A $6 reservation is required for entry. Dog-friendly!

Story and photos by Heather Werner, @heath.er.wer.ner

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View

  2. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

    View