WaterfallNear Me

Basin Falls

Santa Clara County, California

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
Santa Clara County, California
Access status
Parking and approach documented; one-way distance from parking not measured
The walk
Spur of 175 feet from the trail junction; total from parking not measured in the sources
Ground & access
Packed dirt and gravel road, some stairs and creek crossings. The Contour Trail beyond the junction is narrow and steep. Rocks near the falls are slippery when wet.
Modern Hiker: Uvas Canyon Waterfall Loop

From the day-use lot, follow brown Waterfall Loop Nature Trail signs along Swanson Creek, passing the Black Rock Falls spur and the picnic table at Myrtle Flats. At the three-way junction, Upper Falls is left, Basin Falls is right, and the Contour Trail is straight ahead. Take the Basin Falls Trail west for 175 feet. The falls are partly hidden behind a boulder.

Plan your visit

Uvas Canyon County Park day-use lot, Waterfall Loop Nature Trail past Myrtle Flats, then the Basin Falls Trail spur

Modern Hiker gives 175 feet for the Basin Falls Trail spur. Its 5.2-mile figure and POST’s 3.5-mile figure are full loops past several waterfalls, not the distance to this fall. A one-way distance from the lot was not stated.

Packed dirt and gravel road, some stairs and creek crossings. The Contour Trail beyond the junction is narrow and steep. Rocks near the falls are slippery when wet.

Where to start

Park in the day-use lot inside Uvas Canyon County Park, reached by Croy Road. The trail starts at the kiosk in the lot’s northwest corner. Weekend parking is limited.

Timing & water

The park is open 8 a.m. to sunset. Swanson Creek flows through the dry season most years, but winter and spring are best for the falls.

Before you go

Santa Clara County Parks charges a $6 day-use vehicle pass. Peninsula Open Space Trust says advance reservations are required daily; an older Modern Hiker note says weekend reservations ended in 2018. Check the county parks page before you go.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore California

Waterfall location

Santa Clara County, California.

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