McClellan Ranch / Blackberry Farm

Location

From the Foothill Blvd exit of Hwy 280, drive Southwest on Foothill Expressway, entering Cupertino. Continue on Foothill Expressway as it crosses Stevens Creek Boulevard (stay to the right to go straight through this intersection). In a few blocks, turn left on McClellan, where the sign to Blackberry Farm is clearly marked. Head around a 15 mph turn and downhill. Just past the lowest point in this hill, turn left to enter McClellan Ranch at 22221 McClellan Road, Cupertino. Continue along McClellan for a few more blocks, turning left onto Byrne Avenue just before Monta Vista High School Parking Lot, at the sign marking Blackberry Farm. Continue about 0.4 mile then turn left down San Fernando Avenue. This brings you to Blackberry Farm, at 21979 San Fernando Avenue, Cupertino.

For directions,use the Google Map shown.

Attractions:

This is a historical ranch, so you can still see some of the old buildings and groves of Walnut Trees.
Enjoy the Riparian Zone alongside the creek, as well as the dry grassland at the center of McClellan Ranch.
Though it is small, wildlife abounds! See deer, skunks, ground squirrels, snakes, lizards, birds, tree squirrels, fish, mice, and plenty of insects while touring the grounds.
For a closer look at wildlife or some pointers about what to look for, visit the Junior Nature Center or Audubon Center when you arrive. You can see turtles, insects, snakes, and mice, many that are native to the park, and learn more about what you can see outside from one of the park’s naturalists.
There are modern, clean bathrooms near the parking lot.
McClellan Ranch is home to a community garden, bee boxes, and 4H stables. You are meant to view all of these things at a distance, but we’ve been invited to see the miniature horses, sheep, and cow by 4H members before.
Especially in dry weather, the bees are fun to watch. You can trace their path from the creek to their hives, or even see bees taking a water break at the water’s edge.
Blackberry Farm has new play structures, volleyball courts, picnic grounds, and two swimming pools. Rates are very reasonable for all of its facilities, and a discount is given to residents of Cupertino.
Stevens Creek Trail has a wonderful paved section from Blackberry Farm to McClellan Ranch Park.

Limitations:

Be careful along the creek - there may be stinging nettles.
Stay on the trails to avoid ticks and poison oak!
Dogs not allowed in McClellan Ranch on creekside trail.
Blackberry Farm access is sometimes restricted if large private events are occurring there.
Blackberry Farm facilities are regularly open June through August. At other times of the year, facilities are of limited use.
The trail along the creek in McClellan Ranch can get narrow and an occasional log can cross the path. This trail is best done on foot/with a carrier or backpack, not with a stroller. It is especially not suited for a double stroller.

Season:

Year round, 8am to sunset. Blackberry Farm pool is closed on Mondays. As the pool is outdoors, it is open only in the summer.

Fees:

None. Fees for facility use at Blackberry Farm may apply (e.g. pool use), but are very reasonable.

Maps & More Information:

A map of the Stevens Creek Trail is posted near both ends of the trail, near the office/parking areas for each park.
City of Cupertino basic information for both parks (like hours, directions)
City of Cupertino page on Blackberry Farm
City of Cupertino Stevens Creek Corridor Project page
Santa Clara County Master Gardeners at McClellan Ranch
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society (headquarters and nature shop at McClellan Ranch)
Friends of Stevens Creek Trail

Handicapped Access:

The Stevens Creek Trail is handicapped accessible. The narrow creekside trail is not handicapped accessible.

Recommended routes:

Creekside Trail at McClellan Ranch: Icon Legend
From the parking lot at McClellan Ranch, take the dirt trail from the creekside corner of the lot, passing almost immediately into the shade. The trail is very narrow and overgrown in spots, so watch your step. There is almost immediate creek access here, though park officials prefer you not to play in the water. Trees are labeled, as is poison oak, and there are dozens of species of plants to be identified here – buckeye, two types of walnut, redwood, sycamore, pepper, Blue Elderberry, two types of oaks, and even the invasive Chinese Tree of Heaven, which smells like a skunk. The trail meanders alongside the creek, with occasional views of the grassy meadow, where you might spot deer, a skunk, rabbits, and various birds. You’ll find amphitheatre seating near another creek access point and in the shade of sycamores, which is a nice spot for a snack. The trail opens up into a shady grove area with walnuts and a large oak, then ultimately ends near the well kept lawns of Blackberry Farm and the paved Stevens Creek Trail. Return the way you came. Total distance round trip is about a mile.

Stevens Creek Trail from McClellan Ranch to Blackberry Farm and Back: Icon Legend
From the parking lot at McClellan Ranch, take the paved path towards the farm. The path turns to pass slightly uphill from the 4H Barns and Community Gardens; if you’re lucky, a 4H member will invite you down to check out their livestock. Continue down the path as it passes between shady trees and past an old walnut grove, then ultimately to the well groomed Blackberry Farm. Pass the lawn, volleyball court, and creek access, then take a break at the nice playground or take a dip in the pool. You can continue down the path, passing around the pool clockwise or counterclockwise, then beyond the Information/Office for Blackberry Farm, where the trail ends. Return the way you came. Total distance is about 1.3 miles.