Hiking and Waterfalls
Uvas Canyon County Park https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/pages/uvascanyon.aspx is located about 15 miles west of Gilroy, on the east side of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Get any supplies you will need before you head out, as it is a long, winding drive to the campground and there is no cell service (at least for ATT) when you are there. The ranger does sell firewood though. Each campsite has a picnic table, storage locker and firepit/grill combo, but some campsites are much larger and more private than others. There are also clean bathrooms and showers, and drinking water available throughout the campground. It is tucked back in a canyon so once the sun goes down it can get cold quickly. The website above has a link to a map of the campground, as well as the trail network that runs through the park. Generally, the campsites on the outside of the loop will be larger and more private. There are a number of trailheads that start in the campground, or close by, that lead you to a collection of waterfalls and streams, and I highly recommend doing at least the waterfall loop, if not taking a whole day and exploring all the trails. Only downside is you can't get in the streams. It is a great campground, and even though you aren't far from the madness of Silicon Valley, it is quiet, peaceful and very beautiful.