Home › California › Santa Clara › Ulistac Natural Area
Ulistac Natural Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 755 Google reviews · Running trail in Santa Clara, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Ulistac Natural Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Rustic riverside park boasting trails, bird-watching & a range of native plants on 40 acres.
What runners say about Ulistac Natural Area
“It’s a well-maintained, community-driven space with native plants and a butterfly garden.”
“The wildflowers, like California lilacs and orange poppies, add stunning bursts of color, especially in spring, making it a fantastic spot for photography.”
“The natural open space is great for walking, jogging, strolling, bicycling and running.”
“We enjoyed wandering through the park, which felt like a peaceful retreat from the city.”
It was a fun and great afternoon walk. The weather of the day when I visited was warm around 21°C or 70F. A light breeze felt so nice , especially under the shade. The place itself is beautiful. The spring colors are clearly visible with multiple flowers and colorful trees.
Ulistac Natural Area is a wonderful spot for a relaxing walk in Santa Clara. We enjoyed wandering through the park, which felt like a peaceful retreat from the city. The trails are flat and easy, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll, whether alone or with company.
Ulistac Natural Area in Santa Clara is a nice little gem with a bunch of trails in an area with lots of native plants. The trails connect to the Guadalupe River Trail along the Guadalupe River. You can leave Ulistac Natural Area and come back after taking the long loop. A hidden gem in Santa Clara.
This is an easy nature walk right near the Guadalupe River trail. On the trail there are a variety of birds that are fun to see. Dogs are allowed on leashes.
Trail conditions & character
“The wildflowers, like California lilacs and orange poppies, add stunning bursts of color, especially in spring, making it a fantastic spot for photography.”
“parking spots are around the place near another park”
“Dogs need to be on leash or are most not allowed.”
“We enjoyed wandering through the park, which felt like a peaceful retreat from the city.”
“You can leave Ulistac Natural Area and come back after taking the long loop.”
“Beautiful park, easy and flat for walking with kids and grandparents, we love taking walks here and admiring the vegetation and wildlife.”
Plan your run at Ulistac Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone+1 408-615-3140
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Santa Clara
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lick Mill Park
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Lower Guadalupe River Trail
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San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail
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Coyote Creek Trail Head at E. Tasman
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