Hellyer County Park
4.6(3.2K)google
4.1(206)yelp
OutdoorLakeFamilyFree
Overview
Hellyer County Park is a massive 178-acre urban outdoor oasis located along the scenic Coyote Creek in south San Jose, offering a diverse array of recreational facilities. The park's signature crowning jewel is the Hellyer Park Velodrome, a world-class outdoor banked bicycle racing track that draws cycling competitors from across California. Families can enjoy the picturesque Cottonwood Lake for seasonal fishing, extensive shaded picnic lawns, an innovative splash playground, and seamless direct access to the expansive multi-mile Coyote Creek multi-use paved trail.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeSaturday mornings in spring or early summer when the central Cottonwood Lake clears and the Olympic velodrome tracks host live cycling groups.
Getting ThereLocated at 985 Hellyer Ave. Driving entry requires a mandatory Santa Clara County vehicle day-use gate fee (typically $6/day, credit card only).
Travel Tips
- Parking toll hack: Skip driving past the toll kiosk. Park for free on adjoining residential curbs outside the main gate, then walk or bike inside via the adjoining Coyote Creek Trail junction to bypass the $6 vehicle entry fee.
- Velodrome track restrictions: The steeply banked Olympic bowl is strictly restricted. Casual mountain bikes or kids' training-wheel bikes are barred from the asphalt slopes. Access requires track-specific builds, mandatory safety helmets, and approved public session windows.
- Splash pad seasonality: The interactive kids' water playground operates exclusively from late May (Memorial Day) through early September (Labor Day) daily from 11 AM to 6 PM. Water mains are shut down completely outside this window.
Reviews
Positive
- Features a rare banked asphalt Olympic-style cycling velodrome; a giant modern children's splash pad makes it a prime summer escape.
Heads up
- Weekend afternoons bring heavy barbecue smoke and intense crowds; lake water is untreated and strictly off-limits for public swimming.