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Sandy Wool Lake

4.3 (21 reviews)

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Trails around lake - A dirt trail beside a lake is lined with green reeds and trees, with a bench and a fence visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
Annabelle R.

My bf and I went running and hiking around Sandy Wool on a Monday afternoon, and the place was peaceful with just a handful of visitors in sight, some fishing on the shore, others sitting on one of the many benches bordering the lake. It's located inside Ed R. Levin County Park with a $6 fee for parking (cash or credit card accepted), and there are several parking lots available. There is a combination of dirt, gravel, and concrete pathways, some areas of the trail so narrow, you'll have the plants brushing against your legs and arms through those brief stretches. But at least we didn't encounter any poisonous plants. There's also several picnic areas, including a gazebo with about 8-10 picnic tables underneath, which can be reserved. There were waterbirds, squirrels, and tiny frogs galore, as well as several amenities in the area like horseshoe pits, a playground, and a clean and stocked restroom (near the gazebo). No cell phone service here, but that's just an opportunity to appreciate the surrounding nature and quality time with loved ones without distractions.

A fallen tree with exposed roots rests on the riverbank, overlooking a calm lake with hills and trees in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
Peter X.

This lake is a part of the Ed R. Levin County Park, which requires a $6 vehicle entry fee. You can park outside of the park but it's a long steep walk inside. Parking inside is also an absolute pain, and you'll likely end up having to circle around the lots for 30 or more minutes before someone finally leaves. The park rangers tell you to move if you decide to park on the side to wait for someone to leave, so you have to keep wasting gas driving in circles until you get lucky.

A leafless tree leans over a riverbank with a bright sun overhead, and hills with trees in the background.
Mary L.

Huge difference in one year. Looks more like snowy Winter up in the hills this year, compared to last year's early Spring views. Still, it's the best place for casual hikes and breaks around here. Must love blue and green nature walks. Dog park looks exciting with lots of dogs running around today. Cold, but still very beautiful at all angles. Park attendant wearing face mask is back at the front entrance. $6 parking fee for entire day. Cash ok. Insert credit card into machine is fine. Park attendant wasn't present a year ago, due to pandemic. Stay as long as you want. It's still my favorite stop as I always bring foods & drinks during the escape. Lots of parking lots all around with public restrooms available. Weather is always unpredictable, but today was amazing. Not much happens out here. Perfect for photos and walking your dog(s). People don't talk much while visiting. Very clean place to chill or you can take the hiking trail walks. Muddy and slippery this time of year. Loved it. I'll be back again in future. Didn't see birds or fish today.

Piyush C.

One of the best parks in Milpitas and San Jose. I really like to hike here since you can see the entire valley and part of the Bay from the top. The hikes are moderate to hard. There is a dog park nearby and plenty of parking. People can be seen fishing as well. It can get hot and dry and there are some rattle snakes as well so be aware of surroundings. Overall a great place for picnic and hikes. Happy times for nature lovers.

Tram N.

Gavin turned 6 a few weeks ago. He opened his eyes that Saturday morning to presents and a Toy Story themed cake. Every year I try to make it even more special than the last because he is solely responsible for the person I am today. For some reason, he wanted to go fishing and has been annoying me w/ it so I gave him a fishing rod as part of his gift and planned a mini fishing trip to this place because it's local. I don't fish and don't find joy in fishing so taking him here took me out of my comfort zone but once we got his rod up and running, he was eager and all smiles. Thanks to the family that helped us w/ the rod and for offering us refreshments. + $6 to park + super clean restroom facility + quiet and serene + kids do not need a permit to fish + plenty of picnic tables and BBQ grills - no cell phone service - muddy in some areas (our shoes got dirty) - no trash can (only the dumpster) We saw tiny fishes and turtles. Gavin did not catch anything which made me feel a little bad but I was relieved because that would have meant I needed to touch it, unhook it, and put it back in the water. I don't know what type of fishes are in the lake. There is a website that lists the fishing places and what type of fish is in it. I'll buy my ahi tuna from a grocery store, thank you very much. Definitely a boring and dirty experience for me but seeing Gavin being excited is something that I would do anything for. From soccer, parkour, hockey, bowling, and now fishing... I want him to try and do it all for the experience in hopes he will find what ignites his fire and stick to it.

Carmen V.

Went for a hike yesterday at the Ed Leving County Park and wanted to try a different route. Also, I have passed by the lake but not using it as starting point of any hike. I noticed the lake (even if man made) had a life by itself and even though was smaller in size that I thought as per the map, i felt immediately very connected to all these parents teaching their kids how to fish. I found these kind of activities are more needed in our society, less phone-attachment and more nature and tree hugging needed. Yesterday the skies were amazing and after the hike toured the like and contemplated the beauty of simple things. There is plenty of parking and remember you have to pay $6 (credit cards accepted). Facilities were cleaned and well maintained. Perfect place just to go and meditate contemplating people fishing and the calmness around.

Kim T.

This green grass and the lake is beautiful but not too big. I usually hike this trail all the way up to the mountain for the best view. I am glad this open form during this pandemic times. I recommended hike here during cloudy day as there are no shaded area so out a lot of sunblock on! It's get really hot especially on a 70 degree day. To get all the way on top of the hill will required someone healthy but not extremely hard. I am not a usual hike but I can make it therefore it is not that hard just a long hike. During the hike, you will see a lot of cows. I went here on Monday on a holiday therefore it was packed with people. Everyone keeps a distance as this is a huge park! Overall, there is a picnic area where you can bring your family and kids out for a relax day during this shelter in place.

Jonathan S.

Really good lake that is well maintained. Parking is $6 and opens from 8am til sunset usually. Trout is stocked in the winter about every 2/3 weeks or so!

Sara G.

Beautiful lake that is located in Ed Levin County Park. I was here a few weeks back to picnic after hiking in the park. There are several picnic tables that run along the side of lake that are perfect for picnics and small gatherings. It makes for a great spot to enjoy some good food and company while also enjoying the scenery. When I was there, there were several people fishing. It is $6 to get into the park and there is plenty of parking. Defiantly a hidden gem in Milpitas. I don't fish, but I definantly enjoyed the peacefulness and the scenery!

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6 years ago

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5 years ago

Fantastic location . Must visit !!!!! Had a great time hiking abs looking at the beauty around !!

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8 years ago

Very nice park. Just want to warn people that I put my purse in the trunk & when we came back my credit cards were stolen.

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Ask the Community - Sandy Wool Lake

Are dogs allowed?

They have a dog park at the lake .I take my dog there to the dog park .also I seen many people walking there dogs around lake .

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Review Highlights - Sandy Wool Lake

Muddy and slippery this time of year.

Mentioned in 2 reviews

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Honestly? Alviso Marina County Park isn't really bad after all. The first time I went was a few…read moreyears ago when I visited after a rainy day and that the trails are very muddy. Rarely any people came here. However from this visit, I came in the right time. It was sunny during the day and many people came here for a reason. Keep in mind that it's not a regional park but rather a wetland. When you look at the water, it's colored slightly red from its edges. Also, the trails are light since there is no elevation here. It's really good for jogging and biking. I've seen people do that here. The trails are very long which is why I selected a stop so I can turn back to where I started. Ideally, you want to come here in earlier in the morning so that you can hike longer and end sometime in the early afternoon. It was hot outside and I prefer not to hike longer. Basically, I powered walk from halfway. It's not necessary to bring hiking shoes due to light trails but you should use them if it's muddy. Perhaps, I should come here way earlier so that I can maybe hike longer.

Mostly dog friendly location in Santa Clara. There are a few decks that dogs are not allowed but…read moreit's like 1% of the whole thing. The views are jaw dropping! You can see the mountains in the background. Very clean and well maintained. I love seeing the wildlife. I've seen so many different bird species, plants species and I've even seen a seal once. Super special place indeed.

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Sandy Wool Lake - lakes - Updated May 2026

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